Reading scripts and designing new costumes based on themĬostume designers are usually driven people with determined attitudes.Practicing basic sewing and costume making.The following activities can complement coursework and on-the-job training: People interested in costume design can also benefit from personal study. Many aspiring costume designers take courses in the following disciplines: They can also help aspiring costume designers make industry connections. However, formal qualifications can help these professionals set themselves apart. Computer literacy: Costume designers should feel comfortable using computer-aided design tools to create their final designsĬostume designers do not need college degrees.Research skills: Costume designers rely on their research skills to learn what costumes suit characters in different locations and historical periods.Interpersonal skills: Strong interpersonal skills help costume designers get along with actors and other production professionals.This knowledge helps costume designers understand how their costumes will work in productions. Understanding of film elements: Costume designers must understand lighting, the chroma key process, the strobing impact of patters, color theory, and other technical film concepts.Passion for design: A natural enthusiasm for fashion and design helps costume designers absorb trends and interpret them in exciting ways.Fashion sense: This ability helps costume designers create stylish and attractive costumes.These skills also help costume designers understand how fabrics work and construction possibilities. They use these skills in small productions and when helping their crews make deadlines. Technical fashion skills: While costume designers have crews on large productions, they must still be proficient at making patterns and sewing.Artistic skills: Costume designers rely on these skills to develop and sketch costume concepts.Some of the skills production companies look for in costume designers include: What Skills, Job Training, and Education Do You Need to Become a Costume Designer?Ĭostume designers rely on a range of natural and learned skills to succeed. Supervising costume crew making patterns, constructing garments, and fitting actors.Hiring costume crew members including costume makers.Determining which costumes to buy, make, and hire.Producing full-color drawings showing the style and silhouette of each costume, including accessories.Creating a costume plot detailing which costume each character wears in each scene.Workshopping costume sketches with the director, set designer, lighting designer, and other design team members.Creating costume concepts and sketches for all actors, including extras.Compiling materials, patterns, and clothing images for costume inspiration.

Researching fabric and costume requirements for different locations and time periods.Discussing costume needs with directors, writers, and other production team members.Breaking down the script to determine costume needs.Typical duties for costume designers include: They must also ensure their costumes suit a production’s overall look. Their work considers all facets of characters, including their personalities, lifestyles, and cultures. What Are the Roles, Duties, and Responsibilities of a Costume Designer?Ĭostume designers develop costumes for characters that reflect who they are. A costume designer is responsible for designing the clothes and accessories actors wear and works with directors, production designers, and art directors.

Jobs for costume designers