Costume Designer

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Theatre Designers (5243.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit and Other Creative Designers (F143) 
• 2011 NOC: Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers (5243) 

Responsibilities vary depending on the type of production but, in general, costume designers:

• read and analyze scripts
• use a variety of artistic techniques to explore traditional or abstract methods of visualizing productions
• work closely with directors and other members of the production team (set designers, lighting designers, makeup artists) to develop design concepts
• conduct research to flesh out design concepts such as, geographical settings, time periods, characters and their relationships and actions
• produce working drawings and colour renderings of costumes
• meet with wardrobe managers and head cutters to discuss each design
• approve or supervise purchase of fabrics, new or used clothing and accessories
• develop and implement budgets for costume-related expenses
• develop patterns for costumes
• attend fittings and some rehearsals (for theatre, dance and opera productions).

Depending on the nature, size and complexity of the production, costume designers may have assistants - (such as sewers or mulliners) - or they may construct and fit costumes themselves. In some cases, 1 designer is responsible for makeup, sets, costumes and props.

A designer's responsibilities may also vary considerably from one show to another depending on the designer's relationship with each particular director.

On large film productions, costume designers may have additional duties. They may:

• hire their own crew
• rent equipment for a workshop, office and on-set costume truck
• attend shoots where new costumes are introduced in order to be available to address changes
• wrap up after filming.

Costume designers often work long hours to meet production deadlines. Their working conditions vary considerably depending on the discipline in which they work (opera, theatre, dance, film) and on the specific project. Some travel may be required to maintain steady employment.

Due to the freelance nature of the occupation, a designer may have to work on many projects at once. This may entail working on projects at various stages of production and for a variety of companies. It may result in long periods of working at home or in a personal studio and long periods of travel.

Costume designers need to possess:

• creativity and artistic vision
• flexibility
• the communication and interpersonal skills required to work effectively with others and to market their ideas and services
• the ability to work under pressure and the stamina required to work long hours
• self-discipline, good time-management skills and a strong work ethic
• the ability and desire to work in a team environment.

They should enjoy synthesizing information, experimenting and finding innovative solutions to problems, doing precise work with tools and equipment, and supervising the work of others.

Costume designers work for:

• theatre companies
• film and television production companies
• opera and dance companies
• festivals.

Some theatre companies employ resident designers, but most costume designers work freelance and negotiate contracts for specific projects. Therefore, aspiring designers must acquire related experience and develop a portfolio of their work. Some volunteer to design costumes for amateur theatre companies or cable television stations to gain experience. Many gain experience by working in various crew positions and as designers' assistants.

Graduates of design programs usually start as designers for smaller productions or as assistant designers for larger productions. They may work on 2 or 3 projects at the same time to earn a living. Advancement generally takes the form of more demanding assignments. A few costume designers teach at universities and colleges. Depending on the employer, some costume designers may be required to have membership in the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

Costume designers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5243: Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers. In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Retail Trade (PDF)
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)
• Manufacturing (PDF)

The employment outlook (PDF) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting funding for the arts
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years. Occupational growth may be highly influenced by the number of productions companies do in a year and by the scale of these productions.

Associated Designers of Canada (ADC) website: www.designers.ca

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Calgary website: www.iatse212.com

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Edmonton website: www.iatse210.com

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.