How to be a Theme Park Designer

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How to be a Theme Park Designer

Рет қаралды 13,617

Күн бұрын

Are you interested in theme parks? Do you want to know how to bring these places to life?
Well, you've come to the right place. In this video I break down the key elements of how to become a theme park designer, as well as my personal journey over the last 30 years within this vast industry!
Hello I'm Theron Skees, an Imagineer and 30 year veteran of the Themed Entertainment Industry. Join me for my first webinar as I tell the story of how I started in my career journey that took me across three continents. I answer questions by attendees and I give guidance on career success in this dream job.
I'm also the founder of The Designer's Creative Studio where I offer different types of learning experiences to help prepare those just starting in the industry, offer advantages to those shifting roles inside the industry and entertaining those who love to experience what the industry creates. Visit The Designer's Creative Studio website and subscribe to gain access to this content, my blog as well as personal consultation time with me.
Visit my website here:
www.designersc...
Social Media Links:
Linked In: / theron-skees-81a99812
Instagram: / designers.creative.studio
Business inquiries: designerscreativestudio@gmail.com
Thank you for your interest and support!

Пікірлер: 85

@stankozecevic9838 3 жыл бұрын

There's so little on theme park design openly shared. This is pure gold, thank you sir.

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Make sure you subscribe to my other socials so you can have access to all of my content!

@melongaming3819 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheronSkees i want to become an imagineer what college do u think will be helpful for me

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

@@melongaming3819 It really depends what you want to do for a career; what you love to do even if you weren’t getting paid for it... I always encourage people to pursue their dream and what they’re passionate about- that’s what you should do. Chances are, you can do it in Themed Entertainment because the industry is so large! You can go to university to learn how to execute your skills or you can just do them and learn as you go... both are valid. Wishing you all the best in your journey!

@melongaming3819 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheronSkees oo rlly thnx could u help me for a project i want to create it when im imagineer its of moana land

@MM-ew4eh 3 жыл бұрын

I’m soo happy I came across this! This been my ideal career for the longest! Thanks for this creating this platform!

@TheronSkees 2 ай бұрын

My pleasure and thanks for watching! You may enjoy some of my other content and I hope it’s helpful… linktr.ee/designers.creative.studio

@zinny728ify 3 жыл бұрын

I am an architecture student dreaming of becoming a theme park designer since high school student. Glad to find your channel. Actually I was confused about my future and everything thesedays, but this video gave me the passion again. Thank you so much and I hope to meet you someday in work!

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing! It is always my hope to inspire and educate people who love themed entertainment and knowing that I have helped you is a wonderful feeling! Please enjoy all of my videos and check out my website... I have a blog with many different topics you may be interested in as well as courses and individual career coaching services. I wish you all the best in your career journey!!

@tafdirty 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, sry I can’t read your name. But are you still in the architectural field for theme parks?

@CoasterStrike 3 жыл бұрын

Although I'm more interested in Coaster manufacturing than park designing, this was still super interesting and cool to learn more about the industry

@TheronSkees 2 ай бұрын

So glad you enjoyed my video content! Check out these links to see if any of my additional content is of interest to you… best wishes! linktr.ee/designers.creative.studio

@sokovianrevenger 2 жыл бұрын

I just wanted to stop and thank you for making this video. I have been interested in the theme park industry since I was only ten years old. As a senior beginning the college application process and thinking about the future, this has helped me remember just how passionate I am about theme parks. There is not a lot of information out there about the inner workings of the theme park industry, and I truly appreciate this inside look :)

@TheronSkees 2 ай бұрын

So glad you enjoyed my videos! If you are interested, have a look at my additional content: linktr.ee/designers.creative.studio

@TheSearey 4 жыл бұрын

Great pathway story of your journey Theron. Thank you for sharing your life experiences and take-a-ways. We are never too old to learn a new idea or thought, and I was struck by your comment at 27:03 about following your passion and not letting money/salary dictate your life. Well done.

@TheronSkees 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Doni! appreciate the comment and your support!

@guk13 2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this video! I am an architect and dream of working as a theme designer. I am planning my steps towards it, and you clarified a bit about where I can go.

@TheronSkees 2 ай бұрын

So glad my video was a help for you!! Wishing you all the very best in your professional journey as well. I have other content that may be helpful as well: linktr.ee/designers.creative.studio

@adarakoivula392 3 жыл бұрын

Loved hearing about your journey! I was especially excited to hear you started in scenic painting, as that’s what I’ve gotten into since graduating. It’s encouraging to feel like I’m on the right track! I look forward to watching your other videos! Thank you!

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

So glad you enjoyed my video! I hope you get a lot out of my other content as well. If you want to have access to more, you could subscribe to my website where I have a blog, offer courses and coaching for individuals; The link is in the channel... I wish you all the best in your career journey!

@MsRDaniels11 4 жыл бұрын

This was an incredible journey. 37 minutes of action-packed adventure into your life. You are so creative and wise. It is a pleasure to have been able to hear your fantastic story. Your advice is pertinent and helpful and many will benefit from your life experiences.

@TheronSkees 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for watching Reni, Glad you enjoyed it!

@Hot_Crosint Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this, I don’t think you understand how helpful this video has been. I am an incoming high school senior and starting to looking into colleges. I plan to go to school for theatrical design and either electrical engineering or construction management. I have wanted to be a Disney Imagineer since I was in elementary school. Listening to your story and what you have to say about working in the industry is very helpful and makes me even more excited to start my career in this industry. I haven’t been able to find many things about working in the industry. Thank you for sharing your story and your experience working in this industry.

@TheronSkees 2 ай бұрын

I’m glad you enjoyed my videos! Please see some of my additional content that may be of interest to you… linktr.ee/designers.creative.studio

@laurasimpson2948 4 жыл бұрын

Always great to hear you talk about your career journey! I'm so happy I was personally able to partner with you on many synergy projects at Disney. You were one of my favorite partners to work with during an exciting time where the Disney Studios were bringing out so many movies! Your creativity and willingness to get with our synergy partners and listen to what they were trying to achieve was second to none. It is so great to see that you are willing to share your experiences and guidance with the next generation now! You have such a wealth of knowledge and variety of project management to share! You are such a class act and I'm happy I get to call you a friend! Well done Theron!!! I wish you much success!

@TheronSkees 4 жыл бұрын

Laura Simpson- Thanks Laura, appreciate your kind worlds and support!! It was never the same at Disney once you left. I understand why you did but I really enjoyed working with you, Kevin and Phil- great time in my career!

@alainaherman4993 3 жыл бұрын

this is amazing! One day I would love to be a theme park engineer, but watching and learning about all the different aspects of theme parks is fascinating

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

So glad you enjoyed the video! Make sure you subscribe to my website to have access to my blog, The Create Escape where I dive into more depth on topics like this... I really think this will encourage you too!

@alainaherman4993 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheronSkees Sounds amazing! Will do!

@algorithmcs2024 3 жыл бұрын

I am glad that I found your channel . it is really helpful . Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge . I watched your all your video . Please make more videos , it would be really great , from Asia

@quinnsheppard144 3 жыл бұрын

This is super cool man. Definitely need more content out there about this topic

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

So glad you enjoyed this Quinn!

@lucyinwonderlandart 2 жыл бұрын

I'm a scenic artist but left college before perusing it at university. I have a lot of art experience and really want to design my own theme park! Thank you so much for this video

@TheronSkees 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Lucy! I'm glad you enjoyed the video content and found it helpful... I wish you all the best in your career journey!!

@jasoncollins5478 4 жыл бұрын

Your journey is so inspiring Theron! You hit the nail on the head there with "Teamwork. Partnership. Hungry for Learning." You mentioned how you got to work with Michael Tschanz on Tower of Terror! That is so neat. Michael has been an awesome mentor to me, and several times I remember him saying this exact point to our team when I was an intern. Learning and teamwork result in the most valuable experiences. Still working on this mindset everyday. Thank you for all you are doing Theron!

@TheronSkees 4 жыл бұрын

Jason Collins- Thanks so much for writing Jason, that’s wonderful to hear! Michael is such an incredible talent, decent and thoughtful leader and the best partner you could ask for. I’m glad that the lessons he and I forged together live on in the team mates we collectively mentored through the years!

@jasoncollins5478 4 жыл бұрын

@@TheronSkeesI couldn't have said it better myself Theron! I am extremely thankful for people like you and Michael who take the time to pour in and invest so others can reach their maximum potential. I strive to emulate you and Michael both in these areas and give back any way I can. Stay safe Theron and I hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend!

@apollovacademy6066 2 жыл бұрын

What a welth of knowledge! This is insane! Thanks sooooo much for this!

@TheronSkees 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Apollo Academy, I'm glad you enjoyed my content. I have gotten so busy with my consulting business that I haven't been able to add more content here... If you follow my link tree in the info, you will find my website and blog...there may be more information there that you would find helpful as well!

@AlbertoOrsini 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Theron - Thank you so much for putting this together. I am faced with a new opportunity that can follow your 50% terrified + 50% excitement equation 😃 My background is in graphic and UX design and but am looking into ways to get more involved with physical or hybrid (physical + digital) experiences. Really awesome to learn more about your trajectory.

@bobbylindsey 2 жыл бұрын

I'm beyond grateful to have stumbled upon this fantastic interview, and by accident. Working in the amusement industry in some capacity is my ultimate life's goal. I imagine the moment, when the opportunity shows-up and my life changes forever.

@TheronSkees 2 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad you enjoyed this video! I hope it encourages you to continue your pursuit of a role in the industry! Stay curious and don’t ever give up...

@bobbylindsey 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheronSkees I feel optimistic knowing my options are only limited to my imagination. Getting your dreams down from the attic, blowing off the dust to find they still fit after all these years, it's equal to being baptized and reborn.

@TheronSkees 2 жыл бұрын

@@bobbylindsey So great to hear my friend!! Keep that passion alive! 👍🏻

@JMtheCONQUERER Жыл бұрын

Great videos Theron. Do you know if theres an online community for theme park designers?. Where you can meet other aspiring people and share idea's and artwork. That'd be cool. Theres communities like that for game developers and artists in general, but I dont think there is one for themed entertainment design. I know TEA has a website but its more for businesses to network.

@annadeee 3 жыл бұрын

Wow what an amazing journey!! Thank you so much for sharing. Right before covid i decided to go back to school to pursue my dreams of working in the entertainment industry. I always only thought of it as a hobby and never knew of how much opportunity was out there. Ill be moving to florida in January & transferring to a school down there to pursue my career in theme park entertainment & i wont be looking back!! Cant wait to check out all of your content for some more insightful wisdom. 😊😊😊

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

Anna- congratulations for making that bold step!! I think NOW is the perfect time to get educated, inspired and get guidance so you’ll be ready when the industry starts building again. I do have content in the pipeline and will be loading a new video here on Friday that goes back to the basics. In addition, you could subscribe to my website community so you receive my newsletter and blog posts which offer even more info. Finally, I’m launching a pre-sell event for Nov & Dec to get a discount price on my first course that I release in January! Wishing you all the best in your career journey!!

@singlerider377 2 жыл бұрын

Yay Theron!!! Miss you. -Lon Smart (subscribed)

@TheronSkees 2 жыл бұрын

Lon! Long time no see my friend..., I hope all is well in your world. I founded and am operating my own company and its been wonderful! I hope to stay in touch!

@chazg723 3 жыл бұрын

Insightful content. Thank you, Theron. I'm particularly thankful of the insight of the attitude and qualities required to make a career in the Industry a success.

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, glad the message made sense and helped!

@scottcarter9809 3 жыл бұрын

So much good information packed into this one video! Your comments and emphasis on story are spot on. Stories encapsulate project and business goals and keeps the end user top of mind. The politics of the job is often frustrating, but often times reframing the problem leads to new and exciting ideas being generated.

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Scott! Appreciate the great feedback!

@yulieth6 2 жыл бұрын

Excelente voy hacer uno en rd podría ayudarnos al diseño del parque con sus honorarios claro

@anthonymollica6754 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this! As a young professional, this gives me hope!

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad to hear it Anthony and thanks for subscribing! I’m just uploading my next video, so I hope you enjoy that as well. Head over to my website where you can find online classes and my blog that can provide you even more information on the industry! All the best on your career journey!

@jurrewissing107 3 жыл бұрын

I love this video! It is really inspiring me as an industrial product design student. I am intrested in the themepark branche and you tell with so much passion about your experience!

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

So glad you enjoyed the content Jurre! I have other videos on the channel that answer questions others have submitted and tell more stories about my experiences- enjoy them all! Also, I'm releasing courses on my website this month, so please check there for detailed learning opportunities.

@tafdirty 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this, if I wanted to design/build my own park where/how would I start??

@datcongoleseguy2246 3 жыл бұрын

Am so glad to meet this channel and hearing you talking about what I really wanna experience, my name is Jami Kokopa currently living in Kenya, while studying architecture in India, my final year thesis was on Theme park(Amusement park) this was really challenging cause I grew up in the country were amusement park was something we could only see in movies, and when I started traveling from congo I was so passionate about amusement parks, it was challenging cause most of the lecturers as architects are no so much into theme park so we had to argue a lot , this video really helped me and I just want to know if there is an opportunity to join for an internship or some special classes so that I will be able to have all that it takes to be more effective when I start doing this, waiting for your reply please

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you found it JK and helped you in your education. Stay tuned, I have more content coming that I hope will also help! My company is too small right now to offer any internships, but there are a lot of options for online learning out there that could help you. I would try TECWS which offers teaching from industry professionals at a very reasonable price.

@datcongoleseguy2246 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheronSkees thanks a lot for your reply, am looking forward to new videos , and yes thanks for your suggestion, I will check that out

@matthijs3642 3 жыл бұрын

Hello, I love your video! I’m 15 and always been fascinated by themeparks and everything involving it. My dream is to design the theming of new areas, coasters, shops etc. in themeparks. I will need to go to school for a long time before I graduate :) Do you have any tips for me? I will definitely keep watching your content! [sorry if my sentences aren’t well build, English isn’t my first language]

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

Matthijs- I’m glad you enjoyed the video and have a passion to pursue Themed Entertainment! My tip is to stay curious and hungry to learn all you can from every source! All learning isn’t accomplished in the classroom- in fact, it’s mostly from “doing”. Wishing you all the best!

@wimberkers7579 2 жыл бұрын

I am a marketing/concepting student in the Netherlands and when I got my first class about immersion and experience from Pieter Cornelis who is a dutch professor in themeparks I knew that I wanted to do something in this area. But now I am struggling with the fact that i don't have any experience with concept art or drawing. Would you have tips on how to develop these skills? I am following a youtube class on photo bashing in Photoshop, but illustration is such a hard skill to master, would you maybe have clues on how I could approach the task of learning this? My dream job would be to one day be a Creative director or Art director at Imagineering or a Strategy adviser for the Imagineers

@cosmog4213 3 жыл бұрын

I like the idea of designing rides and the exterior/interior of buildings, but I don’t know what I should major in. I was thinking either architecture or mechanical engineering what is best to get into the themed entertainment industry?

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, hard decision! Both of the roles you described are in different disciplines... Of course all of the architectural roles create the physical spaces in themed environments (buildings, land planning, etc). Engineering roles support the architecture in a structural way but also in a specialized “ride design” capacity. These are very different educational paths and requirements. It really comes down to what you like to do the most; what really makes you excited if you think about doing it all day for years and years. That’s the route you should go. I wish you all the best in your career journey!

@cosmog4213 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheronSkeesThanks!

@FlipTheCoinStudios 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! I have a lot of passion in both film and theme parks. Right now im pursuing an education in Film and Film Technology, do you think through that field, if i also work towards working my way up in themed experiences, i could be successful with my skills?

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

The Themed Entertainment Industry was founded on the arts of film making, so your academic pursuit will serve you very well if you’d like a role there in the future. There are many attractions, shows and experiences that have media as the core part of the venue, so even staying with film technology would still afford you a role. Best wishes in your career journey and if you’re looking for more detailed education on this industry, check out my online course that will teach you all about how to work in themed entertainment! www.designerscreativestudio.com/product-store

@ottot3221 3 жыл бұрын

I'm lately shocked that lands as Toy Story Land and Galaxy Edge lack shade and seating. Doesn't Imagineering understand that it's being build in Orlando and that the summers are blistering hot and moist?

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

Otto- it’s a very rational question! In my time at Imagineering, everyone I worked with was passionately focused on creating amazing experiences for guests... In that pursuit, the project team has to balance how the budget is used and that is always a challenge that every team contends with. I know it’s hard to believe but there’s not an endless budget in any of these kinds of projects, either at Disney or Universal... With my projects, I’ve always worked hard to balance guest comfort with delivering the project- in Paris, it gets really cold, so trying to put more queues with heaters; In Hong Kong, it’s even hotter and more humid that Orlando! We try to include shade and fans wherever we can... even aboard our ships- including umbrellas and fans wherever we can include them. I hope this helps...

@ottot3221 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheronSkees So what you say is that the teams on these 2 projects I mentioned had different priorities and couldn't be bothered much with guest comfort? I mean at Toy Story they urged in a ton of umbrellas ruining the astatic and in the que for the Falcon they probably bought some ventilators from Homedepot to get some airflow in there (eventually they slapped some paint on it to "blend" it in (quit poorly). And that was supposedly a 1 billion dollar project. Doesn't the one responsible has a checklist that, to get the thing approved, a certain minimal amount of guest comfort needs to be applied, I mean, for the ton of money it costs to get there as a guest? I remember Walt was the one who urged his Imagineers to get into the park to see the guests and how the stuff they made worked for them. Is the Disney Company still doing that? I also can't fault Universal making that mistake, their only disappointment was the universally disliked Fast and the Furious ride. Maybe a nice topic, how would you fix a ride or show that failed? (to balance it, the Jungle Book show at AK wasn't great either)

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

@@ottot3221 What I tried to communicate is that teams in this industry are faced with many priorities and if you’re not on that team contributing to those decisions, it’s difficult to know what the team (which includes the park operators and maintenance people) had to contend with to arrive at the final build. It’s easy to look at something and offer a critique... people do it all the time in all areas of life. But no one truly understands what it takes until you’re faced with similar situations in your own life/career. I appreciate your passion and the desire to balance all of the creative and practical needs of a project and it’s investment. If you’d really like this to change or you see ways to improve, the best advice I can offer is to get into the industry and influence the change! That’s usually the best way... I wish you all the best in your career journey Otto and hope you have the chance to bring your passion to the world of themed entertainment.

@Owen-_- 3 жыл бұрын

Galaxys edge is very shady

@thethemeparkcompany 3 жыл бұрын

💪💪

@taina313 3 жыл бұрын

How do we get in? is there a video on that?

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Franchesca- this is a 40 minute video on my career with Imagineering. I also feature other videos on this channel about working in the themed entertainment industry... I also have other content on my website and social media channels. I hope you will take a look at them all!

@tommm5128 3 жыл бұрын

What Kind of Qualifications do you need??

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment! There are so many roles on the industry and the work is so dynamic, it’s tough to just write a one liner. You can check out my other materials that describe a lot of what you’re looking for. My blog, The Create Escape has quite a few posts about working on a team, design principles, etc. I hope you follow the link and subscribe so you have access to this and more resources!

@tommm5128 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheronSkees Thanks!

@kathrodriguez2961 3 жыл бұрын

I'll be designing a theme park for my architectural thesis. Can I reach you thru email for an interview?

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Kath- thanks for writing and congratulations on your graduate degree pursuits. I have quite a few formats that contain different content that you may find very helpful... I’ll include my LinkTree below for you to explore- I hope the large collection of information will help. I also offer courses and 1:1 coaching through my website that may be helpful as well. I wish you all the best in your academic journey and hope you find the right fit in your career!

@eymannassole6162 3 жыл бұрын

How do I get my foot in the door? -edit: without a degree

@TheronSkees 3 жыл бұрын

Eyman- I have quite a lot of content out there that may help answer your question... it’s not a quick response! Check out my videos here then go to my website (link in the YT channel description) and read my blog, “The Create Escape”. I have some info there that may also help! Finally, I offer an 8 session, 5 hour online course that gives you everything you need to work in the industry on my website as well. Wishing you all the best in your career journey!