TV Costume Designer
Blog

7 Tips for Landing Your Dream Costume Designer Job

Are you passionate about fashion and have a flair for creativity? Do you love bringing characters to life through costumes? If so, a career as a costume designer might be the perfect fit for you. Costume designers play a crucial role in film, television, theater, and other artistic productions, bringing characters and stories to life through their creative vision. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips to help you land your dream costume designer job.

1. Develop Your Skills and Knowledge

Becoming a successful costume designer requires a combination of artistic talent and technical skills. Start by honing your skills in fashion design, sewing, pattern-making, and understanding fabric types. Taking courses or pursuing a degree in fashion design or costume design can provide you with a solid foundation. Schools like New York University (NYU), NYU Tisch, Parsons School of Design, Parsons, The New School, FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology), and FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) offer excellent programs in costume design.

2. Gain Practical Experience

While education is important, practical experience is equally valuable. Look for opportunities to work on student films, community theater productions, or internships with established costume designers. These experiences will allow you to build a portfolio and network with professionals in the industry. Additionally, consider volunteering for local theater groups or participating in costume design competitions to showcase your skills.

3. Build a Strong Portfolio

A portfolio is your calling card as a costume designer. It should showcase your range, creativity, and ability to bring characters to life through costumes. Include a variety of projects, such as period costumes, contemporary designs, and different genres. Your portfolio can be physical or digital, but make sure it is well-organized and visually appealing. Consider using online platforms or websites to showcase your work to potential employers.

4. Network in the Industry

Networking is key to finding job opportunities in the costume design industry. Attend industry events, workshops, and conferences to meet professionals and fellow costume designers. Joining professional organizations, such as the Costume Designers Guild or local theater associations, can also provide valuable networking opportunities. Don’t be afraid to reach out to established costume designers for advice or mentorship.

5. Stay Updated with Industry Trends

The world of costume design is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay updated with the latest industry trends. Follow fashion and costume design blogs, read industry publications, and watch new releases to understand the current styles and techniques. Familiarize yourself with different historical periods, cultural influences, and costume design in various genres. The more knowledge you have, the more versatile and marketable you will be as a costume designer.

6. Be Persistent and Flexible

Breaking into the costume design industry can be competitive, so it’s important to be persistent and resilient. Don’t be discouraged by rejections or setbacks. Keep refining your skills, expanding your network, and seeking new opportunities. Be open to working on different types of projects, including independent films, theater productions, or even commercials. The more versatile you are, the more chances you will have to showcase your talent.

7. Consider Further Education or Specialization

If you’re looking to enhance your skills or specialize in a particular area of costume design, consider further education or specialized courses. Yellowbrick offers online courses specifically designed for aspiring costume designers, covering topics such as costume design, fashion styling, and FIT Fashion Styling Foundations. These courses can provide you with valuable knowledge and credentials to stand out in the job market.

Key Takeaways:

  • Develop your skills and knowledge in fashion design, sewing, pattern-making, and fabric types to become a successful costume designer.
  • Gain practical experience through internships, student films, or community theater productions to build your portfolio and network with professionals.
  • Create a strong portfolio that showcases your range, creativity, and ability to bring characters to life through costumes.
  • Network in the industry by attending events, workshops, and joining professional organizations to meet other costume designers and gain valuable connections.
  • Stay updated with industry trends by following fashion and costume design blogs, reading industry publications, and watching new releases.
  • Be persistent and flexible in seeking opportunities, and don’t be discouraged by rejections or setbacks.
  • Consider further education or specialization through online courses like FIT Fashion Styling Foundations offered by Yellowbrick to enhance your skills and stand out in the job market.
By implementing these tips and investing in your education and networking, you can increase your chances of landing your dream costume designer job. So, start building your portfolio, attending industry events, and staying updated with the latest trends. Your creative journey as a costume designer awaits! To further enhance your skills and knowledge, consider taking the FIT Fashion Styling Foundations online course and certificate program offered by Yellowbrick.

Enter your email to learn more and get a full course catalog!

Share:

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on pinterest
Share on linkedin
Share on reddit

More from Yellowbrick

ABOUT YELLOWBRICK

STUDENT RESOURCES

COURSES

Facebook-square Instagram Youtube Twitter Linkedin
© Yellowbrick · All Rights Reserved · All Logos & Trademarks Belong to Their Respective Owners

Parsons faculty, together with design experts from leading organizations, help you build knowledge and skills, explore key trends shaping the future of product design, and gain an understanding of how design, manufacturing, and marketing components work together within the product creation process.

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

Brittany Markle



Choreographer/Mentor/Dancer

I think my most rewarding experiences have included the success of former students. I take pride in making sure they have the necessary tools to move forward with a career in the entertainment industry and I hope to help them bridge that gap from amateur to professional.

Briah Fowler



Marketing and Sales Specialist, New York Giants

What's success if you can't share your winnings? As a marketing specialist for the New York Giants, I learned the key to success is giving back. If you can utilize your skill set and talent to help give back to your community, it's one of the most rewarding accomplishments.

Bill Carroll



Production Director, Centennial Broadcasting

I'm most proud of taking the courage to start a music foundation and help musicians with any kind of disability and who are on the spectrum. It's something close to me and very important to nourish.

Bethany Caldwell



Custom Stylist & Merchandiser - Sales, Threadwell Clothiers, Under Armour Inc.

I am a custom clothier who helps people create custom clothing to look & feel their best -- I like to create quality clothes with MEANING -- and I pride myself in making the "experience" part of the process.

Becca Brown



NFTs & Collectibles Project Manager, Warner Bros Discovery

I'm honored to work with an innovative team where I'm involved in bringing world-renowned brands like DC and Harry Potter to life through cutting-edge collectibles. Seeing our fans engage with our products is incredibly fulfilling and fuels my excitement to continue driving innovation and growth in the licensing space.

B. Danielle Watkins



Chief Programmer, iElevate Media Group

Writing is my passion, creating is my heart, and telling stories gives me an escape I've never found anywhere else, so to be doing that for the masses is what success looks like for me.

Anissa Lee



Product Marketing Manager, Google

I’m most proud of launching the 10th annual Google Economic Impact Report and leading its entire end-to-end production... The most meaningful part of this experience was getting the chance to highlight the stories of these incredible and diverse businesses, the majority of which were veteran, female, and BIPOC-run.

Adrian Cantu



CEO, CANTUSTUDIO

Every day a new proposition arises, as a friend, as a designer, as a co-worker, and as a leader. I like to interpret any challenge as an opportunity that demands better exploration. I personally think you shouldn't live life by treating discouragements and setbacks as a negative force in your way. I think a positive and disciplined mentality helps you find interesting aspects of a "stuck-up" and tackle them as a new adventure.

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) faculty, alongside experts from Beauty Inc and leading entrepreneurs and beauty companies, help you learn industry practices on how to successfully take a beauty product to market. Lessons include understanding the beauty business landscape, developing a beauty product, formulation, packaging, and branding principles.

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

Explore all areas of the hospitality and tourism industry with this new 100% online program from New York University (NYU), featuring leaders from across the hospitality, tourism, and travel world.

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

Parsons faculty, together with entrepreneurs, industry experts and specialists from Printful and Shopify, uncover how to design a seamless, ecommerce enterprise. Lessons range from creating a marketing strategy, building a digital brand, designing a customer journey, optimizing SEO tools and paid media, utilizing data and KPI reporting, understanding distribution and logistics, and more.

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

Learn how beauty products are developed, packaged and marketed. Understand what it’s really like to be a boss beauty entrepreneur and how to be a successful beauty influencer through this cutting edge online certificate program from FIT, featuring Allure editors and top beauty professionals from across the globe.

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

Parsons faculty, together with design experts from Creative Bloq and across the industry, explore the critical stages of the UX journey with lessons covering a range of topics from usability research methods, design concepting, and wireframing, to the latest technologies shaping the future of modern user interface design. 

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

Chanel Benjamin



Founder, They Love My Splash LLC and Communications & PR Director, G.R.A.C.E. Inc.

I am most proud of being named the Community Hero at Yankee Stadium because it was to highlight the iSmileForAngele Scholarship I created in honor of my late grandmother. It also highlighted my iniative #KickBackAgainstBullying Sneaker Drive and the proceeds go to local shelters.

Leaders from across the gaming and esports world, together with faculty from Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), will teach you about the key areas, and related career opportunities in the rapidly changing gaming industry.

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

Explore all areas of the performing arts industry with this new 100% online program from faculty at New York University (NYU), and featuring experts from Backstage and leaders from across the industry.

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) faculty, alongside experts from WWD and across the industry, help aspiring fashion stylists learn the skills needed to break into the fashion world.

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) faculty, together with insiders and experts from Footwear News and other leading brands, help you learn how to build a successful footwear company.

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) faculty, alongside experts from WWD and the fashion industry, help aspiring fashion designers learn the skills needed to begin designing a fashion collection.

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

Parsons School of Design faculty, together with leaders from across the fashion world, will teach you about the key areas, and related career opportunities in the ever-evolving fashion industry.

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

New York University (NYU) faculty, alongside leading journalists from Rolling Stone and other news organizations, help you learn the industry practices and fundamental skills needed to produce news stories across audio, visual, and digital mediums.

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

Explore all areas of the film and television industry with this new 100% online program from faculty at New York University (NYU), and featuring experts from IndieWire and Rolling Stone, and leaders from across the industry.

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

New York University faculty, together with business leaders from across the sports world, will teach about emerging trends, and related career opportunities in the ever-evolving business of global sports and marketing.

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

FIT Sneaker Essentials x Complex

Fashion Institute of Technology faculty, together with leaders from Complex and across the sneaker world, will teach you about the key areas, and related career opportunities in the ever-evolving sneaker industry.

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

Parsons School of Fashion faculty, together with insiders and experts from leading brands, help you learn the business side of fashion, explore key trends shaping the future of the industry, and gain an understanding of how fashion brands are built and launched. 

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

Explore all aspects of the streetwear industry, discover related careers, and build your skills with this online program from Parsons School of Design and Complex, featuring many recognized leaders from across the streetwear world.

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

Explore all areas of the music industry with this 100% online program from faculty at New York University’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, featuring experts from Billboard, and leaders from across the industry.

Enter your email to get a free sneak peek, course catalog, and career guide.

Casey Butler



Creative Activation Manager, Roku

The industry is constantly changing and evolving. This is part of the excitement of the job, but it can also be very difficult to navigate. Persistence and dedication are some of the most important traits for success in this industry - you need to want to be there and willing to put in the work.

Daniel Bouwhuis



Marketing/Brand Manager, Warner Music

I believe that my success is not just about achieving a high-status job title, but rather it's about the impact I can make in the lives of others through music. I want to... continue to contribute to creative projects that raise awareness for important issues such as mental health and women's and LGBTQ+ rights.

Wendy Xie



Producer - CN Ad Studio, Conde Nast

As a Producer, I aspire to produce slice of life ads to increase visibility for ubiquitous or unsung brands founded by people of color and further overcome the bamboo ceiling that so many Asians continue to face in the creative industry. When there is a day where my original ad ideas are broadcasted in the real world, this is when I believe my voice is heard, my impact is valued and appreciated by peers, and that our society is progressively evolving the advertising, media and tech industry to be a more inclusive space for rising creatives of color.

Wendy Xie

Mehruba Haque



Junior Research Fellow, Estonian Business School

Women's insecurities have been used for decades to sell beauty products, which have been linked to eating disorders, anxiety, and depression... I would like to come up with a new way to market beauty products that emphasizes that feeling beautiful doesn't come from comparing yourself to other women. I want to be a key player in making these positive changes happen and making the world a better place for women.

Timothy Clarke



Mixshow DJ/Personality, Radio One/Urban One, Sirius XM

I want to be able to help upcoming artists be heard and seen on a global level, and be known as one of the biggest DJs turned A&R in hip-hop culture.

Tiana Brown



Director of Broadcasting & Production, University of Pennsylvania Game Day Broadcast Staff, Philadelphia Eagles

My biggest advice is that if no one wants to open the door for you, kick it off the hinges. Most of the opportunities that I have been afforded thus far have come from creating my own and giving opportunities to other people. Creating your own opportunities can take a lot of sacrifice, a lot of lost sleep, a lot of fun missed, but in the end it will all be worth it when you wake up every morning living out your dreams.

Stefani Marie Clare Janelli



Founder, The MIC & Artist Development Specialist (13 Seconds Music)

Have tough skin, but be open to learning and adapting! This industry is constantly changing overnight, and adapting to however the wind blows is vital. It's also essential to have the willingness to learn. Being open to learning a new way to do something, or to listen to a new idea, even when it's not your own, is advice anyone at any age could benefit from!

Shelby Gussman



Senior Director, Social Fisch

I define success as achieving my goals, assisting my team with achieving theirs, and then setting the bar higher and accomplishing more than before all while being able to enjoy life! I hope to have the opportunity to work in different global markets, travel, collaborate with new people, and continue to be challenged and learn.

Sharrod Williams



Actor, Writer, Producer - Neighbors, Hamilton, Moulin Rouge! The Musical

There are no small parts. None. I have been fortunate enough to wear many different hats, big and small, on different projects. But like any machine, organization, or even the human body - each role I take on is in service of the one greater purpose, to tell a story. The hat i've worn the most is "actor". In this role, I am the vessel that conveys the humanity and experience of what each character I play is going through in the story being told. My goal is make the audience feel, relate, and or think about the aspect of life that is being reflected or challenged in the story.

Shady Elsayed



Guest Services, ASM Barclays Center

Whether it’s through celebrity appearances, brand and apparel collaborations, sponsorships, in-arena entertainment, or business partnerships, being a part of this industry is a rewarding experience. With it’s fast paced nature, and event based daily routine tasks, the sports and entertainment industry is built on networking and creating long lasting relationships.

Sabrina



Assistant Project Manager, Dirt Rock Empire

For me, success means continuing to learn and grow everyday. Next, I hope to become an even bigger voice in the industry and help encourage positive change.

Rebecca O’Keeffe



Content Partnerships Manager, TikTok

My role is Content Partnerships Manager for TikTok Ireland. I work with creators, media partners and public figures to enhance the content ecosystem to ensure the best user experience for the people of Ireland. This includes content projects with Ireland's biggest creators and public figures, exciting hyperlocal tentpole projects and events, in-app campaigns for things like Black History Month and Pride.

Rebecca Lu



Business Development, Joes Footwear

The biggest challenge is you never know when you will be challenged - they just pop out somehow, even you think you are doing the best. So don’t take challenge as monster, always be positive and do whatever you can.

Pavlina Koleva



UX/UI Designer, Pixum

To be a designer means you give people better experience, you help people and you try to see things through their eyes. Creating flexible products even for people with disabilities is great achievement. Design was and always will be part of people's life.

Natalie Turturro Mettouchi



Costume Designer, IATSE Local 829

I am most proud of designing the costumes for a short film that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2021, called "Esther in Wonderland." I had a shoestring budget and was working on two other pretty huge projects simultaneously, but still managed to design creative outfits that allowed the dancers to move freely and help develop their characters.

Meosha Enslow



Seamstress, Cintas uniform company

As a designer I pride myself on originality and creativity... The problem comes when I sit down to plan I begin to doubt myself and my capabilities...To avoid the setbacks filled with self doubt I think of the end result and how it always makes me feel so empowered and shuts the weak voice in my head saying I can’t do it.

Matt Popper



Music Touring/Business Affairs, United Talent Agency

Be relentless - the most difficult part of the job is getting your foot in the door. Once you're in, your good work will speak for itself. Of course, there will be some days where you will feel defeated and want to give up, but if this is what you're meant to do, you'll find a way to make it happen.

Deyonte



Fashion Designer, DWC Project Runway Season 16 Contestant

Everyone has challenges and obstacles they face in the industry. It's what you do with those minor situations that help you become better if you allow it. You have to fight for your vision and be relentless.

Mathilde Garnier



Product Manager Footwear, adidas AG

To me, success is passion. I strongly believe you can only be sucessful if you truly love what you are doing. Passion is a magic fuel that can inspire and drive people towards their goals... [but] passion is not enough. Our world needs more than for us to just do what we love. In order to be successful, we need to make a difference. I need to make a difference.

Lindsay Milner Sigmund



Vice President of Design, Vida Shoes

The highlight of my career was becoming a Vice President of Design at a respected industry company at a young age. It showed how all of the hard work I put into my career- including evolving and continuing my education in the field- really put me ahead of the curve.

Leslie Peterson



Coordinator - Center of Excellence, NBCUniversal

One of the hardest parts of my journey was moving to New York City from a small town and learning how to navigate the corporate world. Everyday I am learning something new and need to be okay with not knowing everything.

Kyle Rebucci



Customs Team Trainer, Puma

Fashion is a part of everyday life. You don’t have to like trends, brands, or designers to contribute to the giant that is the fashion industry. You can’t escape from it. My contribution will of course directly relate to fashion, but I hope to be part of some reform in the industry when it comes to sustainability and ethics.

KeNisha Ruff



Founder, Marie Hunter Beauty

Less than 1% of luxury beauty founders are black. I am laying the groundwork for black founders to enter the prestige sector and using my company to inspire, break the stigma surrounding mental health, and fight climate change.

Joseph Richert



Manager - Corporate Development & Strategy, Universal Music Group

Success to me is happiness, both professionally and personally. On the professional side, that means having an impact on helping artists and entrepreneurs bring their dreams to life in an industry I'm passionate about; which I'm lucky to say I'm doing now!

John Paul Endab



Physical Education Teacher, Joppa High School

As an educator, I truly believe that learning is a continuous process. It give us an opportunity to satisfy our curiosity, pursue our interests, or try new things.

Ilana Duboff



Associate Media Director, OMG23

While I am proud of all the amazing films I've been fortunate to work on over the years, I am most proud of the growth I've had while working in this industry. I have been promoted three times in the past four years and now manage a team of people, which I never even thought could be possible when I first started working. I feel honored that I have the opportunity to lead a team as well as teach them and work with them.

Haramritjot Singh



Founder, Cash Cow NYC

I’m a kid from the Bronx, I’m a first generation American, I’m a Sikh, I’m a father in his thirties, and now I’m the owner of a clothing brand. I serve as a prime example to many different people from so many different circumstances that starting a small business and following your dreams is possible.

Giulia Baldini



Fashion Journalist/Editor and Academic Researcher, Lehman College

I represent the underrepresented with words. I report stories and narratives that center on the fashion industry, specifically when the protagonists are from the African Diaspora, when they are sustainable businesses, and when they are engaged in minorities' activism.

Forbs West



Associate Music Curator, SiriusXM/Pandora

I think one of the biggest challenges that I've faced in my journey is patience. I think especially being in Generation Z, it is important to slow down and appreciate what we have accomplished so far. I think when you least expect things, it is a surprise yet it is also very rewarding.

Elena Takmakova



Manager - International Production, Universal Music Group

The thing that keeps me on track is remembering how far I've come. Just that simple feeling of being proud of myself can make miracles.

Dounesha Scott



Product Manager, Anna Griffin Inc.

Of my career achievements, I am the most proud of being a uniform fit specialist for the Delta Style Project... Delta only redesigns their uniforms every 5-10 years. The uniforms were designed by Zac Posen and manufactured by Lands End... We are in the Delta museum and will be a part of Delta airlines history.