Profession costume maker
Costume makers construct, sew, stitch, dye, adapt and maintain costumes to be used in live performances and in movies or television programs. Their work is based on artistic vision, sketches or finished patterns combined with knowledge of the human body to ensure the wearer maximum range of movement. They work in close cooperation with the designers.
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Personality Type
- Realistic / Artistic
Knowledge
- Dressmaking
The craft of sewing clothes and dresses by following a pattern. This includes the assembly of cutout clothing parts.
Skills
- Work with respect for own safety
Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.
- Use manual sewing techniques
Use manuel sewing and stitching techniques to manufacture or repair fabrics or textile-based articles.
- Perform costume settings
Organise and manage costume settings.
- Assemble costume parts
Assemble cutout costume parts manually or by operating a sewing machine.
- Follow work schedule
Manage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.
- Maintain theatre equipment
Check up on, maintain and repair tools and machinery used for onstage purposes, such as lighting equipment, stage sets or scene-change machinery.
- Sew pieces of fabric
Operate basic or specialised sewing machines whether domestic or industrial ones, sewing pieces of fabric, vinyl or leather in order to manufacture or repair wearing apparels, making sure the threads are selected according to specifications.
- Dye fabrics
Dye costume fabrics for live onstage purposes.
- Cut fabrics
Cut fabrics and other wearing apparel materials considering measures, placement of the fabrics in the cutting table in multiple layers, and making the most efficient usage of the fabric avoiding waste. Cut fabrics by hand, or using electric knives, or other cutting tools depending on the fabric. Use computerised systems or automatic cutting machines.
- Draw up artists' measurements
Draw up the measurements and sizes of performing artists for clothing purposes.
- Translate artistic concepts to technical designs
Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.
- Work safely with chemicals
Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.
- Finish costumes
Finish costumes by adding zippers, elastics, buttonholes, decorative stitching, jewellery, rosettes, and other decorations.
- Work ergonomically
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
- Adapt to artists' creative demands
Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.
- Keep up with trends
Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.
- Understand artistic concepts
Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.
- Use personal protection equipment
Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
- Prepare personal work environment
Correct settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.
- Maintain workshop space
Keep your workshop space in working order and clean.
- Maintain rigging equipment
Check rigging equipment before fitting up, and make small repairs if necessary.
- Manage personal professional development
Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders.
- Draw up costume patterns
Draw and cut out costume patterns using scissors and measuring instruments.
- Contribute to a safe working environment
Apply basic safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the risks to you and your colleagues.
- Adapt costumes
Adapt, stitch or sew stage outfits for performing actors.
- Work safely with machines
Check and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.
- Finish project within budget
Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.
- Meet deadlines
Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.
Optional knowledge and skills
prevent fire in a performance environment promote yourself plan workshop activity keep personal administration organise workshop space follow directions of the artistic director work with the camera crew manage technical resources stock define costume fabrication methods work with the lighting crew work with the director of photography organise costume fittings draw up costume sketches adapt existing designs to changed circumstances support a designer in the developing process work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision manage consumables stock develop professional network attend rehearsalsCommon job titles
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