Costume designer

Costume designers research and design costumes and accessories for theatre, film and television. Their designs must suit particular characters and settings. Costumes may be made, hired or bought from second-hand clothes shops.

Also known as:

Film costume designer
Television costume designer
Theatre costume designer

Work activities

Costume designers work in theatre, film or television production. They design costumes and select accessories to suit specific characters and settings. Before beginning their designs, they read, analyse and interpret the script they are working on. They spend a lot of time carrying out detailed research, especially if they are designing period costumes.

Following the research, the costume designer presents their design ideas in the form of drawings and fabric samples. Once ideas have been approved, they take measurements of the cast members. In some cases, they may then create the costumes themselves, although this is more often the role of a costume maker. Costume designers are given a budget that they use to buy fabric, or to hire/buy whatever cannot be made. They arrange costume fittings with the cast members, and make any alterations to the costumes, if necessary.

Costume designers work closely with directors, producers, technicians, lighting and set designers as well as performers. This helps to produce designs that suit the overall look of the production. They need to manage the continuity of costumes. Directors usually have the final say about all aspects of production. Some may allow the costume designer to have a great deal of creative freedom. Others like to give detailed guidelines that they expect the costume designer to follow.

Once filming is completed, costume designers are responsible for the storage of costumes, the return of hired outfits, and the sale or disposal of any remaining costumes. The work may involve local travel, or more extensive travel in the UK and possibly overseas. Costume designers may also go on tour with a production.

Personal qualities and skills

As a costume designer, you need:

An understanding of dressmaking.
To draw clearly and accurately.
To pay attention to fine detail.
Good communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
An interest in theatre, drama, fashion, art or history.
To keep up to date with new design developments and fashions.
To work to deadlines and budgets.
Knowledge of lighting techniques, camera angles and the overall production processes.

Self-employed or freelance costume designers will need business and marketing skills.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates for costume designers vary depending on whether they work in theatre, television or film, and whether they are employed or self-employed. The pay rates given are approximate. Employed, resident costume designers in the theatre earn in the range of £22,000 a year, rising to £34,000 for more senior positions.

Costume designers usually work a 35-42-hour week. However, early starts, late finishes, evening and weekend work may be required. Costume designers may also be required to work intensively for periods, especially in the run-up to a production.

Employers are theatre, television and film production companies. There are a few opportunities with specialist costumiers. Opportunities for costume designers occur with employers in large towns and cities throughout the UK, where major theatres/TV production centres are located, for example, London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.

Most costume designers work on a self-employed, freelance basis. They are usually employed on short contracts and may move from production to production in theatre, television and film.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in the Stage weekly paper, design industry magazines/journals, on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. It’s a good idea to build up a network of relevant contacts, as not all costume design jobs are advertised. Making speculative job applications can also be effective.

Entry routes and training

A common route into this career is via a foundation course in art and design followed by a degree, HNC, HND or foundation degree in a subject such as theatre, costume or fashion design. Graduates often start work as costume design assistants or junior designers and work their way up, gaining skills along the way.

A level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the role of costume technician (stage and screen) is a great place to start.

Most of your training will be on-the-job. Costume design courses are available at various colleges throughout the UK. These can be quite expensive, but they are often very popular and places fill up quickly.

Many designers become self-employed. With experience, some move into senior roles within an organisation.

Qualifications

To get onto an advanced apprenticeship in this career, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

The usual entry requirements for a relevant foundation course are:

One to two A-levels. You’ll need an A-level in art or in an art-based subject.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in four to five subjects. Some courses ask that you have a pass in English.

Alternatives to A-levels include:

A BTEC level 3 National diploma in art and design.
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

The entry requirements for relevant HNCs, HNDs and foundation degrees are similar to those needed for the foundation course mentioned above. If you go on to a degree directly, you’ll usually need:

Two or more A-levels. Many courses ask that you have at least a B grade in an art-based subject.
Four to five GCSEs at grades 9-4. A pass in English is often required.

To enter any course in art and design, you’ll need a portfolio of your work.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Skills gained as an assistant in a design studio or workshop are valued. Experience gained in the costume department of an amateur or professional theatre is also useful.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (e.g. Access to Art and Design) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details. They can lead to relevant degree/HND courses.

Part-time foundation degrees, in relevant subjects, are available from numerous colleges and universities. Universities and colleges of higher education (HE) will usually consider applications from candidates who don’t meet their usual entry requirements, especially those with experience in arts, crafts or design. A range of colleges and universities offer degrees in Costume Design, including at postgraduate level. Study can be full or part time.

Related careers

Design assistant
Designer
Fashion designer
Footwear designer
Jewellery/silver designer
Make-up artist
Tailor
Textile designer
Theatre/television designer