Costume designer

About this occupation

Costume designers develop a costume design concept for a performance, a movie or a television program. They supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Costume designers develop sketches, design drawings, patterns or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew.  

A specialisation of industrial designer.

• Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.
• Examine sample garments on and off models, modifying designs to achieve desired effects.
• Confer with sales and management executives or with clients to discuss design ideas.
• Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.
• Provide sample garments to agents and sales representatives, and arrange for showings of sample garments at sales meetings or fashion shows.
• Direct and coordinate workers involved in drawing and cutting patterns and constructing samples or finished garments.

Typical education (US)

Bachelor's Degree

Preparation

Job Zone 3 of 5

Interests

Artistic, Realistic, Enterprising

Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Active Learning, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination

US median pay: US$80,960 a year (2025), 21,450 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.4)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.1)
• Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.1)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

Bachelor's Degree

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.