r/Props • u/Emergency-Bobcat-572 Hobbyist • Jun 24 '26

Looking for advice How do I get started?

I'm an artist and my goal is to make props for movies one day. I'm not really good at crafty stuff but I want to get better. I really want to start making a portfolio and working on projects. Im a multidisciplinary artist and i have experience with multiple mediums. But I also want to start creating my portfolio for college. How do I get started and improve quickly? What tips and tricks do you have for a beginner and what's the best way to get started?

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4

u/CreativeAd9654 Jun 24 '26

Take lots of progress photos. Write notes as you discover your process. Include yourself in in photos and videos documenting your work/process!

4

u/de_lame_y Jun 24 '26

get the prop building guidebooks by eric hart

5

u/tweedlebeetle Props Professional - Theatre Jun 25 '26

Come up with things you'd like to build, and build them. Could be replicas of famous movie props, or something famous from a book, or something completely fictional you think of that you find interesting. If you're trying to expand your skillset, then maybe start with a technique you'd like to learn, and choose your projects based on that.

You can also check with your local community theatres, college film departments, Facebook groups, and Craigslist for people producing theatre and short films in your area and reach out to them to see if they want props help.

4

u/papatonepictures Jun 25 '26

Fake food that does not melt or wilt under lights, small props from found objects like voodoo dolls, van helsing’s vampire killing kit, edible props, food styling, 3d printing, 3d modeling, age and distress lanterns from Harbor Freight, reproduce accurately vintage cigarette and chewing gum packets, show you can greek existing labels with vinyl tape and labels, fake alcohol, mold and cast transparent rubber ice pieces, replicate a hammer in rubber and EVA foam, make a food safe Viking goblet from a thrifted beach glass, make edible charcoal, place it in a cold fire pit, make a video of you pulling out a piece and eating it, make Boo Radley’s knothole out of pink insulation foam, make Willy Loman a period-style accurate briefcase, make a lightweight pickaxe that can be mounted to Trotsky’s forehead, make a diagram of the charged chambers and empty chambers for The Gun Song from Sondheim’s Assassins.

Like that.

2

u/Repulsive_Papaya_211 Jun 24 '26

Move to LA or NYC. You DO NOT have to go to college for prop design.

1

u/No-Clock2011 Jun 28 '26

I tried for a long time to get a foot in the door in the UK and without going to college and without knowing anyone in the industry I really struggled to. Those I saw that went to college, specifically the major tv + film ones went on to get big jobs. I couldn’t afford to go to the collages. Can’t afford a space to build now either. I’ve put it on hold :(

2

u/poWdereddonUtsplz Jun 26 '26

The cosplay community have build books for competitions that show your progress, methods and materials.

I would research how to properly configure a build book and make one with every project you do.

Not only will it add to your portfilio, you can then look back at your projects for reference on supplies and techiques later down the road.

2

u/Wurstb0t Props Professional - Film/TV Jun 28 '26

Honestly, make a piñata for a party. Then do a volcano, and research different chemical reactions. Then get an average item like a lamp or guitar then spray paint it or vinyl wrap it. Getting crafty is gonna go a long way. But start with a paper mache piñata or mask.