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Costume Designer

I want to be one
Who This Career is For?
A career in costume designing is not for everybody. For starters, a costume designer must be gifted with a creative mind. You must constantly be able to come up with innovative ideas to please clients and meet their various needs in a unique way. Additionally, one must have the ability to spot and pick colors, patterns and textures.

Costume designers should be able to visualize drawings in three dimensional forms. They need to have basic hand drawing skills, and the ability to make sketches using the computer is a much desired bonus. People who have basic tailoring abilities also make good costume designers as they have an idea about garment construction and other production technicalities.

It is essential to have great communication skills so that one can put their point across to both manufacturers as well as buyers. Costume designers must have an innate interest in fashion, clothing and a general idea about contemporary pop culture. Moreover, they should be inclined towards designing and art.
Want to know more about it?
Costume designers are responsible for creating the look of characters in movies, plays etc. by designing their clothes, accessories and shoes. They mostly work for theatre, television, motion picture companies as well as for companies representing musicians etc. They may produce one-of-a-kind clothing, or create an idea that is mass produced.

Responsibilities may vary from costume designer to costume designer, but generally, the job entails producing concepts, making sketches (digitally or by hand – this may vary job to job), making new patterns, overseeing the manufacturing process and most importantly, studying trends related to fabrics, colors etc. and making deductions. Although the job is mostly an office job, one cannot rule out traveling as a costume designer.

The job may involve visiting fashion shows etc, or even international travel to fashion centers all along the world. The job may entail constant interaction with suppliers and buyers, who may be located all across the world. It can be a stressful job, particularly during seasons in which demand for costumes is high. The job can be demanding, and may involve working with difficult personalities.

Costume Designers are generally required to have a degree in costume designing or fashion designing. Postgraduates and those who have attended vocational training courses related to costume designing will be given preference. Moreover, it is necessary for a costume designer to have technical ability in designing and dressmaking as well.
What are Salary Prospects?
The average annual salary in the US is $55,840. However, this statistic varies greatly depending on how much work you do (assuming you’re self employed) and your level of experience if you work for a costume designing company. In India, the salary of a costume designer can vary between Rs. 120,000 and Rs. 694,000. Additional perks may include health benefits, paid vacations and free international travel and accommodation depending on where you work.
How is Life?
Life as a

costume designer

involves 9am-5pm hours. However, designers are often required to put in a lot of extra hours when preparing samples for buyers and when the workload is more hectic. The job can be stressful, although it is done in an office environment.

Costume designers may opt for part time work as opposed to full time work but in order to keep up with their competition, they still might need to put in a lot of hours. The work may involve attending shows where future fashion trends are guessed (prediction shows), fashion shows and visit buyers. Moreover, the work often involves travel to visit fashion capitals around the world.
What Perks come along with this career?
Besides the salary, costume designing often includes a lot of other perks including health benefits, sick leave and paid vacations. Moreover, costume designers enjoy the ability to travel the world as a part of their job. They are also able to interact with celebrities ranging from musicians to actors/actresses. Textile companies often give costume designers gifts if they endorse their products.
Which Downsides are there in this career?
The biggest downside to costume designing is the sheer amount of competition at entry level. Most people have to end up working as assistants to experienced costume designers for lengthy periods of time. The work is not near as glamorous as it seems, especially at entry level. It requires extreme attention to detail, and less experienced costume designers may face a lot of criticism.
How is Competition?
As it is considered a glamorous career path, costume designing is incredibly competitive. According to statistics, until 2014, the employment of costume designers is expected to increase at a below-average rate. Yet, demand for designers will remain as the film industry continues to thrive and people continue to demand innovative clothing. Experience and perseverance are the most essential tools to get ahead in the industry.
Locations where this career is good?
Costume designing is a growing career path. Costume designers are in great demand in cities where the film industry is thriving, such as Los Angeles and Mumbai.
Career Path
After Class 12, opt for a professional course in designing to understand the nuances of the course, and get better insight

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