Services

What it takes to be a designer...

The work
Costume designers are responsible for the design, creation, acquiring and adapting of all costume items for a
production. They design original costumes and oversee the purchase, hire and adaptation of ready-made outfits.

They head the costume department, staffing and managing a team of staff which may include a costume design
assistant, costume/wardrobe supervisor, costume/wardrobe assistants and skilled technicians such as cutters, makers,
finishers, dyers and milliners. The size of department and number of job roles vary depending on the size and type of
production.

Designers work closely with the set designer and the producer/director to create ideas which complement their concept
of the play/film and the overall production design and are within the available budget.

They carry out research into the costume styles, fabrics, designs and construction methods which are appropriate for
the productions'' time period, using a number of resources including libraries, museums and the Internet. They may
also discuss costume and character ideas with performers. They will also need to consider how different types of
lighting and movement affect costumes and colours.

Once filming is completed, costume designers are responsible for the storage of costumes, the return of hired outfits,
and the sale or disposal of any remaining costumes.

Designers also supervise departmental budgets and schedules and organise running wardrobes and costume continuity.

Hours and Environment
Hours are variable and may involve evening and weekend work.

Costume designers might work in a studio, an office or from home. They also attend meetings and rehearsals at
theatres.

Designers may spend long periods away from home on location work or touring with a production.

Skills and Interests
To be a costume designer you should have:

creativity and imagination and a strong sense of colour
drawing and computer aided design skills
communication and interpersonal skills
stamina, adaptability and the ability to work to deadlines
confidence to manage a team and liaise with the director, set designer and other key people in the production
knowledge of the properties of different fabrics
general knowledge of costume history and modern fashion
good research skills
problem solving ability
the ability to work under pressure
the ability to manage a budget
passion for and knowledge of theatre/film/TV
awareness of health and safety issues.

Entry
Most costume designers have a BA (Hons) degree in subjects such as Fashion, Costume Design or Costume
Interpretation.