Improvement television series, and commercials for Coca Cola, Lockheed-
Martin Aerospace, and United Parcel Service.
Believing that her talent is a blessing from God, Patterson says she
tries to give back by doing "paramedical makeup work for accident
victims, cancer patients, burn victims, etc. I also teach workshops and
seminars for aspiring makeup artists, and master classes to seasoned
artists."
Job Overview
After careful study of the script, discussions with the director to
understand his vision for the production, and meetings with the produc-
tion designer, hair, makeup, and art departments, and actors, the costume
designer decides on all of the clothing worn by the actors in the produc-
tion. "All characters reveal things about themselves in the way they
dress," explains costume designer Diana Eden. "The primary duty of the
costume designer is to tell the story of the script and help the audience
understand who the characters are."
Depending on the size and scope of the production, the costume
designer may sketch out original designs (or use a sketch artist to render
them) and select the fabrics to have them constructed from. Alternately,
the designer may rent costumes from a costume shop, or purchase ready-
to-wear clothing and have it altered.
"Some days I have fittings with actors, where they're trying on clothes
to discover what works for the character, and then I have a production
meeting with all the heads of the departments to discuss the production
requirements. Then I may go on set to make sure everything is running
smoothly, go out shopping, or stop by the workroom where they're
making some of the costumes, talk with the pattern makers and tailors,
and see my designs coming to life. It's incredibly varied, incredibly
peopled, and there is never a dull moment."
Special Skills
In addition to costume design skills, designers must know how to
work within a budget, possess basic computer skills, be organized, and
have the ability to hire and manage a staff, as well as to work with a
variety of personalities. "The actors need to trust you," says Eden.
JOB TITLE: COSTUME DESIGNER
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