What Does a Costume Designer Do?

Costume designers create the wardrobe for theatrical, television and film productions. They may work on both contemporary and period pieces, often taking historical or cultural context into consideration. They collaborate with the director and other members of the department to design costumes that will serve a story and enhance performance.

They start by reading the script several times and taking notes, taking into account any research or dramaturgical needs of the project. They then begin sketching or making digital renderings and look at photos for inspiration. When they’ve settled on a design, they present it to the director for approval. They also consult with other departments, such as the lighting designer to ensure that the costume will be appropriately lit for the scene.

The costume designer works within budget restrictions to hire a team of costume makers and organizes a schedule of fittings for the actors. They also make notes about how the costume will be constructed, such as whether it will need to be ripped, torn or altered in certain ways to accommodate specific actions an actor might take on set. Costume designers stick around during shooting in case alterations or repairs need to be made quickly.

They also oversee all of the wardrobe for a production, including background actors. Because of this, the wardrobe notes Central Casting provides Background Actors with have the costume designer’s overall vision in mind. It’s important to read the wardrobe notes carefully and follow them as closely as possible. This will help you to realize the costume designer’s vision for the scene, and it will help the crew on set execute the design correctly.