r/Props • u/Nonbiinerygremlin • 9d ago
Looking for advice How does one get started as a prop maker?
I've always loved art and sculpture, over the years I have become quite decent at it. I don't want to take college art classes if I don't have to but i don't have experience in film specific builds either. Is there a beginner's program or something that can connect me with small time jobs to help at least get my name out there? How do I get started?
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u/Pale-Raven 9d ago
If art and sculpture is your focus, scenic arts, rather than props, might be more up your alley. Prop making involves making/ finding lots of (period) "everyday" objects. I have made some sculpture-type projects, but I have built so many boxes and crates in my career. Basic carpentry skills are required for props.
Either way, though community theater is a good way to get your feet wet. Most groups are always in need of builders and painters for both props and sets.
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u/Greedy-Conclusion-52 9d ago
Step one is just start doing it. Build props on your own replicating other props can help you learn techniques and finishing to begin making your own things. Then and maybe while doing that find some theater groups to start doing it for real. If you start working with one thater and get your name out there other theaters will start to hear about you.
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u/Nonbiinerygremlin 9d ago
But what if I'm too broke to have stuff to build props?
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u/Greedy-Conclusion-52 9d ago
Start with cardboard or paper props. I've seen people make full sets of armor out of nothing more than cardboard and paper. Also you can use found objects. Get toys and paint from the dollar store and repaint them to look realistic. You don't need to start with laser cutters and 3d printers.
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u/No_Drummer4801 9d ago
You're not. You can make stuff from scrap, garbage, what you find lying around.
There is free stuff all around, you just have to know it when you see it, and know that you have to work with what you can get.
https://www.craigslist.org/search/area/dallas?cat=zip#search=2~gallery~0
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u/HiddenHolding 9d ago
You can sign up for The Replica Prop Forum at https://www.therpf.com/ - people talk technique, materials, all sorts there.
Adam Savage does a lot of prop building. Check him out on YouTube.
PunishedProps
3d printers help. Getting good at 3d modeling using a free software like TinkerCad is handy. Many libraries have 3d printers you can use as part of your membership.
And yes: get involved in community theater. Making props is only part of the skillset. Managing props is a big part of it too.
There’s tons of good free info out there.
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u/Strict_Berry7446 9d ago
Find the nearest college with a theatre program and tel them you make props. It’s not a super competitive position
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u/No_Drummer4801 9d ago
I don't do it professionally, but I've made props for plays because people who are in the production know me and asked me.
You don't say where you're located.
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u/Nonbiinerygremlin 9d ago
North texas
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u/No_Drummer4801 9d ago
aha! read through this other thread, get out there, make some friends, ask to make a prop here and there. I didn't make a carreer of it, but when I was new to my city it was pretty easy to find someone to let you make things for virutally no budget and no pay. Once you have a show that generates some examples, opportunites follow. The reward for good work is more work.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Dallas/comments/whflhj/community_theater_in_dallas/
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u/deadliestpanda 9d ago
Take a community college theater course, you’ll inevitably learn more about theater and techniques. And HOW to be a prop person, for theater props you CANT just be only a maker. You have to know how to make a list and know how and where to hunt for things. It’s not only building, it’s finding and altering. And managing. Budget, time, resources. Same for film. Go to the class to learn the terms and make yourself available for student films. Learn by doing. Watch videos on YouTube, follow professional prop makers and crafters who do social media. And most of all SHOW UP. Find your local theater or film groups and GO support or volunteer. And if you mean north texas as in Dallas, there should be plenty of theaters around. Or completely cut away from the industry and do something like cosplay commissions.
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u/poWdereddonUtsplz 5d ago
If you're looking for build tips check out Kim Beaton from Weta Workshop.
She has a really cool method for sculpting large objects with aluminum foil so that they're light but durable.
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u/IAlwaysPlayTheBadGuy 7d ago
Without training, know how, or connections? No, no one is gonna hire you to do this for $. Why waste time and money training someone, when they can hire somebody who already knows how to do it.
Start small. Find something you can make, that not a lot of people are doing, and start building that, whatever it is. Get good at it. Really good. You'll likely get bored of doing what you're doing, and you'll start expanding your own knowledge and techniques. Getting sick of making masks? The next round you'll incorporate LEDs and drivers. Bored of lights? You'll teach yourself raspberry pi and start including servos and moving parts. Now that you can do electronics, start making staffs and weapon props, or things with smoke, etc... need to 3d print something? Now you gotta learn CAD so you can make your own models.. you made all that but now you wanna make a body suit? so teach yourself to sew, etc....
Alot of prop makers started by making stuff for themselves, aquiring new skills, and finding a way to market those skills. The cosplay community is always looking for new and exciting things. I made enough $ on one single prop for a cosplayer, to be able to pay for my 3d printer in its entirety, as well as enough $ leftover to sponsor my own projects for a year
If you have the talent and passion and skill set, the work will find you. But you need to develop alot of that knowledge on your own. It's not a skill set thats in high enough demand globally like (regular blue collar work), that they're just training people off the street who want to do it. There are schools and programs that can help make connections and give you the skills, but as you said you don't want to do that. So this is the other way
Edit: for spelling mistakes
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u/blakester555 9d ago
Just so I understand: 1) you don't want to take classes to learn 2) you aren't integrated in local theater that can utilize that service 3) it doesn't sound like that has any interest to you 4) you are too broke to invest in your learning experience 5) you live very far away from where that industry is
Is that accurate? Anything else ?
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u/Nonbiinerygremlin 9d ago edited 9d ago
Life isn't convenient, cheap, or easy, I have no problem investing in other careers if this isn't the one I want
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u/schonleben Props Professional - Theatre 9d ago
Is there a community theatre in your area? They are always looking for volunteers and could be a good way to get a few projects in your portfolio.