WHAT DOES A COSTUME DESIGNER DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does a Costume Designer Do?)

Costume Designer Sketches / Photo Credit: Star Tribune

WHAT DOES A COSTUME DESIGNER DO? (In the Entertainment industry. What Does a Costume Designer Do?)

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What Does a Costume Designer Do?

You can tell a lot about a character on the screen before a word of dialogue is uttered—if the costume designer has done a good job. Costumes reflect the character’s personality, culture, lifestyle, and environment; more than just dressing the actor, costumes aid the story and the performer’s immersion into the role. It is up to the costume designer to occupy the character’s psyche and reflect it in the actor’s wardrobe.

Costume Designers' work helps to define the overall ‘look' of TV productions and films and their role requires a great deal of expertise. This must be achieved within strict budgets, and to tight schedules.

They work closely with the Production Designer to make sure the costumes fit in with their overall vision and work with the chosen lighting and camera angles. They also collaborate with the hair and make-up team to make sure a cohesive look is created.

During pre-production, Costume Designers break down scripts scene by scene to work out how many characters are involved and what costumes are required. They then develop costume plots for each character. Plots ensure that colors and styles do not mimic each other in the same scene, and highlight the characters' emotional journeys by varying the intensity and depth of colors.

Costume Designers must carry out research into the costume styles, designs and construction methods suitable for the time period, using resources such as libraries, museums and the Internet. They may also discuss costume and character ideas with performers.

They deliver initial ideas to Directors about the overall costume vision, character plots and original costume designs, using sketches and fabric samples. They also discuss color palettes with the Director of Photography and Production Designer.

Costume Designers ensure that accurate financial records are kept and weekly expenditure reports are produced. They prepare overall production schedules, as well as directing the day-to-day breakdowns of responsibilities.

They choose and hire appropriate suppliers and Costume Makers, negotiating terms with them, and communicating design requirements (on a smaller-scale production a Costume Designer would be involved in both the design and the making processes).

They arrange fittings for Actors and extras. They supervise fabric research and purchase, and ensure that garments are completed to deadlines.

Depending on the numbers of costumes to be created and the scale of budgets, Costume Designers may decide to create a dedicated Costume Workshop.

They should be on set whenever a new costume is worn for the first time to make sure that performers are comfortable, to explain special features, and to oversee any alterations.

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

Costume designers may be required to work long hours; evening and weekend work may be involved when working to deadlines.

They can be based in a studio, office or home-based environment when designing and making the garments. Travel to locations for TV and film productions is common and they are often required to attend meetings at theatres or TV/film production companies.

Duties

As a member of the art department, the costume designer works with the director, production designer, and art director to design wardrobe for every actor, right down to the extras. The design process begins with a script breakdown and costume plot that details who wears what, and when. The garments must reflect the overall aesthetic vision of the production with complementary colors, textures, and styles. Once a plan for each piece of wardrobe is established, with consideration given to which pieces will be constructed and which will be rented or bought, the costumer establishes a budget and hires crew members and specialists.

Think of your favorite film and how the costumes reinforce the time period and location; often the wardrobe is just as identifiable and iconic as the performer wearing it. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn’t readily recognize Darth Vader’s helmet from Star Wars, or Mad Men’s 1960s-era sharp, tailored ad execs and curvy secretaries. The costume designer is responsible for supervising his or her staff through pattern-making, construction, and fittings. Everything from earrings to slippers is under the creative management of the costume designer.

Skills & Education

Strong artistic ability and impeccable fashion sense is a must. Costume designers may develop their talents through a formal education in fashion design, film and television production, or theatrical design. A college degree is not required, but you won’t get by with only good taste and great illustrations. In this job, you’ve got to be capable of taking the design from paper to wearable; that means sketching, making patterns, sewing, and everything in between. If you’re attracted to this position, you’re probably already a fashion fanatic, but it’s even more important to be a whiz-bang tailor. The reason that simple jeans-and-T shirt combo looks so perfect on Scarlett Johansson? A great body, yes, but also because it’s been fitted especially for her. You need to know how to make someone look 6 inches taller and 30 pounds lighter—or 6 inches shorter and 30 pounds heavier. It is also important to understand the technical elements associated with costume design for stage and screen: lighting, color theory, the strobing effect of patterns, and chromakey process. If you don’t have one already, get a sewing machine and start experimenting, then dive into every fashion magazine and inspirational source you can get your hands on.

What to Expect

Outrageous fashion statements are not the greater part of costuming, though you need to be able pull off a showstopper when required. The majority of costume designers toil away on sitcoms and contemporary films, pairing together jeans and T-shirts, dresses and suits, that fit in rather than steal the eye. While fitting actors, you will come in close physical contact with the actors; you should always be sure your breath (and underarm area) is fresh, but be ready to overlook it if the actor’s isn’t. And keep in mind that you’ll be seeing people at their most vulnerable—unclothed, struggling into a pair of pantyhose or a girdle (that goes for actors and actresses both), exposing their flaws for you to fix; a reputation for discretion and kindness will make you a favorite and may get you more work.

Like most production jobs, this is generally a freelance career, but opportunities are available for staff positions on television series and within theatrical production companies, among others. It is your highly trained hands that will move you up the ladder, as your first post-assistant job may be as a stitcher, cutter, or tailor. From there advancement will depend on your aptitude for research and imagination, and your ability to interpret and execute the director’s vision.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures,

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Costume Designer Sketches / Photo Credit: Star Tribune