A costume designer creates clothes for movies and plays, often with a low budget, using their imagination and resourcefulness. They must have knowledge of sewing equipment and related principles, good math and computer skills, and keep track of clothing and accessories. They work closely with the costume designer and often require experience in sewing and costume making.
A costume designer creates clothes for characters in movies and plays produced by schools, colleges, and community theaters. He can also repair curtains and curtains used on a stage or set. Any items used in plays or movies that require hand or machine sewing skills are usually his responsibility.
Sometimes imagination and resourcefulness can be necessary traits for a good costume designer. Budgets for school and community productions are typically low, so he often needs to create the illusion of elegance from bargain-basement materials. He can also recycle clothes from one piece to another, using the same material to create new designs. The costume designer uses accessories and flourishes to reinvent the costumes for each production.
Knowledge of sewing equipment and related principles is usually required. The costume designer usually keeps sewing machines, irons and stocks of fabrics, threads, buttons, zippers and embellishments such as feathers, beads, sequins and appliqués. If support staff are available, they can be expected to train them in the use of sewing equipment and teach them the principles of hand sewing.
Good math and computer skills are sometimes required to be competent in this position. After a play or film is released, the costume designer usually determines the size of clothing required by each actor and determines the amount of fabric and thread needed. If he is working on a low budget, he may need to assess what materials and clothing in stock can be reused and what must be purchased freshly. All of this information is usually calculated and stored on computerized systems for easy tracking and future reference.
This position requires keeping track of clothing and accessories. A system of checks and balances ensures that no clothes, shoes, accessories or jewelry leave the set. Actors are typically responsible for returning costumes to their proper places at the end of each performance. They are also often asked to advise the costume maker if there is a need for tailoring or repair to the clothes.
A costume designer usually works closely with the costume designer, a position he can aspire to. The costume designer and costume designer regularly check out the wardrobe, fabric selection, use of accessories, and color coordination with items in the set.
Requirements for this position vary, but most jobs offered in this field expect the candidate to demonstrate talents and skills in hand and machine sewing. Experience in altering or making costumes or dresses is preferred. A costume certificate from an accredited university or college can be helpful.
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