Costume Design is a creative, collaborative, demanding, exhausting yet rewarding
career. More of a calling really. You will wear many hats – deal maker, magician, miracle
worker & time bender. Other skills required are psychologist, sociologist, researcher,
historian and actor. Oh yes, and you also need to be a talented designer. Not too much
to ask. Here are five tips to help along the way.
Design process – once you have read the script
and collaborated now it’s time to design. Mood
boards are an excellent tool to process this
information and show your design style, color
palette and vision for each character. Be confident
yet flexible about your designs. Don’t be married
to any one idea. There are uncountable moving
pieces in any production and many will affect
costumes. You must be flexible yet remain true to
the vision.
Research everything! The job,
company, costumes, people you
will work for, with and hire. Get
references and check them.
Be respectful. You will need a
whole team to achieve your
design goals. Respect their time,
talent and vision.
Collaborate. Create appropriate
outfits that not only serve the
needs of the narrative and the
director’s vision but also meet the
needs of the actors, stunt actors,
special effects and props.
Be firm yet kind. This is, after all, a
business. Stand firm for your needs
but do so in a professional manner. If
the pressure is too much or someone
doesn’t meet your expectations, take a
deep breath and focus on the solution.
People look to you as a leader. Lead
with kindness and compassion.