How to become A Costume Designer

• Costumer 

• Historical Costume Designer

What do Costume Designers do?

A Costume Designer would typically need to:

• Design costumes and accessories for diverse genres of production

• Read the script; research suitable costume styles and fabrics

• Ensure that costumes sync with the production design and styles prevalent in the period in which the production is set 

• Closely work and discuss the ideas, costume styles, make-up, and lighting with the producer, artistic director, set designer

• Mutually agree with all parties regarding the suitability of the costumes, keeping in mind the budget; manage the budget all through the production

• Take the actor's measurements for clothes, wigs, shoes and hats; make the costumes and alter them if needed

• Sketch costume designs by hand or using a computer to allow costume makers to follow them

• Instruct the costume makers, assistants and wardrobe supervisors; supervise the making, purchase or hire of costumes & accessories

• Manage the costume team; hire specialised craftspeople, such as embroiderers and milliners, on contractual terms

• Clean, repair and pack the costumes when going on a tour

• Explore and buy vintage clothes online or at a charity or secondhand shops

• Attend performances to resolve any costume emergencies that may arise

• Schedule fittings and ensure timely delivery of costumes

• Oversee the alterations and maintenance of costumes; supervise their sale, return or disposal at the end of the production 

You would typically work in a studio, office or your home. Working independently on your solo designs may be time-consuming. Sometimes you might have to travel to research styles and materials. You may also need to travel to locations where the production is taking place. 

With enough experience, you may opt for freelancing and self-employment.

Typically, a Costume Designer works eight to nine hours a day or 40-45 hours a week, sometimes including evenings and weekends. Hours may be extended and irregular while preparing for fashion shows and events. Deadlines typically dictate the volume of a Costume Designer’s work and the schedule. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Costume Designers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. 

Costume Designers are generally employed by:

• Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions Merchant Wholesalers

• Fashion Houses

• Designer Stores

• Apparel Manufacturers

• Theatre Companies

• Opera, Ballet & Play Production Houses

• Television & Movie Studios

• Advertising Firms

• Video Companies

• Entertainment Producers

• Holiday Costume Companies

• Jewellery Houses

• Management of Companies & Enterprises

Professional associations and organisations are crucial for Costume Designers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Risk of injury from needles or the sewing machine while at work

• The need to work overtime frequently to meet deadlines; long and unreliable working hours, which tilt the work-life balance

• The expectation of producing an unrealistic amount of work in a short period 

• Lack of appreciation of the designer’s art and effort from actors and performers

Since practical expertise contributes significantly to a Costume Designer’s success, hands-on experience is helpful to start building relevant skills, develop a network, and put together a portfolio that exhibits your designs for garments and accessories. 

Academic programs that a potential Costume Designer takes up typically require a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. A year or two of field experience or apprenticeship paired with your formal education demonstrate your drive and provide significant opportunities to learn and grow in this field. 

Theatre companies and design studios may offer work placements to degree or diploma students to learn under the supervision of experienced designers. You may have the opportunity to work on one or more productions. Volunteering at fashion events will also put you in touch with photographers and expand your network. Retail experience can come in handy, too.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in costume designing to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

While some associate degree programs may help you find a job, employers typically prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in costume design or fashion design. Relevant college programs teach you about textiles & fabrics and the application of computer-aided design (CAD) technology. Most Costume Designers are also qualified in art, theatre design and the performing arts.

A master’s degree in subjects such as theatre, costume design, literature and marketing is not mandatory but gives you a competitive edge in the job market.

Most of all, aspiring Costume Designers must create a portfolio to demonstrate their creative design ideas, styles and abilities to prospective employers. 

Certification demonstrates a Costume Designer’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market, it may carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent Costume Designer.

Aspiring Costume Designers may acquire or add to their skills and knowledge through certification programs, which typically teach you about fabrics and fibres, components of period costumes, efficient usage of sewing machines and tools, utilising pressing equipment and techniques that are appropriate for selected textiles, designing apparel using the principles and elements of design, and creating sketches and illustrations. 

A license to work as a Costume Designer is not mandatory. 

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. 

Starting in entry-level roles such as costume or wardrobe assistant, you would typically work your way up. Larger firms may promote you to Senior Designer or Head of the Department, and theatres may offer you progression to Head of Wardrobe. With considerable experience, you may even become Head Designer or Creative Director. At this level, you will do less design work but hold significant responsibility for overall design decisions.

You may move into academics and become a lecturer in design colleges and drama schools. It is also possible for you to diversify into related fields, such as retail buying, photography, fashion styling or journalism. You may opt for freelancing or self-employment to have greater freedom of choice in the work you do, but you must build a solid network to land projects.

Even though progress may be slow at the beginning of your career, being proactive and building a network with the right contacts will help you succeed eventually.

Candidates with a solid grasp of fashion and how to make and use clothing paired with a degree in costume design and proficiency in CAD and other technologies have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Costume Designer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Initial on-the-job training is typically related to learning about the practical process that your employer uses and relevant technological advancements. Larger firms may train you in business and computer applications such as computer-aided design (CAD), Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Costume Designers may also independently take up specialised courses such as pattern cutting, photoshop and CAD to develop practical skills. It is your responsibility to keep your skills up to date and stay abreast with the knowledge of this industry. With every job you do, you will need to upgrade your portfolio. 

If you are interested in a particular field of fashion, you may also take up a master’s degree in a relevant subject.

Types of Costume Designers

The work profile of a Costume Designer is restricted not just to designing costumes but also the accessories that go with them. There are several types of Costume Designers.

An accessory designer creates and designs a range of jewellery pieces, handbags, belts, scarves, hair accessories, footwear that complements the costume.

A jewellery designer works with different metals, stones and other materials to create beautifully detailed and artistic pieces.

A footwear/shoe designer designs a range of practical designs like high street fashion, sports shoes, kids shoes, catwalk shoes and others.

A leather accessory designer creates various leather accessories such as belts, hats, jackets, shoes and others. 

Some designers specialise in designing men's accessories, such as headgear, neckwear, bracelets, scarves, and other small accessories.

A fashion designer develops highly functional and aesthetically pleasing clothes by curating ideas and concepts through drawing and sketching.

Differences Between Costume Designers & Fashion Designers 

Theatrical costumes must meet specific storytelling requirements and must also be durable enough to withstand repeated use and rapid changes between scenes. Traditional fashion designers may design dresses in a particular style, while Costume Designers may design an antique dress that can withstand months of daily wear. The task of the Costume Designer also includes collaborating with other design professionals in media fields such as lighting and stage design to create a cohesive aesthetic for the entire production.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelance Costume Designers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

Full-time Costume Designers, on the other hand, have company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Costume Designers of the movie “Cinderella” made the protagonist’s gown using more than 10,000 Swarovski crystals that light up at night!

Costume Designers are a vital part of most productions, generating various costumes to suit diverse narratives and roles. They are the off-screen heroes using their talent and hard work to make the on-screen heroes look good.

If you possess creative skills to design and sew, can withstand high work pressure, and enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes with creating artistic pieces from scratch, then a career as a Costume Designer may be the right option for you. Through costumes, you will help portray the directorial vision to the masses. You can evolve in your expertise by staying current with the latest design software and technology.