man with hands on hips
A performing artist works for film, television or theater production companies painting sets and other artistic elements necessary so that the final product has a chance to suspend reality. The production designer, also known as the artist in charge, may employ various performing artists to paint movie or theater sets. However, for smaller productions, the director may also be the production designer, as well as the scenic artist in charge of soliciting cast and crew volunteers.
Some educational or experiential paths can lead to a career as a performing artist and eventually as a production designer. Many art school graduates are in favor of mural art or large-scale realism. Others train specifically as stage actors for stage productions. Sculptors and graphic artists using computer programs may also be recruited as scenic artists to produce sets or create sketches for final storyboards. While these are ultimately the responsibilities of the lead artist in the credits, production, or set designer, performing artists are often employed to do the artwork intended by the designer.
A performing artist must be able to receive guidance and criticism from the designer and director, but must also work independently to create work that lends credibility to the production. The performing artist will not only understand how to paint and draw realistic landscapes, but also staging techniques that allow for realistic-looking natural materials, such as marbling processes that can make wood look like stone. Many of these special skills are gained through theater or film education; the rest is gleaned from colleagues and bosses over years of experience.
Many performing artists in 2011 are hired by artists on the move who oversee digitized shows and films featuring a wide range of scenarios conceived in post-production. Green screens are commonly used while actors are enacting a scene. Performing artists then use graphics programs like Alien Skin® or Perfect Photo Suite® to fill in the blanks, frame by frame.
Some animated productions use up to 100 or more artists for a project. Three-dimensional modeling programs can be used to help writers and designers visualize each character. Other scenic artists are then employed to color various frames or provide landscape art in sections to mimic both the natural world and the particular style the director chose and change the artist to give the production a unique look.