Becoming a Costume Designer

Costume designers work in theatre, film, and television, carrying out all aspects of costume design - research, design, measuring and making up the finished costumes. They need craft skills to make up or adapt clothes, as well as research and design skills. They must be able to work within a budget and under pressure.

The Job:

Costume designers are an integral part of a production team, working closely with directors, actors, set designers, and properties and lighting technicians.

The design process starts with designers attending the first production meeting. They will study the script and work out numbers and types of costume required. They must then start researching to create the costumes. If working on a period drama, the research would be detailed and may involve visits to libraries, museums, and art galleries. Even with a modem production, designers may need to consult photographs and fashion magazines to create the exact look The designer has to be able to capture the mood of the production as well as that of each character In period dramas, it is very important to get every detail correct, since members of the audience may notice even quite small details.

Sometimes shopping is involved, and not just for new clothes or material. Designers may have to search in second hand or antique shops for the right clothes. If the right costumes cannot be bought or hired, then they will have to make them. Designers may be working alone or as part of a design team, but they will need the basic skills of a dressmaker. These are pattern-making, cutting, sewing, dyeing, and other specialized areas, such as wig-making and millinery (hat making). Larger theatre or television companies will have support staff, including wardrobe mistresses and dressmakers, so a designer may have to manage the team.

Designers check that costumes fit correctly and make last-minute alterations. Alterations may also have to be made if the lighting makes the costume look different or if a director wants changes.

Costume designers will be present during filming and performances and may be responsible for making on-the-spot repairs and alterations.

Designers work to deadlines and with in budgets, so the job is pressurized. Long hours are worked if preparing for a show or film. Designers may have to travel and spend periods away from home.

Above all, costume designers have to be very versatile and be able to work as pan of a team, possibly compromising on the original designs or ideas.

Training Involved:

A course is usually required in theater costume, theatre design (covering set and costume design), or fashion. These are two- or three-year diploma or bachelors degrees. Sometimes, students can gain entry to courses without any formal qualifications if they have had substantial experience within the industry.

Courses start by teaching the bask skills and working practices in the industry. Specialized courses are taught in tailoring, fabric dyeing, millinery, hairstyles, and wigs. Students will start working on college productions, followed by a placement in a theatre, television, or video company. Work experience maybe more valuable than college training because, apart from learning the basics of the work, contacts in the industry are useful in obtaining work

Useful Qualifications:

Useful subjects include: dressmaking, needlework, art, and history of art. (A portfolio of design work, including sample costumes, may be required.)

Future Prospects:

Costume design is a small and over crowded profession so competition is fierce. The majority of work is freelance and contacts are very important. In television, a new graduate will join as an assistant designer, with possible promotion to senior designer. In both television and film, contracts are fixed term. Some costume designers combine their career with part-time teaching.

In the theatre, graduates may start as wardrobe assistants and then move to senior pattern cutter, depending on the size of the company. The experience gained could lead to a costume designer job and eventually to senior designer or costume director.

The number of jobs in costume design depends, to some extent, on funding for theatre and the financial success of television and video companies, but they are expected to remain stable in the foreseeable future.

For further information, contact theatres and television companies, as well as colleges and art schools.