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:
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.