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Designer, Scenographer, Theatre Designer, Wardrobe Head
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:
Interest in synthesizing information to create settings, scenic environments, properties, costumes and lighting for theatre, film, video productions, operas and ballets; and in preparing working drawings, creating special stage lighting patterns and selecting colours, decor and accessories
Interest in precision working with tools to construct miniature sets in cardboard, plaster and other materials; and in sketching and painting plans and submitting them to directors and producers for approval
Interest in speaking with workers when overseeing construction of sets
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Responsibilities vary depending on the type of production but, in general, costume designers:
Depending on the nature, size and complexity of the production, costume designers may have assistants (such as seamstresses / seamsters or tailors) or they may construct and fit costumes themselves. In some cases, 1 designer is responsible for makeup, sets, costumes and props.
A costume 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:
In computer-rendered previsualization, animation, game design and digital graphics, costume designers work with modelling artists and texturers to create realistic garments in a digital format. The costumes are digitally mapped and anchored onto 3 dimensional characters, and assigned textures and physical properties using software to allow them to be rendered, move and distort realistically. Directors can then assess costuming in relation to the digital scenery and make adjustments as necessary.
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, gaming) 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, so good organization and time management is key. It may result in long periods of working at home or in a personal studio and long periods of travel.
Costume designers need:
They should enjoy:
Costume designers must understand colour, fabric, texture, composition and garment construction. They need related post-secondary education, preferably a bachelor's degree or master's degree with courses in drama or broadcasting, and costume design and construction. Clothing and fashion design, marketing, business, literature and history courses are recommended. Most costume designers are self-employed and must be knowledgeable about both contemporary and historical fashions.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Costume designers work for:
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 costume play (cosplay) events, 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 larger scale and 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:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5243: Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
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.
Most costume designers are hired on contract for a season or particular production. Fees vary considerably depending on the production and the designer's reputation.
Costume designers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5243: Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers.
According to the 2015 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers occupational group earned on average from $17.89 to $25.47 an hour. The overall average was $21.04 an hour. More recent data is not available.
Associated Designers of Canada (ADC) website: www.designers.ca
Canadian Alliance of Film and Television Costume Arts & Design website: https://www.caftcad.com/
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Calgary website: www.iatse212.com
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Edmonton website: www.iatse210.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated May 17, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.