Costume Designer Career Description
Costume designers design, sew and draw patterns for clothing or costumes to be used in dramas and plays. Costume designers must use their imagination and skills in creating a special visual effect, while working according to certain specifications.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Costume designers must interpret the story, drama or play for which they are requested to design costumes, and then make suitable designs. They are sometimes also required to draw patterns and make the costumes themselves. The process of costume design requires research and frequent adaptation, until both designer and producer are satisfied with the designs. Dates are set for completion of the project as well as the estimated date of the theatre, television or film production.
Once the costume designs have been decided on, costume designers must transfer their ideas of what the costumes should look like, into practical working drawings and technical sketches, accompanied with small material samples. This requires a fair knowledge of pattern draughting, an understanding of materials, knowledge of sizes of stock items and the cost factor involved. Planning and the practical application of ideas are important aspects in the design process.
Costume designers must liaise with the
relevant departments in order to ensure that the style, colour combination and general visual approach of costumes, set, props and make-up is co-ordinated, and that the correct costumes are used. Fittings have to be organised and the visual effect discussed.
All these various activities culminate in one ultimate goal - the dress rehearsal - when everything is brought together for the first time. Here the success or failure of the many weeks of planning and hard work can be seen.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Costume designers must be practical and creative. They must be able to translate their ideas into practical wearable costumes. Costume designers also need a lot of patience and must be able to work alongside other people. To be successful, they must be hardworking, reliable, persevere with a task and be
able to handle stress and frustration.
Where can I work?
Costume designers are employed by theatres, film companies and television production companies.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Costume designers can work on a free-lance basis or start their own businesses.
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