Costume Designer
Job Description:Costume designers are responsible for designing, making, and hiring costumes for everyone on a stage or screen production.
Job Category:What you will do:
You’ll be in charge of designing, making and hiring costumes for everyone on a stage or screen production. You’ll also manage other staff like costume makers, wardrobe supervisors and wardrobe assistants.
Your day-to-day duties might include:
- studying the script
- discussing ideas with the production designer, director, and make-up, set and lighting designers
- creating costume ideas to fit the production’s design concept and budget
- researching suitable costume styles, fabrics and designs
- sketching costume designs
- giving instructions to costume makers
On smaller productions, you might also carry out some of the practical tasks, like:
- managing the wardrobe budget
- buying or hiring outfits
- fitting, altering and adapting costumes
- cleaning, ironing and mending
- making sure wardrobe items are available at the right time
- keeping the look of the costumes the same between shoots or scenes
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of the fine arts
- knowledge of costumer history and modern fashion
- design skills and knowledge
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- the ability to work well with others
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things (adaptability)
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- excellent design skills (creativity)
- leadership ability & organisational skills
- to be aware of costs
- a good eye for detail
- the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- good research skills
Entry Requirements:
To become a Costume Designer, specific subjects are not strictly required for entry into this field, as it is a highly specialised and creative profession that typically requires higher education and practical experience. However, certain subjects and skills can be beneficial in preparing for a career in costume design.
Costume Designers create clothing and accessories for theatre, film, television, and other performances, and they often work closely with directors, actors, and production teams to bring characters to life through costumes. Here are some relevant subjects:
- Art and Design: courses in art and design can provide a foundation in drawing, sketching, and design principles, which are essential for costume design.
- Textiles: textiles courses can teach you about fabrics, materials, and sewing techniques, which are fundamental to costume design.
- English Language: Strong written and verbal communication skills are important for collaborating with directors and communicating your costume design concepts.
- History: Courses in history can provide insights into the historical and cultural aspects of costume design, which can be valuable for creating period-appropriate costumes.
- Mathematics (Maths): Basic math skills are useful for measuring fabrics and materials, calculating budgets, and managing costume-related expenses.
Post School
You’ll usually need:
- paid or unpaid work experience in the theatre, film or costume industry
- a high level of design skill, creative vision and practical sewing skills
- a good portfolio or ‘showreel’ of your design work
- an HND, a degree or a postgraduate qualification in costume design, fashion, theatre design or performing arts (production)
You will also need an art portfolio for most courses.
You could:
- start as a costume assistant or wardrobe trainee
- get practical garment production skills like pattern cutting, hand and machine sewing and dressmaking by completing a UK Level 3 qualification (or equivalent in the country where you wish to work)
- work for a costumier who provides costumes for stage and screen
Working Hours and Environment:
Your hours could be long and may involve evening and weekend work to meet deadlines.
You could work in a studio, theatre, from an office or from home.
You’ll also attend meetings with theatres or film and TV production companies.
Career Path & Progression:
You’ll specialise in either theatre or in film and TV, but you could work in both areas once you’re established.