Costume designer apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this role
University
You can do a higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification in:
- costume design
- fashion
- theatre design
- performing arts (production)
You'll usually need between 1 and 3 A-levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree. You'll need a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study.
College
You could get practical garment production skills like pattern cutting, hand and machine sewing and dressmaking by completing a qualification. These include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles (with specialism in subjects like Tailoring or Sewing and Textiles)
- Level 2 Certificate in Theatre Support - Costume and Wardrobe
- Level 3 Certificate in Theatre Support - Costume and Wardrobe
Qualifications like these could be useful for getting work as a costume assistant. You could then do more training on the job to move into design work.
You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.
Apprenticeship
The following apprenticeship may be relevant to this role:
- Level 3 Costume performance technician
- Level 3 Fashion studio assistant
- Level 5 Bespoke tailor and cutter
You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a Level 5 apprenticeship.
Work
You could get into costume designing by working for a company who provides costumes for stage and screen.
Some of the larger ones offer work experience and internship opportunities.
Volunteering
Experience in the theatre, film or costume industry is highly valued by employers and volunteering is a great way to improve your skills. It's also a good way to meet people and build up your network of contacts.
You could get relevant experience through:
- student theatre and film productions or amateur theatre
- working as a costume 'daily' or temporary helper on TV or film sets
- casual wardrobe work in theatres
- working for a theatrical costume hire company
Professional and industry bodies
You can join The Society of British Theatre Designers and The Costume Society, for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Costume designer apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to work well with others
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of the fine arts
- excellent verbal communication skills
- design skills and knowledge
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Costume designer apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You could:
- study the script to understand costume requirements
- discuss ideas with the director, and production, make-up, lighting and set designers
- research suitable costume styles and fabrics
- sketch costume designs
- create costumes to fit the production's design concept and budget
- give instructions to costume makers, wardrobe supervisors and assistants
On smaller productions you could also: - manage the wardrobe budget
- buy or hire outfits
- fit, alter and adapt costumes
- clean, iron and mend
- make sure wardrobe items are available at the right time
- keep the look of the costumes the same between shoots or scenes
Working environment
You could work at a film studio, in a theatre, at a TV studio, on a film set or from home.
Career path and progression - Costume designer apprenticeships
You’ll specialise in either theatre or in film and TV, but you could work in both areas once you’re established.