Costume designer

You would design clothes and costumes for theatre, film or television productions to help make the characters seem real to the audience.

You’d study the script to learn more about the story, setting and characters. You’d discuss ideas with the production designer, director, and make-up, set and lighting designers.

You’d research and design the costumes for the setting and style of the production. You’d work out how to create them in time for the production and within the budget.

On a large production, you would lead a team to design, make and hire costumes for everyone on stage or screen. You’d manage and oversee the work of costume makers, wardrobe supervisors and wardrobe assistants.

You would:

• Create costume ideas to fit the production’s design concept and budget

• Research suitable costume styles, fabrics and designs

• Sketch costume designs

• Give instructions to costume makers so they can turn your sketches into real garments

You’d need to make sure the costumes fit the actors.

On smaller productions, you might also:

• Manage the wardrobe budget

• Buy or hire outfits

• Fit, alter and adapt costumes

• Clean, iron and mend garments

• Make sure that wardrobe items are available at the right time

• Keep the look of the costumes the same between shoots or scenes

• Creative Choices - Help and advice for a career in the creative industry from Creative and Cultural Skills

• The Costume Society - Promotes the study and preservation of historic and contemporary dress

• Society of British Theatre Designers