Career Post: Costume Design

Description: A costume designer works with a larger production team to design the overall look and accessories of costumes for plays, movies, or T.V.

Responsibilities: This job requires researching different styles and materials used for different time periods and geographic locations. Costume designers need to be able to produce these designs by hand or using some form of software and then create them. Once made they are responsible for fitting it on the actors and alter and repairing the outfits. Once filming is over they must store and maintain the costumes.

Skills: Besides having a degree, there are also many soft skills a costume designer needs to have. They need to be able to work with a team, have good verbal communication skills, work under pressure, accept criticism, work well with their hands, and pay attention to detail.

Degree: While a degree isn't necessary it is helpful in securing a job. Some good programs near Virginia are at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama. Another route is an apprenticeship.

Salary: According to ZipRecruiter the annual salary is $65,000, but these numbers can vary greatly depending on what productions are being worked on.