Costume Designer

Typical Salary

£16,000 To £35,000

Typical Hours

40 to 42 variable

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How To Become a Costume Designer

You can get into this job through:

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

College / University

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

costume design
fashion
theatre design
performing arts (production)

between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You could get practical garment production skills like pattern cutting, hand and machine sewing and dressmaking by completing a qualification. These include:

Level 2 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles (with specialism in subjects like Tailoring or Sewing and Textiles)
Level 2 Certificate in Theatre Support - Costume and Wardrobe
Level 3 Certificate in Theatre Support - Costume and Wardrobe

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeship may be relevant to this role:

Level 3 Costume performance technician
Level 3 Fashion studio assistant
Level 5 Bespoke tailor and cutter

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

Routes into this Career

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

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

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

the ability to work well with others
sensitivity and understanding
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of the fine arts
excellent verbal communication skills
design skills and knowledge
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

You could:

study the script to understand costume requirements
discuss ideas with the director, and production, make-up, lighting and set designers
research suitable costume styles and fabrics
sketch costume designs
create costumes to fit the production's design concept and budget
give instructions to costume makers, wardrobe supervisors and assistants

On smaller productions you could also:

manage the wardrobe budget
buy or hire outfits
fit, alter and adapt costumes
clean, iron and mend
make sure wardrobe items are available at the right time
keep the look of the costumes the same between shoots or scenes

Working Environment

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

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

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

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The Society of British Theatre Designers and The Costume Society, for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a costume designer from:

You can also get more details about working in the creative industries from Discover Creative Careers

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.