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Thursday, September 1, 2011

Studying Costume Design

Costume design is the process of creating the clothing of a character. Costume designers design and construct the apparel of characters for television, cinema, the theater, and other areas of performance art. Costume design is very important, as the designer is responsible for the appearance of the actors, something that can convey significant things about character or story.

The responsibilities of a costume designer are many and include reading the script, working with other production staff to develop designs and concepts, drawing preliminary sketches and fleshing them out, working with wardrobe and continuing to flesh out the designs, purchasing the materials required to build the costumes, fleshing them out some more, and then actually building them. It is a long, difficult, and sometimes costly process.

In ancient Greece, costume design consisted of making theatrical masks used to convey specific things about a character. Later, this was accomplished through more elaborate and complex outfits coupled with equally more elaborate and complex storytelling.

Those interested in a career in costume design generally need specific education and a lot of creativity. Designers are expected to have knowledge of pattern development, costume and fashion history, drafting, draping, textiles, and more, and they must be able to do thorough research. Designers should have a two-year or four-year degree in fashion or costume design.

The earnings of a costume designer vary based on experience, education, and reputation. Professional, highly experienced designers can receive contracts worth over one hundred thousand dollars. But those new in the field earn much less than veterans. Costume design is a tough job, but the rewards of seeing one’s own work on stage or on-screen is worth all the hard work and effort.

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