Costume Designer Science & Engineering Professionals

Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.

Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.

Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.

Analysing the score, form, themes and structure of a piece of music.

Analyse the artistic concept, form and structure of a live performance based on observation during rehearsals or improvisation. Create a structured base for the design process of a specific production.

Analyse the selection and distribution of material elements on a stage.

Be able to stay up to date on the latest styles, attending fashion shows and review fashion/clothing magazines and manuals, analysing the past and present fashion trends in areas such …

Give instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance.

Communicate and collaborate with fellow designers in order to coordinate new products and designs.

Efficient communication during live performance, anticipate any possible malfunctioning.

Research information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production. Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff members, in order to develop design …

Share and develop design ideas with the artistic team. Conceptualise new ideas independently and with others. Present your idea, gain feedback and take it into account. Make sure the design …

Gather samples of the materials you expect to use in the creation process, especially if the desired piece of art necessitates the intervention of qualified workers or specific production processes.

Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.

Identify and explore recent developments in technology and materials used in the live performance industry, in order to create an up-to-date technical background for one's personal design work.

Identify and investigate sociological trends and movements in society.

Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run.

Prepare and present detailed design suggestions for a specific production to a mixed group of people, including technical, artistic and management staff.

Assess past artistic activities with a view to improving future projects.

Thorough research for information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production based.

Sew different products based on textiles and wearing apparel articles. Combine good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and physical and mental stamina.

Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.

Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.

Updating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated.

Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.

Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.

Ensure that costumes and pieces of clothing in visual artistic productions are historically correct. Conduct research and study primary sources in literature, pictures, museums, newspapers, paintings, etc.

Define costume manufacturing methods and techniques.

Define and assign costume materials and fabrics.

Use analytical skills, creativity, and recognise future trends in order to design wearing apparel.

Draw and cut out costume patterns using scissors and measuring instruments.

Draw sketches of costumes and clothing accessories; note specifications such as size, material type and colour scheme.

Examine sample garments; alter designs of sample garments.

Identify different target markets for new designs, considering factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status.

Visit textile showrooms, read fashion magazines, keep up-to-date with trends and changes in the world of fabrics and designs.

Find the right costume for a certain role and actor.

Deliver sample garments to sales representatives. Schedule meetings at fashion shows to demonstrate sample garments.

Coordinate and direct costume workers in the process of drawing, cutting and sewing costumes and samples.

Purchase new or second-hand clothing and a variety of accessory items, as is needed to complete designs.

Interpret an artistic plan and verify whether the described design can be executed.

Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.

The characteristics of techniques used to create atmospheres and effects on camera or on stage; the equipment required and appropriate setup to use.

Recommended Books

1 book

The Costume Designer's Handbook

Rosemary Ingham, Liz Cov…

2024

Preview

Legislation, on a national or international level, that governs labour conditions in various fields between labour parties such as the government, employees, employers, and trade unions.

Recommended Books

1 book

Handbook to the Labour Laws

New Zealand

2025

The computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating, modifying, analysing or optimising a design.

Art and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.

Define and make a list of the required resources and equipment based on the technical needs of the production.

Attend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.

Coordinate the artistic activities with others who are specialised in the technical side of the project. Inform the technical staff of the plans and methods suggested and obtain feedback on …

Documenting your own work practice for different purposes like assessment, time management, job application etc.

File and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.

Follow the instructions of the director while understanding his creative vision.

File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.

Lead, supervise and motivate a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and with the foreseen resources in mind.

Coordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.

Prepare and distribute documentation to ensure all people involved in the production receive relevant and up-to-date information.

Make sure that a given budget remains up to date using most recent and most accurate information. Anticipate possible variations and ensure that the set budgetary goals can be reached …

Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.

Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.

Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.

Work with the crew responsible for the camera operation and movement to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.

Work with the director of photography on the artistic and creative vision that needs to be followed during production of a movie or theatre production.

Work with the crew responsible for the lighting setup and operation to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.

Adapt, stitch or sew stage outfits for performing actors.

Organise fitting sessions for the actors and decide on the required actions. Assign the right size costume to each actor.

Organise and manage costume settings.