Costume designers design, create and source costumes for theatre, film or television productions. They organise and provide everything that is worn by the performers and help to realise the director’s vision by creating the right look for the characters and setting.
The costume designer first reads the script to gain an understanding of the style, period or culture of the production. They then break the script down scene by scene to work out the number of costumes required. The designer carries out research, using the internet, libraries and specialist sources, such as museums. They then present initial ideas to the director, using pictures, sketches and fabric samples.
The costume designer leads the costume and wardrobe team. Their tasks may include:
- supervising the making, purchase or hire of costumes, including accessories
- overseeing alterations and other adaptations, such as dyeing and distressing of fabrics
- managing the costume team and budget
- contracting specialist staff, such as embroiderers and milliners
- organising fittings and schedules and ensuring that costumes are ready on time
- checking continuity (for film and television)
- overseeing the maintenance of costumes
- overseeing the sale, return or disposal of costumes at the end of the production.
The designer works closely with other members of the creative and technical teams to ensure that costumes are in line with the overall design. In film this might involve test shoots.
A key part of the designer’s job is working with the performers, putting them at ease and making sure that costumes and accessories are comfortable. They may consider the performers’ own ideas about what their characters would wear.
The size of the wardrobe team depends on the production and the budget. The costume designer may work alone or have a large team, including assistants, makers and other specialist staff.
Hours and environment
Most costume designers are freelance. Hours can be long and unpredictable and often include evenings and weekends. Designers working on film and television productions have to arrive before the performers, sometimes very early in the morning.
Costume designers work in production offices, studios and theatre wardrobes or from home. They may have to travel to different locations in Ireland or sometimes overseas. A driving licence is useful.
The work can involve a lot of standing. Some costumes are very heavy to lift and carry. Shopping for costumes may involve carrying heavy bags. Design work and making samples may involve sitting at a desk or sewing machine for long periods.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
- New costume designers may earn around €18,000 a year.
- Established designers can earn between €25,000 and €40,000
- Some designers may earn more than €40,000.
Skills and personal qualities
A costume designer should:
- be creative and imaginative
- have a strong sense of design and colour and an eye for detail
- be able to draw or use a computer design programme
- have good planning, budgeting and organisational skills
- be able to manage and communicate with a team
- like working with people
- understand production processes and the needs of other departments
- have research skills
- be flexible, resourceful and able to meet deadlines, often under pressure
- understand health and safety regulations.
Interests
It is important to:
- have a knowledge of costume history and fashion
- have a keen interest in design, art, theatre, film and history.
Getting in
Costume designers work in theatres and with film and television companies. Some are employed by wardrobe departments, but most are freelance, working on fixed-term contracts.
Most work is in Dublin and larger cities such as Belfast, Cork, Limerick and Galway. There may also be opportunities in regional, fringe, and touring theatre or with regional production companies. Competition is fierce and costume designers need a strong portfolio and good contacts. Networking and self-marketing is essential.
Entry routes
It may be possible to become a costume designer without formal qualifications by working as a wardrobe assistant or costume maker and learning on the job. However, most costume designers have a qualification in a subject such as art and design, costume design, fashion, theatre design or performing arts (production).
Useful Links:
The Irish Film & Television Network
The Lir-National Academy of Dramatic Art
Institute of Art, Design + Technology- Dun laoghaire
Limerick College of Further Education