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Prop Maker

Builds physical objects used in films, theater, and TV — from weapons to magical artifacts.

Did you know?

Game of Thrones' Iron Throne was designed by Gemma Jackson and built by prop maker Gavin Jones; in the books it is said to be forged from a thousand swords.

How subjects help

Art & Design: Sculpt, paint and age a prop so it looks real and well worn up close on camera.
Engineering: Build a sword that looks deadly but is light, safe and strong enough for fight scenes.
History: Research real objects from the past so a prop fits the story's time and place.

A famous name

Roger Christian: Helped create the original Star Wars lightsaber prop in 1976, using old camera flash handles.

Try it yourself: Design a logo for a pretend café

Invent a café: its name, who it is for and what it sells.
Sketch three very different logo ideas, each in under five minutes.
Show them to someone without explaining. Which do they remember a minute later, and why?
Redraw the winner, making it simpler so it still works when tiny.

Designers often sketch many rough ideas first, test them on real people, then refine one.

Also try: Design a chair for someone's whole day.

Known for it in

USA, UK, New Zealand, Australia, India