It’s not uncommon for those with a passion for fashion and a flair for the dramatic to be drawn to a career as a costume designer. Costume designer jobs are available in television, film, music, and other areas of the arts and media, not just live theater.
One of the highest levels of costume designer jobs in television is actually designing the garments for the cast, rather than just deciding what each character will wear and how they will accessorize. This level of achievement has been attained by fashion designers such as Patricia Field of Sex and the City fame. For her work in designing and outfitting stars in both television and film, Field has received Emmy, Satellite, and Costume Designers Guild awards. Costume designer jobs in television at the entry level entail sourcing garments and accessories for on-screen characters, as well as maintaining and repairing the garments as needed. Both the high level and low level responsibilities of costume designer jobs may fall under one person on small sets or sets with a limited budget.
A-list actors frequently have their own stylists on set, who collaborate with the production company’s costume designers and wardrobe personnel. In addition to sourcing items for the cast’s wardrobe, costume designers assist extras and background performers with their outfits. Procuring and ensuring an adequate supply of wardrobe items such as safety pins, insoles, fabric tape, nylons, and other small accessories for last-minute fixes and adjustments may also be part of entry-level costume designer jobs for film.
Due to the increasing complexity of live music productions over the years, musicians on tour typically require multiple costume designers and assistants for themselves and their backup performers. Depending on the type of show, an artist may need to change into a new costume for each song, which necessitates the assistance of dressers who assist the performer in undressing and changing into the next outfit. Stylists also assist with the show’s overall vision and may work full-time with a performer or other celebrity to advise on day-to-day wardrobe choices.