[custom_adv] Costume designers have a thorough understanding of fashion design, sewing, character development and production. They are interested in the meaning behind costumes and are design experts. To them, clothes aren’t just clothes. They symbolise what a character values, highlights their personality and conveys the character’s emotional journey. Every clothing decision is carefully considered. [custom_adv] At the beginning of a film, TV or theatre production, a costume designer carefully reads the script in order to get a feel for the characters, plot, mood, time period, environment and the director’s intent for the project. After reading the script, costume designers thoroughly research the clothing which might best suit the time and location of the story. [custom_adv] Costume designers assemble their ideas sometimes via sketches, photographs, mood boards or rough designs. Usually, they will create a timeline for major character’s storylines which evolves as the story goes on. They also develop costumes for secondary and supporting characters. These ideas are presented to the director and production team and either approved or improved. [custom_adv] Designing the costumes is only the beginning of the job. Once a costume designer’s ideas are approved by the director, they must find the actual products. The clothes can come from anywhere. They can be bought secondhand, purchased online, found in high-end department stores or made from scratch, depending on the demands of the project and budget. [custom_adv] Costume designers will often do a combination of all four. Where the clothes come from doesn’t matter nearly as much as it does that they reflect a character’s culture, age, status and personality.
