I don’t know about everyone else, but I’ve definitely experienced my share of poorly reproduced, pixelated imagery. As a scenic artist, I also know my phone is filled with snapshots of textures—cracked paint, rusted metal, faux marble—captured from job sites, museum walls, back alleys, and even the occasional train station bathroom. I’ve come to realize I’m not alone. Many other scenics are natural archivists, collecting these images instinctively. These visual references are how we study, communicate, and recreate the real world—onstage or onscreen.
Inspired by the long-beloved book Surfaces by Judy A. Juracek, I’ve dreamed of creating a modern scenic artist app for years. That dream started to take shape when I was awarded the Guild of Scenic Artists’ Exploration Sponsorship. With this support, I began researching what it would take to build a digital reference library specifically for scenic artists—a shared resource where we could access, contribute to, and collaborate on an archive that reflects the unique needs of our craft. A central hub where we can visually communicate with each other and with designers in a clear, consistent way is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
The Exploration Grant provided an opportunity to find out what the scenic artist community truly wants from such a platform and to explore how and where this resource could live. It allowed me to investigate the potential costs, technical requirements, and next steps for bringing an online scenic archive to life.
What the Scenic Community Wants
Preferred Access
Seventy-six percent of respondents want access to the archive on both a website and a mobile app. Flexibility and convenience across platforms are key.Willingness to Contribute
An incredible eighty-five percent said they would contribute their photo references for free. This speaks volumes about the collaborative spirit and shared dedication to the craft within our community.Desired Content
Ninety-six percent of respondents expressed a desire to see both real-life photo references and examples of scenic painted treatments. We don’t just want inspiration—we want to see how reference images are transformed into finished textures and techniques.Key Features
Eighty-five percent said the ability to link related posts—such as a rust texture paired with the final painted sample—would be valuable. Seventy-three percent are interested in community features like forums, messaging, or comment threads for knowledge exchange and peer support.
Willingness to Pay
Most respondents are open to paying a small fee to access and support the archive. Thirty-five percent preferred a subscription under $12 per year, while fifty percent said they’d be willing to pay up to $24 annually.
What Would Make a Paid Archive Worthwhile?
The Archive Itself
Scenic artists are seeking a high-quality photo archive that is well-curated and organized by material, finish, and technique. It should be searchable by keyword, category, and filter to make referencing easy and efficient.Educational Extras
Tutorial videos, brush technique demonstrations, and timelapse processes were frequently requested. Access to archived classes from organizations like USITT, Cobalt Studios, or other guest instructors would also add tremendous value. Downloadable PDFs and printable image packs for personal use would round out the offering.Community Features
Artists want to connect—through Q&As, comment threads, mentorship opportunities, or collaboration spaces. They’re also interested in regular updates, contributor spotlights, and newsletters to keep the community informed and inspired.Copyright and Access Clarity
There’s a strong need for clear image crediting, licensing policies, and contributor guidelines. Integration with existing Guild of Scenic Artists memberships, or tiered access pricing, could also make the platform more accessible.Bonus Features
Users would love the ability to bookmark favorite references, request or crowdsource missing materials, and optionally pay for access to premium painted samples or professional critiques.
What Scenic Artists Are Using Now — and What’s Missing
Currently, Scenic Artists rely on a patchwork of tools to collect and manage reference imagery. Pinterest is popular for mood boards and inspiration, but it’s not built for archiving high-resolution, work-specific materials. Boards can quickly become unorganized, with images disappearing over time due to broken links or unclear sources. PureRef, while great for visual layouts and presentation, is a local desktop application—it doesn’t support cloud access, sharing, or structured tagging. Dropbox and Google Drive are widely used for team sharing, but they lack advanced filtering, community features, or visual browsing optimized for artists.
What’s missing across all of these tools is a platform made specifically for Scenic Artists—a tool that supports our working methods, honors our materials, and reflects how we visually communicate. Our archive aims to fill that gap with curated content, professional metadata, side-by-side reference and scenic results, and a community-centered design made by and for scenic artists.
Understanding the Basics of Building a Scenic Artist App
For Web & Mobile Use
When I began exploring how to create this app, I initially looked into Digital Asset Management (DAM) platforms like PhotoShelter and Stockpress. These tools are already designed to manage, organize, and protect professional image libraries. But the survey results made it clear: 76% of users want access to both a mobile app and a website.
That meant I needed to expand my research beyond digital storage—to also understand how app technology works, and how user experience would need to be designed across platforms.
The Foundation: What Is a DAM?
A Digital Asset Management (DAM) system is like a digital museum archive. It allows you to:
- Organize images with tags and metadata
Control who sees what (private vs public access)
Enable powerful search and filtering
Protect content through version control and copyright licensing
For Scenic Artists, this type of system is essential. We’re not just saving images—we’re building a searchable, structured reference archive that reflects the materials and methods of our craft.
Web App vs Mobile App: What’s the Difference?
Web Apps are accessed through a browser like Chrome or Safari. They work on desktops, tablets, or phones—no download required—and are easier to update and maintain. They’re great for fast access across devices but are limited when it comes to offline use or mobile notifications. (Think: Google Docs)
Mobile Apps are downloaded through the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and run directly on your phone or tablet. They offer a more immersive user experience and can use phone features like GPS, camera, and push notifications. However, they take longer to develop, cost more to maintain, and require more setup. (Think: Instagram)
Progressive Web Apps (PWA) are a hybrid solution. They’re web apps that behave like mobile apps—users can “add to home screen,” open them full-screen, and even access some content offline. Best of all, there’s no need to go through an app store. (Pinterest is a great example.)
What This Means for the Scenic Artist App
It means we can build a beautiful, user-friendly app using no-code tools like Softr or Glide, while using a DAM platform behind the scenes to handle image storage, organization, and copyright protection. By combining the two, we get a scalable, professional-grade system without the need for traditional app development.
This approach gives us creative control, keeps the reference archive organized and secure, and allows us to build something valuable that can grow with our community over time—just like a strong scenic foundation.
No-Code Tools: A Fast and Affordable Start
Platforms like Softr are perfect for getting this project off the ground quickly and cost-effectively. These tools are DIY-friendly, meaning I can build and manage the app myself without needing to hire a full tech team. They’re ideal for launching a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)—a functional first version that we can test, use, and refine based on feedback from real users.
Of course, no-code tools come with limitations. As the platform grows more complex, we may run into restrictions in design flexibility, offline features, or advanced integrations. Eventually, we could outgrow the platform and need to transition to a custom solution.
No-Code Approach
- Setup Cost: $0–$3,000 (DIY or with freelancer help)
- Monthly Cost: $50–$150/month (for tools, hosting, and DAM storage)
Pros: Low startup cost. Fast to launch. No tech team needed. Easy to maintain and update.
Cons: Limited customization. May outgrow the platform over time. Not ideal for offline access or complex features.
Hiring a Developer: Full Custom Power (at a Price)
Hiring a developer or development team allows for complete creative freedom. You can build exactly what you imagine, with custom features, native mobile experiences, and high-end design. This is ideal if you already have a clear vision and know your app will require advanced functionality from the start.
But with that power comes cost. Development can range from $10,000 to $100,000+, depending on the scope. It’s also slower to build and requires ongoing maintenance, plus careful planning, communication, and project management.
Custom Developer Build
Setup Cost: $30,000–$100,000+
Monthly Maintenance: $500–$2,000/month
Pros: Fully custom features. Native mobile + web app. Long-term scalability.
Cons: High cost. Slower to build. Requires ongoing developer support.
Final Thoughts: Building Something Scenic, Together
This project isn’t just about organizing images—it’s about preserving the visual language of our craft, and creating a shared tool that supports scenic artists at every stage of the process. From the first rust patch snapped on your phone to the final brushstroke on stage, we deserve a dedicated space that reflects how we actually work, learn, and collaborate.
Thanks to the Guild of Scenic Artists’ Exploration Sponsorship—and the overwhelming support and insights from the community—we now have a clear path forward. The need is real. The desire is strong. And the technology exists to make it happen without breaking the bank or waiting years.
Whether we begin with a no-code MVP or scale to a full custom build down the line, the heart of this project remains the same: a living, evolving archive built by scenics, for scenics.
If you’ve ever wished for better references, easier collaboration, or a stronger connection to your craft—this is for you. And if you’re interested in contributing, collaborating, or helping bring this to life, I’d love to hear from you.
Jolene Dames
(they/them)
Founder, Made by Dames
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and theater, I specialize in crafting immersive, story-driven environments that bring narratives to life. My work as a scenic artist, decorator, and designer has contributed to some of Hollywood’s most recognizable productions, where I’ve mastered the art of storytelling through space, texture, and detail.
In addition to my production work, I bring a unique interdisciplinary approach that blends art, psychology, and transformational design. As the founder of Made by Dames™, I create artwork and environments rooted in intention—guiding individuals through both visual and personal transformation.
My background includes a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies and certifications in Neuroaesthetics, Therapeutic Art, Life Coaching, Feng Shui, and the Science and Art of Transformation. This foundation informs my holistic practice: one that aligns inner clarity with outer expression, helping others create spaces—and lives—that reflect their deepest truths.
My name is Paul Reinke. I’ve been in the film business in Canada for 27 years mainly feature films and TV commercials some TV series. The biggest thing was to be able to produce something as quick as possible with less waste in time and production. .
Having a large array of photos is such a big deal because that way you can use this as Scenic sample boards that are online and easy accessible
Hi Paul, Thank you so much for sharing your experience — 27 years in the industry is no small feat, (I am at 25), and I completely agree with you. Having a robust and easily accessible photo archive can be a total game-changer when time is tight (which, let’s be honest, it always is on set). Scenic sample boards that are available at our fingertips would not only reduce waste and prep time, but also help us communicate more clearly with designers and art departments. That kind of resource could really elevate the entire workflow and support faster, smarter decision-making. I’d love to hear more about how you’ve organized or accessed references over the years. Did you have any go-tos that made your life easier?