THEME PARK BASICS | Learn & Master Themed Entertainment with an Imagineer

Welcome to the Designer's Creative Studio KZbin Channel! My goal for this channel is all about helping you LEARN and MASTER the skills you need to pursue a career in this vast industry!
“The topic of the month” is a series I am beginning, across all of my social media platforms including: instagram, twitter, youtube, pinterest and my blog! If you have any suggested topics you would like for me to dig into, make sure to mention them down below in the comments! I’d love to hear from you!
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Recommended Videos:
- Stories From an Imagineer Part 2 • STORIES FROM AN IMAGIN...
-Imagineer Q&A: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyar9...
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-ABOUT-
Theron Skees: Imagineering Creative Executive for Disney, and now the founder of the Designer’s Creative Studio. With premiere credentials and world-wide experience, he is bringing you an insider's perspective to help you LEARN and MASTER the Themed Entertainment Industry.
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[@kfc1729]

Honestly, I have no idea why I suddenly want to make my own theme park but here we are. I don’t generally want to be a theme park designer, but I want to make my creative ideas to life in the future

[@estherforbes4517]

Excellent expose of skills required for theme park. insightful.

[@edwardeyth]

Positive tension breeds innovation. That’s a transformative insight I wish I’d grasped early in my career. Creates an ideal mindset for constructive collaboration. Smart, concise lesson here. Thanks Theron!

[@TheronSkees]

Thanks so much Ed! Appreciate you “tuning in”!

[@hensievandermerwe8598]

This was so useful! The team I manage is sure to benefit from the positive tension tip. I manage a small team and even though I am most comfortable in the design category I also take part in creative development and management.

[@scottcarter9809]

Outlining roles and responsibilities for diverse and complex projects is a challenge no matter what the field. I like how you’ve simplified the approach with these categories. And your pro tip at the end is something everyone needs to understand. Friction is what make cars be able to move forward, just as positive tension helps projects move forward! Looking forward to your next insightful video.

[@TheronSkees]

Thanks Scott! Glad you took away something from the video- that’s my goal!! If you want more content, make sure you subscribe to my website so you can have access to my blog, The Create Escape where I go into more detail on these and other subjects related to themed experiences.

[@TheEricworthen]

Can't wait to use these tips for our larp projects

[@Rudeboxx88]

I need more of you! 😃 Working in Design of one of the biggest manufacturer of amusement rides but theme park design is my goal. My professional home… your video motivated me even more!

[@TheronSkees]

David, I'm so glad you enjoyed my video! It's always my hope to educate, inspire and guide anyone passionate about working in the themed entertainment industry... You can always check out my other platforms where I provide a lot of additional information, some paid but mostly free. linktr.ee/designers.creative.studio All the best!

[@Rudeboxx88]

@@TheronSkees Would you be so kind working as a mentor? I have a lot of knowledge and skills but suffering adhd. So very hard for me to dive into things. Just involve me and talk to me. If you‘d like to of course

[@adarakoivula392]

I just graduated with an Illustration degree in Entertainment Design. I really do love the creative conceptual aspects and would fall under the Creative umbrella for sure. But I discovered my interest in Themed Entertainment design a bit late in my degree (realized my senior year) so I still feel like I have so much to learn and discover for myself. I started as an illustrator, but I have a newfound love of fabrication and painting miniatures and props and have been trying to adjust my portfolio in that direction. As a self-described jack of all trades I tend to have difficulty narrowing down my interests to one particular thing, but Theme Park design and adjacent industries (I consider stop motion and prop shops adjacent) have made me feel like I can channel that multifaceted interest at least into one similar area. Since graduating, I was able to intern with a great local rock work company and have been learning about large scale sculpts and painting through that work. I actually have my very first commercial job coming up! I have discovered however, that this line of work has its draw backs as well, such as shop jobs are pretty highly competitive and it seems the only way to get work is just who you know. The work may not be steady, so you can have a few months on a project, but if you’re not able to line something up, you could be out of work for months. These may just be more daunting as I am new, but do you have any advice for someone who is worried about job stability/security in the industry? Are a lot of creative jobs similarly freelance/contract based?

[@TheronSkees]

Adara- you’re right, freelancing can be challenging from a “stability” standpoint. It does require you to communicate and network A LOT! And once you land a role, being a collaborative, energetic, problem-solving team player will help you demonstrate your abilities to the whole team. This will definitely help you in the future because it’s always people who recommend you for other work based on their experience with you. Also, always keep an open mind and learn all you can when you’re working so you can continue to grow your abilities. If you’d like more specific guidance in this area, I offer 1:1 coaching services through my website called Studio Time. Check it out if you would like to discuss more details. All the best!

[@adarakoivula392]

@@TheronSkees Thank you so much for the feedback!

[@user-fd7is2xi1p]

I definitely fall under the "Creative" heading. I'm a show writer, director, puppet master, songwriter... I am stepping into a role that requires much of the delivery and management skills as well... managing creatives and focusing on organizing processes and personnel. I'm looking for any material that will help guide me as I focus on balancing out those responsibilities while still being true to my own creative esthetic and approach.

[@alainaherman4993]

currently planning on switching majors and schools to study mechanical engineering. I’ve always had such a passion and interest in theme parks and ride design, it is definitely my dream career. I would say I’m definitely in the design category you pointed out! Do you have any advice for me as an undergrad who wants to pursue this industry? I am doing my best to network and reach out to as many professionals as I can because I just love learning about this!

[@TheronSkees]

Aliana, sounds like you’re definitely arranging your priorities correctly- you are pursuing something you really enjoy as a career: themed entertainment design. If you’re design oriented and have a passion for engineering, then you’re on the right path. Next, you’re lining up your education to align with your passion/career goal and finally, you’re finding all of the contacts, education, mentoring you can until you “land your dream job!”. Sounds right to me! There are professionals out there who are teaching the practical application from their experience- I highly recommend that as an accompaniment to your “formal” education since universities work mainly in the theory of a principle. Pros like myself are teaching what it’s actually like from an insider’s perspective- using both will help you have the best perspective!

[@amonifinau4048]

Thank you!

[@PreppingCoder-ge8bb]

great!

[@markpagedesignarttutorials6237]

Excellent videos Theron!

[@TheronSkees]

Thanks Mark! I’ve been so busy with consulting work in my company now for a year, I haven’t produced any more… I’m hoping to find time to get a few more out this year! Best wishes

[@themeparkarchitect]

Great input and info! Cheers!

[@Raphi]

Great production quality. Feels like a Masterclass

[@TheronSkees]

Thanks so much Raphi, glad you enjoyed it! Check out my website as well if you’d like more learning content- you can subscribe and follow my blog and I’m releasing a course in January that’s comprehensive for working in the themed entertainment industry.

[@audreyyoo4038]

Thank you for sharing this video! I love the idea of positive tension. Each team member can compensate for what the others are lacking. I think I fit more in creative, personally

[@TheronSkees]

Audrey- Thanks you for your comments and positive reaction! So glad the message resonated with you... having the right team dynamic is so critical to the project’s success!

[@theronlanghorne6673]

Thank you, Theron! This really helped me in forming the proper team to help make Da Vinci Square a reality. Now I know who to look for!

[@TheronSkees]

I’m so glad this video helped you Theron!! Even after being posted for awhile now, I’m super happy these videos still have a positive impact…

[@theronlanghorne6673]

@@TheronSkees I didn't know you had so many! I'm going to have to take some time and look at all of them. The more I learn, the better prepared I am for what's to come!

[@BruceKenobi]

What an excellent video!!! I come from an engineering background, I work in a management role, but have been a creative all my live, because of that I tend to have a mix of all 4 sides, with a bigger dose of the creative aspect, how could I fit in the themed industry?

[@Skyforce77]

So cool to have all of those pieces of information ! Thanks so much, so many years I looked for this kind of overview of themed entertainment industry. Currently, I'm a software engineer in the video game industry and would like, one day to move to themed entertainment. Maybe I would be more on the design part. Are there some jobs related to software engineering, automation, AI etc ? Like about interactive screens or robots, for simulators programming or some kind or stuff that needs automation ?

[@romaneremian7192]

Great channel and content! Very intresting!

[@TheronSkees]

Thanks Roman! Glad you enjoyed it...

[@romannavarro620]

Awesome video! I would definitely say that I am more in the creative circle. That said, I intend to enroll in your course in January and join TEA to start getting a feel for what kind of roles are available. One mental battle I’m self conscious of is knowing which specific skill I want to refine or invest the time to learn. I have some talent in audio production/mixing and making music (particularly rock music). However, I’m uncertain how in-demand or competitive audio skills might be in the themed entertainment world. As an alternative, I’m heavily considering going to school to learn VFX cause I also love creating visuals and from what I understand, has a lot of opportunities available from what I see. I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this. Of course, in the coming weeks, maybe I can schedule a 1 on 1 with you. Keep up the great work and I look forward to more videos.

[@TheronSkees]

Thanks for your comment! I always recommend you pursue something you love to do- something that feels really rewarding! What is that thing you would do even if it didn’t pay, just because you enjoyed it so much? That’s the thing you should do as a job because you’ll be earning money doing what you love! Media design is an important role for themed experiences... whether it’s finding the perfect music tracks to assemble to bring life to an immersive venue or creating music with an orchestra, music is an important element for built environments. Sound effects are also really important to make an artificial environment feel real- the media design team handles that as well. The Entertainment team creates incredible music, audio & effects for the live shows, events and parades they produce as well. I think there’s plenty of opportunities with your skills and wish you all the best on your journey!

[@BatSAE]

I have been setting up an idea for a theme park that when I pitch the idea, I haven't had anyone tell me that I need to go for it. However, I feel unmotivated due to my status in this world. No money, not much to my name, no friends, just a "loser" in today's society, and I just wonder how someone like me could even reach such a goal so big and out there as starting a theme park.

[@mr.rollercoasters]

Andrew Tate interviews is a start

[@jeditsuyoshi]

I’m definitely on the Creative bench, as an Art Director, but I also do a lot of fabrication, and as a magician do a lot of design, but not the sort of Design like an architect. More like a self-taught mechanical engineer. Which, seems to me, an interesting place to sit between Creative and the Construction or Delivery. I’m looking to get a job as Art Director for Show Quality Standards. Any advice?

[@mauricionavarro5771]

Would you say lighting is an important factor for the design aspect? I have a strong background with theatrical lighting but I really want to enter the Themed Entertainment Industry and design sounds the most appealing to me right now.

[@TheronSkees]

Mauricio- Yes, lighting design is a critical component for creating an immersive experience, whether exterior or in a ride environment. One of the great things about this industry is that you could get hired as a lighting designer, enter the role and learn all that you can while working in that role; meet people, make contacts and just absorb everything. Continue to develop your design skills and before you know it, you'll be able to leverage one of your contacts and move into a more design specific role... I wish you all the best in your journey!

[@mauricionavarro5771]

@@TheronSkees Thank you so much! I just got a position at Universal Orlando as a Ride and Show Lighting technician and I'm so excited to begin. I will still keep practicing my design skills in hopes of climbing to a creative position but I am ecstatic to have a foot in the industry! Thank you for your reply, Theron! Thoroughly enjoy your videos!

[@KershalJC]

if i want to work on theme parks, should i Pick Industrial design or architecture as a course in college? Or either is cool?

[@HarveyCarrollJr]

2nd n 4th

[@wimberkers6901]

My study is oriented on concept creation and marketing, so I would love to be a creative director when I finish my curriculum and master😁

[@TheronSkees]

Wim, wishing you all the best in your career journey!

[@esmeraldabeltran7803]

How much would you charge to give business advice? I’m on a journey to create a business plan for a business loan for an amusement park.

[@jimmys9686]

what type of qualifications does most creative artist have, do they come in with a wide range of degrees, art, design engineering etc and do you require one to get into these roles?

[@TheronSkees]

Jimmy, it really varies. Degrees are not always necessary... I don’t have a higher degree as I am self-taught and learned from real masters in the industry. You obviously have to have skill, determination and a never quit attitude- those elements are critical! Besides that, I would say learn every day! Practice, practice, practice... That is really related to the creative, non-technical roles. For most of the technical roles, you will need a degree. Some even require licensing to even practice (engineering/architecture, etc). The key is, know what you want to do and then go after it!

[@jimmys9686]

@@TheronSkees thank you so much this advice will be so useful

[@StevenWaswa]

Hello, Where's the website?

[@wynton921]

I am thinking about building a Metaverse theme park…. Any advice?

[@TheronSkees]

Well… getting into the theme park business is a multi-billion dollar investment; but that’s not really the difficult part. Maintaining and operating the park along with offering content that is able to morph and change with the desires of your audience is the real challenge… In a venue based primarily on technology (like a “metaverse park”) there are also some challenges you’d need to plan for such as the timeline to conceive, design, build and open a park usually takes between 3-5 years. This means the technology you specify in the design phase may already be obsolete when it’s time to open… All of these reasons usually prevent individuals from investing in a theme park property… it’s more for conglomerates, businesses or countries. I hope these thoughts are helpful…

[@lukehogan1799]

Could someone with an civil engineering/design engineering degree, go down the creative and design route whilst using the knowledge and the more maths route. Ps I love the vids

[@TheronSkees]

Luke- one of the greatest things about this industry is it allows for many “cross-over” roles. In fact, the broader and more encompassing your knowledge, I think the better you can be. That said, the core competencies in the technical (engineering) and non-technical (creative) disciplines are pretty different. If you have the ability to make the shift and adapt to the differences, you will be fine- but it will take discipline. I wish you all the best!

[@lukehogan1799]

Thank you

[@iandobkin2323]

What school that I need to be a project manager

[@TheronSkees]

There are many schools, even online courses that teach project management... However getting experience wherever you can is also important!

[@iandobkin2323]

@@TheronSkees OK thank you for your advice

[@4Angel4cross4eyes]

Your Instagram link doesn't work. might want to update that

[@TheronSkees]

Thanks Tori! You could try it again...

[@paradoxproductions]

Is someone able to be part of multiple areas? I.e. creative and design?

[@TheronSkees]

Paradox Productions, thanks for subscribing and for the question. The various disciplines really do cross over during all of the multiple phases in a project. The individual roles work within their “lanes”, however, some of those do cross over as well. For example, as a creative leader, I have conceptually drawn architectural elevations before the architects ever got involved. This was used as “visioning” for the rest of the team. If you are interested, my course offers a lot more details on this and many other aspects of the disciplines, roles and processes associated with themed entertainment.

[@paradoxproductions]

I.e. if someone dreams up a concept, using Fire Mountain as an example. They draw the vision for the attraction/ disregarding finances and even physics (starting from a sitting position to flying position)... Once the project moves forward, does creative touch the project again with design or does the project just move down the pipeline to design? I’d love to be part of the creative side, and also the design sign... but I’m also pushing 40 years of age, and I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to make a drastic career change this late in the game.

[@TheronSkees]

I believe it’s never too late to pivot and make a change- I got lid off from WDI after a 23 year career. I’m 54 and just started my own company 8 months ago... everything is possible! In general, the four core disciplines are with the project all the way through.

[@paradoxproductions]

@@TheronSkees give it 2 years and the parks will be looking for creative again... don’t forget, after the layoff’s 20 years ago, creatives flocked to Universal... and AK’s beastly kingdom became IOA’s Dragon Challenge. There will be another boom in the industry again- and that’s when I will make my move. Until then, I’m taking your master class and learning as much as possible. A wise man once said, if you can dream it, you can do it. Thank you for the knowledge and the spark to ignite the figmants of my imagination.

[@TheronSkees]

Thanks for the encouragement! Honestly, I’m not planning to ever return to a corporate job... I’m MUCH happier doing what I’m doing now. I’ve got clients, students and I’m gaining traction in multiple markets... very grateful.