Costumedesigner

Briefly explain what you do for a living.

I am a costume designer by profession, i.e. I design performers’ costumes for the needs of performing arts. I have worked as a costume designer in films, TV series, theatre performances, dance works and opera. The costume designer’s task is to create the clothing and imaginary identity of the characters in cooperation with the artistic team and performers. In addition to designing clothes, the costume designer manages the manufacturing and acquisition of clothes and acts as the supervisor of his/her team.

How have you ended up in the profession of your choice?  

I ended up as a costume designer through a few twists and turns, which have provided me with important knowledge and skills for my current profession. I originally studied music, so I got involved in the world of performing arts when I played music in different performances. I also used to dance flamenco, which aroused my interest in stage clothing, and I made my first costume designs for a flamenco dance performance.

Once, I worked as a trainee at the dyeing department of Tampere Workers’ Theatre. There I had the opportunity to make printed fabrics and dye clothes. I also completed a bachelor’s degree in textile design, which increased my know-how and interest in different materials and their properties. Studying to become a dressmaker increased my enthusiasm in costume design. After I completed my dressmaking studies, I worked as a dressmaker at a theatre, while also making costume designs for smaller theatre groups and different dance works. After this, I was admitted to the Master’s Degree Programme in Costume Design at Aalto University. After I graduated from there, I started working full-time as a costume designer.

Describe your typical working day or week.

The content of my working week depends on the type of project I am involved in. For example, I may have a shooting day, a rehearsal day at a theatre or both on top of one another. I am currently working in a TV series production. We are now filming for the fourth week. When working as a freelancer, there are often many projects running at the same time.

When I work in a TV production, the working day begins in a dressing and makeup trailer in the filming location. In the trailer, the actors are dressed in their characters’ outfits and their makeup is done. There, I brief my team of the course of the day. With actors, I run through their costume changes. In addition, I discuss with the director and makeup artist and consider how the staging will affect the costumes. During the day, I try to be involved with the filming as much as possible.

What kind of work environment or working hours do you have?

In TV productions, the work environment varies depending on the filming location. I also work at the studio and theatre.

In TV production, working hours vary from day to day, usually from 7 to 14 hours. In the theatre, the working hours are more regular, and I know them several months in advance.

What kind of competence or qualities are required in the profession?

The qualifications of a dressmaker and textile designer and work experience in these jobs are very useful when working as a costume designer. Other characteristics that will benefit you in the profession include a calm nature, being easy person to approach and being able to work with different people. The work also requires the ability to take the budget into account in the planning of the whole and the ability to communicate your own thoughts and ideas to the rest of the team.

Film productions require initiative and courage, as the costume designer is responsible for acquiring the facilities and equipment for costume design as well as the recruitment and working time planning of the working group. Also, when working in the field, you need to be able to adapt to changing working hours.

What is the best thing about your profession?

The best part of the costume designer’s work are the close-knit working groups, with whom you know things will go smoothly even in very tight situations. It is very rewarding when the design work has been successful, and I see the performer wear my costume. In addition, I also enjoy the fact that filming takes me to different exciting places.

What are the downsides of the profession or what seems challenging?

When working as a costume designer, long working days and irregular working hours are difficult, as they do not leave that much time for hobbies, friends and family. In addition, the work is sometimes physically and mentally consuming.

What would you tell a person considering the profession of a costume designer?

Go and see a variety of performances. If you are considering this profession, you should remember that this is not an easy field. With the exception of a few rare moments, the everyday life of a costume designer is far from the glamour often associated with star performers and their clothes.

How do you see the future of your profession?

Although the future of the cultural sector does not look very bright at the moment, I believe that TV and film productions will continue to provide plenty of work. However, if the amount of work decreases, with the expertise of a costume designer it is possible to find employment in other types of tasks as well.