So you want to be a Costume Designer? And why would'nt you? Cool job right?
Yes it is :)
It is not easy though. If you are serious about this occupation it is definatley achievable like anything if you really want it bad enough. But you need to realise that it is hard work, long hours and can get very stressful but the results are very satisfying. My aim in this post is to give you information on how to get your foot in the door then it is up to you from there.
What is a Costume Designer?
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How to draw designs for becoming a Costume Designer
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How I became a Costume Designer
Key steps to making it as a great Costume Designer:
1. Sketch, sketch and sketch some more, practise designing costumes and fashion on paper. This will also show you have an interest in it. Draw as much variety as you muster up, as this will all add to your knowledge, experience, sketching skills and it will make you more aware of how costumes should look.
2. Learn to sew. Learn to handsew first then try sew on a machine if you have one. If not try borrow one to see if you really like it. You will need to learn how to set up your machine if you are going to use it and practise on it. I would suggest a short beginners course and it will teach you basic stitches to get your started.
3. Once youve learnt how to sew the basics, give yourself projects! Start with making a cushion or a simple A-line skirt. Each time you finish a product and are happy with it give yourself a slightly more difficult project and learn from your mistakes along the way. We all make them, do not get disheartened, because we all need to fail a few times before we succeed.
4. Work on a portfolio in school and/or at home based on Costume Design/Fashion Design. You can use a variety of artwork but your work should show that you are serious in becoming a Costume Designer for when you want to apply to college. Remember quality over quantity!
5. Do a course in Costume Design. You really need to go to college as teaching yourself to sew is not good enough as there more to it than knowing how to sew. You will learn Costume Theory, Costume History, Costume Design, Pattern Drafting, How to design for a production, Experience in a real production, learn to Work in a Team and so much more.You could do a course in Fashion Design too but I would suggest doing a Costume Design course too then you have the best of both worlds.
6. When you finish college, get out there and get work experience in a theatre or film. You might of already had a taster for this in your course but you want to fill that C.V. Ask a theatre or film production company can you help out for two weeks to get an insight into the world of a Costume Designer.
Get your foot in the door and work your way up,,, how you ask? Read on
Forget emailing or even calling for that matter. Think of all the emails you get that you ignore or how easy it is to fob someone off a call. Emails = no effort, it shows that you have not put any effort into insuring you get the job because you just sent an email and left it at that. Did you follow up with a call? If you did that is ok but you are still not showing your desire to be a costume designer. You need to get up, get out and knock on doors. If you want someone to believe how passionate you are about getting into the Costume industry then you need to show them by showing your persistence. I do not mean hound the employer but if you heard of an opening for an internship or an actual job, then go the place where they are hiring and ask to speak with the employer, be polite, tell them you will not take up too much of their time but that you want to hand in your C.V. in person and show them a couple of pieces from you portfolio.
This is your time to shine. You might only have a minute gap so say all you need to say in a short and to the point kind of way. Tell them you are really interested in this position and are a really passionate and hard working individual and if you got the opportunity to work with them you that they would not be dissappointed!
THEN and only THEN will you be remembered. You will stand out in comparison to the others that emailed or just called. You went the extra mile and were not afraid to ask for what you want, which shows courage and determination. Get your foot in the door and keep moving up.
Before you know it you will receive calls for work from employers recommending you and passing your contact details on. Sometimes its not what you know, its who you know. You need to get yourself known then what you know and your talent can shine through your work.
Always remember to stay focused on your goal, if its being nominated for Best Costume Designer Awards then so be it. Never doubt yourself, work hard and beleive in your dreams and they will come true...
Best of luck...
If you would like to ask me something about my career please contact me through www.pinmeupireland.com or www.facebook.com/pinmeupireland
