Do you want to become a costume designer? If you know how to make props, for a movie, comedy, comic, or just a video, but have often felt overwhelmed when starting out, here are a few simple steps that will help you.
Steps
Step 1. Find out about colors and patterns
One of the fundamental starting points for a costume designer is to learn the relationships between different colors. Start by learning the color wheel and the relationship between neighboring colors, then learn the meaning of each color.
For example, traditionally, blue gives the viewer a sense of sadness and detachment, while purple is associated with royalty
Step 2. Decide if you want formal education
Some fashion schools offer costume design courses, otherwise you can use online resources to learn the basics.
Step 3. Research what other costume designers are doing and choose the items you like best
Attend theatrical performances and take a good look at what other costume designers are using. Obviously, if you are planning to create your own costume line, don't steal other people's ideas, rather take note of the elements used by the other costume designers. Are there characters wearing clothes of the same color? Are there characters characterized by certain fantasies? Is there a general theme, regarding the costumes?
- One of the traditional examples is "Romeo and Juliet": in each version, the costume designers distinguish the Capulets from the Montagues with costumes of different styles.
- The particular features to research are colors, patterns and accessories. A high-ranking woman, for example, might wear a costume with a complex pattern or fur accessories, while a butcher might wear a monochromatic costume and apron.
Step 4. Start putting together an idea book
Collect everything that has inspired you in a book, be it the image of a landscape or a particular fantasy. Inspiration doesn't have to be strictly associated with clothing, if you see an example of a blue color you like in a magazine, cut it out and put it aside! There doesn't have to be a specific link between the things you've collected in the book - not now, at least. This book will serve as a reference for future work, so feel free to collect ideas at will!
Step 5. When you feel ready, find a show or story to work with and read it
If this is your first time working as a costume designer and you're just doing it as a hobby, find something you'd like to start with. Make a list of the characters that appear in the story / play, as you will need to match a costume to each of these. If you work on a musical, buy the soundtrack and listen to it for further inspiration.
Step 6. Once you have the show or story in mind, find a theme and delve into it
What makes the costumes interesting is the way the costume designer interprets the story's text and characters, and makes the setting his own. Decide if you want a traditional theme for your costumes or something out of the ordinary. Is your story set in a specific historical era? For example, if you were working on a story set in the 1700s, you can refer to the specific style of the era or try a creatively innovative approach. How about a Japanese version of "Alice in Wonderland"? Once you have a good idea, delve into it in every detail. Create a separate book of ideas for the story you have decided to work on; collect images that are relevant to the theme you want to use.
Step 7. Now that you have a story and its interpretation, start channeling ideas for each individual character
Start grouping ideas for each character. Of course, if you feel the need to dig deeper into your research, do it.
Don't be negligent towards minor characters! Sometimes it's just the secondary characters in a story that give you the chance to be more creative - and have more fun
Step 8. Start with your first costume
Choose your favorite character or one that has particularly inspired you. If you don't feel good at drawing, you can always create a picture collage. Using a collage of images of real clothes will help you get an idea of how to make the costumes and their textures. If you feel capable of drawing, please refer to the idea book anyway.
- Sometimes it's good to create different designs for each character.
- If you are working as a costume designer for an official production, make sure you have photos of the characters / actors if you can. This will allow you to get a concrete idea of what might look good on them, rather than having to rely only on a mere drawing.
Step 9. After a lot of effort, you should have put together your first costume collection
Now it's up to you to know how to use them. In any case, be sure to keep them safe for possible future production. If you want, you can choose to actually produce these costumes, otherwise you can just keep the designs in your portfolio.
Advice
- Do a lot of research. The more you know, the more ideas you will have. There is never enough research.
- Some fabric shops sell cheap - or give away - scraps of fabric.
- As mentioned, don't be intimidated by the lack of drawing talent. Use image collages!
Warnings
- If you plan to make the costumes yourself, be careful of their costs. These may turn out to be overpriced, which could put you down in spirits.
- Consider getting a costume design title. Most professional costume designers have received formal education, so aim for at least a certificate.
