Costume designer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You can do a higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification in:

• costume design
• fashion
• theatre design
• costume construction

Entry requirements:

• between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

College

You could do a college course to get practical skills that you'll need to find a trainee position. Courses include:

• fashion and textiles
• production arts
• art and design
• T Level in Craft and Design (Textiles and Fashion option)

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

To become a costume designer, you could do the:

• Costume Performance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Fashion Studio Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Bespoke Tailor and Cutter Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

These can take up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You could get into costume design by working for a company that provides costumes for stage and screen.

Some of the larger companies offer work experience and internship opportunities.

You might also get a job as a costume assistant, then do more training on the job to move into design work.

Volunteering

Experience in the theatre, film or costume industry is highly valued by employers and volunteering is a great way to improve your skills. It's also a good way to meet people and build up your network of contacts.

You could get relevant experience through:

• student theatre and film productions
• amateur theatre
• working as a costume 'daily' or temporary helper on TV or film sets
• casual wardrobe work in theatres
• working for a theatrical costume hire company

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• knowledge of the fine arts
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of maths
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• sensitivity and understanding
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• leadership skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to read English
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• concentration skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Costume designers are responsible for the overall look of the costumes and accessories in theatre, film and television productions.

As a costume designer, you would:

• work with the production team to understand costume requirements
• research costume styles, materials, location and time period
• produce designs by hand or using design software
• create costumes and accessories
• hire costumes and fit, alter and repair outfits
• make sure costumes are well maintained and stored properly for future use

Location : You could work in a theatre, at a film studio, at a TV studio, on a film set or from home.

Salary:

Starter : £22,000
Experienced : £34,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 42 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

Career Path:

You could go on to specialise in theatre, film or TV.

You might also work on specific types of production, for example historical programmes or theatrical shows.

You could take on responsibility for managing a team of costume designers and assistants, move into set design or become a production manager.