Costume Designer Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Costume Designer

Best Schools to become a Costume Designer in U.S. 2024

Fashion Institute of Technology

New York, NY

In-State Tuition:$7,170
Out-of-State Tuition:$21,692
Admission Rate:53%
Graduation Rate:83%
Total Enrollment:8,125

New York University

New York, NY

In-State Tuition:$55,384
Out-of-State Tuition:$55,384
Admission Rate:12%
Graduation Rate:87%
Total Enrollment:59,144

American Musical and Dramatic Academy

New York, NY

In-State Tuition:$43,960
Out-of-State Tuition:$43,960
Admission Rate:26%
Graduation Rate:70%
Total Enrollment:1,480

The New School

New York, NY

In-State Tuition:$53,105
Out-of-State Tuition:$53,105
Admission Rate:57%
Graduation Rate:69%
Total Enrollment:10,108

Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah, GA

In-State Tuition:$39,105
Out-of-State Tuition:$39,105
Admission Rate:82%
Graduation Rate:73%
Total Enrollment:16,414

FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

Los Angeles, CA

In-State Tuition:$31,275
Out-of-State Tuition:$31,275
Admission Rate:42%
Graduation Rate:75%
Total Enrollment:1,814
Costume Designer Job Description:
  • Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers.
  • May assist with multiple costume changes during performances.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Costume Designer

Job Duties for Costume Designers

  • Arrange costumes in order of use to facilitate quick-change procedures for performances.

  • Create worksheets for dressing lists, show notes, or costume checks.

  • Provide dressing assistance to cast members or assign cast dressers to assist specific cast members with costume changes.

Technologies and Skills Used by Costume Designers

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft Outlook

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Social

  • Changing what is done based on other people's actions
  • Understanding people's reactions

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Costume Designer

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Costume Designer

FAQs About Becoming a Costume Designer