FAQs
I receive many interesting e-mails from you, asking questions about a career in costume design. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions:
- What kind of training did you get, and how did you get started?
- What should I study?
- What kind of things can be portrayed through a character's costuming?
- What steps do you perform in the designing process?
- What are your favorite things about your job?
- What are the worst things about your job?
- Are there any costume designers that you look up to or are inspired by?
What kind of training did you get, and how did you get started?
I got a BA in History of Art at the University of Toronto. I then took
a little detour, working as a dancer and actress on Broadway and in Hollywood.
Once I discovered I wanted to be a costume designer, I went to UCLA and
Otis
Parsons for courses in History of Costume, and lots of drawing and painting.
I was hired by Bob Mackie as his assistant for several projects, and spent
five years as an assistant costume designer.
- Study history of costume.
- Though fashion is not directly linked to costume design, it is a good first cousin. If only fashion courses are available, then take them.
- Study drawing and painting, because the way a a costume gets from your imagination to where the producer and director can see your design is by paper and pencil. You must be able to sketch your designs.
- Study textiles, color; understand dyeing fabrics, draping, and pattern making.
- Study anything related to theatre, including acting! This way you will learn how an actor goes about creating a character.
- Study computer art programs such as Photoshop. Everyone in the entertainment business now is expected to be computer proficient.
What kind of things can be portrayed through a character's costuming?
The kinds of things you can illuminate are:
- period, (contemporary or past)
- person's station in life (upper class, middle class, blue collar)
- type of work (lawyer, maid, garbage man, teacher, politician etc.),
- location: part of the world the story is set in, even what part of the country (East Coast, West Coast, Alaska?). Urban or countryside?
- season: hot? cold?
- political views (conservative or liberal?)
- approximate age (teens dress differently from middle-aged, duh!)
- unique personal quirks (why did Annie Hall like those men's clothes?)
What steps do you perform in the designing
process?
I ask myself all the questions in the previous question. Then I look at the individual actors I am costuming, talk to the director about creative concepts,, talk to the set or producion designer about colors and style, talk to the producer about my budget, and then get started.
What are your favorite things about your job?
My favorite thing is that I just love designing costumes! I love the
variety of working on different projects with different challenges, working
with many different actors, and sometimes working in different locales.
Life is never
dull.
What are the worst things about your job?
The worst thing about my job is that, no matter how good one is or how
successful, there is no guarantee of employment or financial security.
A TV show gets canceled, a show ends, and you must look for the next job.
Life is
never stable!
Are there any costume designers that you look up to or are inspired by?
Absolutely! My first employer, Bob Mackie, was one of my greatest teachers. I also admire Albert Wolsky, who designed Road to Perdition, and Milena Canonero, who designed The Godfather, Part 111.. There are many others.
If you'd like the answer to a question that doesn't appear on this page, please feel free to contact me.