Costume designers decide the overall look of a performance in collaboration with directors and other artistic directors, and then design costumes accordingly. The job consists of sketching costumes or setting them up in another graphic way, as well as choosing materials and colours that suit the overall look and use of the costumes at any given time.
Costume designers can work in large and small theaters, in television or as a contractor in filmmaking.
Costume designers need to have a good imagination and be able to sketch their own ideas. It is important to understand pattern making and to be interested in design and history, as well as knowing how to combine materials, colours and textures. Organizational skills and the ability to work with others are also essential qualities. Costume designers work a lot with paper and drawing tools as well as by computer.
Costume making is not taught separately in Iceland. There is, however, a Fashion design program at the Iceland Academy of the Arts, a three-year program leading to a BA degree.
Related disciplines such as design and innovation, clothing technology, and dressmaking and tailoring are taught at the Technical College, as well as the clothing and textile elective study paths of art study options of several secondary schools.
