Costume designers create outfits for plays, movies, TV shows, dance concerts and more.The artistic touch contributes to how audience members view characters.Those with a creative eye can do well in this profession, because it requires a lot of hard work.If you want to become a costume designer, you need to get experience, build a skill set, and start your career.
Step 1: Costume analysis is done in plays and movies.
It would be great to attend plays and watch a lot of TV and movies, but having a more critical eye will help you understand costume design.Take note of the colors of costumes and the materials they are made out of, and practice recognizing factors that influence these decisions.Costume design can be influenced by time periods and character personality.
Step 2: There is a local theater or film set.
If you can, expose yourself to a costume designing environment.It can be anything from working on a project with the film club at the school to backstage helpers at a theater.If you apply for internship and entry level jobs, you can potentially get your foot in the door.
Step 3: You should get a degree.
You need at least an associate's degree to have a shot at entry level employment, but each employer has different educational standards.A costume design degree will teach you about drawing, tailoring, fashion history, stage makeup, pattern design, and more.Costume design can be done with a degree in graphic design, visual art, or fashion design.If you want to improve your value and skill set, you should get a Bachelor's degree.
Step 4: You should put together a portfolio of your work.
If you want to start a career in costume design, you need a good portfolio.Potential employers want to see proof of your creativity and design skills.You should have your portfolio in more than one format.If you want a photographic version of your portfolio, consider an online version.
Step 5: Take your artistic abilities to the next level.
Building skills in relevant artistic areas such as drawing and sewing will make it much easier to execute your costume ideas.Paying attention to detail and developing a better awareness of the world around you can be taught by practicing these creative skills.
Step 6: Good research skills are needed.
Costume design can only be done if you understand who is wearing the costume and why they are wearing it.Before you start the designing process, you should study the characters forwards and backwards.It is important to base your vision on specific references.
Step 7: You need to improve your communication skills.
Communication skills are very important in the creation of costumes.In order to have a strong end product, you have to communicate the vision to others clearly and effectively.In a leadership position, you will often rely on others for help.Do your best to direct others in a respectful and authoritative fashion whenever you find yourself in this role.
Step 8: Work on deadlines and budgets.
You will often be working under pressure as a costume designer.The show times and air dates of plays, films, and TV shows can't be delayed, as well as money limitations.Design costumes with a tight budget or within a time frame.When doing your own projects, commit to a date and a maximum amount of money you can spend on it.Before you have strict budgets and deadlines, this will help you learn this skill.
Step 9: Design skills can be developed.
As a costume designer, you will be expected to think creatively and have an eye for detail, so sketch them in a drawing notebook and develop them more over time.Put your sketches to use with a sewing machine to make one clothing item at a time.
Step 10: Making connections with important people is important.
Make and keep in contact with successful people in your field while you are a design student.You may be able to use fashion designers, playwrights, and others as references later on if you make strong connections with them.Local plays, fashion shows, etc. are relevant to attend.You can network because you hear about it.
Step 11: Go for opportunities.
One of the best ways to get a start in costume designing is simply by saying "yes." Accept any and every small opportunity that comes your way and one of them may eventually lead to a big one.
Step 12: You can sell your work on your own.
You can try to sell some of your work once you have learned all about costume design.Alterations for prom dresses are done at the local high school.Consider designing, making, and selling halloween costumes.
Step 13: You can start out as a costume assistant.
It will take some work in an entry level position to get a costume designer job.If you hear about any of these positions, use your connections, volunteer work, and personal sales to apply.Doing this will give you experience and more opportunities to network.
Step 14: Become a member of the guild.
The Costume Designers Guild has over 750 members.Costume designers, assistant costume designers and costume illustrators who work at the highest level of expertise are represented and promoted by the guild.You can fill out an application once you have gotten a few assisting and designing jobs under your belt.