1. Costume Designer Dolly Urnezis Professor Libolt Fashion 105 April 28, 2011

2. Duties • Oversee entire costume production • Develop wardrobes, footwear, accessories and other fashion apparels to be used in theatre, film and television • Responsible for researching, designing, drawing and sewing costumes • Sketch costume designs and develop costume drafts and layouts • Study scripts and story lines to conceptualize the costume style • Find costume styles, fabrics, patterns and designs to go with the production • Work closely with directors, producers and costume design team • Find and purchase ready-made costumes • Manage costume budget • Supervise costume fittings and dress rehearsals • Oversee overall production schedules

3. Education • College degree not required • A 2 year or 4 year degree in fashion or costume design is preferred and suggested • Broad knowledge on arts, fashion and general world history suggested • Bachelors or advanced degrees in fine arts, fashion, costume design, set design, or theatre design preferred • Relevant work and field experience suggested

4. Abilities • Skilled in drawing, sewing, tailoring and pattern making • Excellent research skills • Superb designing and dressmaking skills • Must have a good understanding of textiles, fabrics, accessories and latest fashion trends • Understands body types and is able to style appropriately • Able to meet deadlines and stay within budget

5. Personal Qualities • Creative • Artistic • Detail oriented • Organized • Impeccable fashion sense • Excellent communication and people skills • Eye for detail, color and shape • Natural leader • Able to multitask

6. Salary • Vary depending on experience and expertise • Entry-Level Costume Designer: $500/ production • Experienced Costume Designer: $20,000/production • Top-Level Costume Designer: $150,000/production • New York pays the highest salary for costume designer positions

7. Location & Availability • Largest and highest paid markets are in New York and Los Angeles • Employment opportunities for costume designers are rising • Competitive employment atmosphere • Jobs opportunities in local theaters, schools and non-profit organizations are easier to get • Typical Career Path-Design Assistant, University/Regional Theatre > Costume Designer, University/Regional Theatre > Costume Designer, Broadway/Off-Broadway Productions > Costume Designer, Television and Film

8. References • http://www.fashion-schools.org/costume-designer.htm • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costume_designer • http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Costume_Designer/Salary • http://www.aact.org/people/costumedesigner.html • http://guidewhois.com/2010/12/costume-designer-job-description-education-training-requirements-career-salary-employment/