Becoming a seamstress/costumer in the Pro Business?

[Eveningarwen]

Hi!

I've looked everywhere on the RPF for anyone who posted about tips to breaking into the actual costume business professionaly but didn't find anything except one thread in the prop section and no one really replied to it. I see a lot of comments from people saying they work in the industry or know people who do and wanted to know if anyone has any info on just where to start. Should I just go on IMDB PRO and look up costumers and then send a portfolio to them? I'm not really looking to be a designer, just a possible wardrobe assistant or a seamstress. I live in Los Angeles so movies and film are more likely to have jobs for me then theatres I would assume but if anyone knows of theatres here in L.A. that hire people that would be great too. I don't know if this is an allowed thread topic or not but I really have looked all over online and on forums and have no idea where to start. Originally I trained in acting so I know all those tricks of the trade but costuming seems to have no basic start points like acting does. Any kind of help would be great like websites that tell you info on how to start or any tips of how someone out there got involved.

Again I hope this thread is ok as I don't want to offend or make someone angry....I just don't know what else to look for or who to ask.

 

[BRRogers]

What sort of credentials do you have?

I'm pursuing the same idea, but I'm going through Savannah College of Art and Design's program in Production Design.
My portfolio with my costume creations where enough to get me into the schools' program with a scholarship, but I'm here specifically to learn what I know the industry expects nowadays. Perfection, diversity, consistency, etc... industry standards with techniques and resources.

Regarding the "quest of the path"... I've tried to talk to people before as well; trying to figure out the 'best possible route' to my dream job. Really it varies for everyone it seems so it's hard to develop a solid answer.
The people who find those jobs are either in the right place, new the right people, or had developed the right skill-sets. A starting point is really what you need, and developing a diverse portfolio would probably be your ideal starting point.

 

[Eveningarwen]

hahah it was your thread that I found actually. I almost PM'd you to see if you found any other info but saw the thread was from quite a while ago.

Sigh....I dont actually have college or credentials in costuming....I was trained as a sort of apprentice to a college professor in my hometown in central cali. All I have is the costumes that I've made myself and what I've learned from him. My real training was in acting but I'm trying to get established in costumes as well in case acting just doesn't work out for me. I am wary about doing schooling for costuming only because I know people and have heard stories about how the best way to "learn" and "get in the business" is through being an apprentice and the learning by doing method.

I guess my biggest issue is I'm not really a pattern drafter....I could probably learn it but I hate drafting patterns lol! I guess I just wonder if there is room for someone like me in the costuming industry. I've been to events that have people who work in costuming industry and all I hear is how they need young seamstresses and designers because all that's carrying the business right now are people who are ready to retire with not many to help continue on. Maybe they're all wrong but it's something I've heard more then a few times by different people.

I don't know maybe schooling is the only way but after schooling then what do you do? I feel like I'd be in the same position as I already am and I'm not getting any younger that's for sure. I have a pretty diverse portfolio at least I think lol.

 

[BRRogers]

You entered your Alice costume into the RPF Halloween contest right? (Or am I mistaken?)
Lovely piece by the way!

I don't know what your prospects look like, if being able to fund tuition or take out loans are an option for you... But what I do know is that I was sick of my mundane life. As much as I enjoy my hobby and obsess over forums and the details of costumes that I see in productions now-days I had to try to start somewhere.

Since coming here, my decision has been affirmed by every circumstance. I know this is where I'm supposed to be, where I can network, meet people (peers and leaders alike), explore my options, and showcase my ability in a setting of (virtual) unlimited resources.
I don't know what your favorite aspects of your hobbies are, but I'd encourage you to apply to schools with programs of interest! Create a portfolio and see what your loan options are, if you're motivated... it could be the best decision of your life!

Feel free to chat me up in PM if you have any questions. I had applied to SCAD and Academy of Art but I found other colleges in the search for my ideal location.

 

[Eveningarwen]

Yeah that was me. Thanks! The hatter in the male was also partially mine and my fiances as he helped a lot in the making of it like the bandolier and helping with the hat and tie etc.

I guess I'd like to stay away from actual schooling and tuition/loans just because I'm already paying acting loans off and it was an expensive school I went to. At the moment I work from home making costumes and selling them online and was doing pretty well with that for 2 years but things have really slowed down with the economy etc. It just seems like so many people want something to be perfect, perform miracles on their bodies (seeing as I make a lot of corsets) and still only want to pay $50. I guess that's why I'd like to work in a studio....to get to work in a bit more of a controlled enviroment with a budget and to also be around others who are working in the business and learn that way, even if it meant starting off as a volunteer or an apprentice who doesnt get paid....something like that.

Oh to be almost 30 and have to still go to school lol.....makes me cry a little.....

thanks so much for your input though! I'm glad that you've been able to get into a good school and advance your skill.....I saw what you posted on the other thread and your stuff looks great!

 

[iycis]

I have some input here.

If you have no experience in working in a costume shop or as a wardrobe assistant, a great way to build up a resume is to start in theater. Even if you have to do community theater to start. For me, I got my degree in theater production, so I got a lot of my experience doing shows there to start with.

After college I got a membership with the Philadelphia Film Commission. Most cities have a Film Commission. I put up my resume and info on their website and then when tv shows, commercials, music videos, and film productions come to town, they go to that website to find people to staff their crews with. I got plenty of calls to do wardrobe crew that way.

Up front, don't expect to get paid much, if anything, for a long time. Sometimes you luck out and you get treated well, but I had some bad experiences where the actors and 1st and 2nd ADs treat you like crap. Not fun.

I found jobs in theater to be much more plentiful, more creative, nicer people, and they're willing to pay you (outside of community theater).

 

[CustomPropSculptorGuy]

I have some input here.

If you have no experience in working in a costume shop or as a wardrobe assistant, a great way to build up a resume is to start in theater. Even if you have to do community theater to start. For me, I got my degree in theater production, so I got a lot of my experience doing shows there to start with.

After college I got a membership with the Philadelphia Film Commission. Most cities have a Film Commission. I put up my resume and info on their website and then when tv shows, commercials, music videos, and film productions come to town, they go to that website to find people to staff their crews with. I got plenty of calls to do wardrobe crew that way.

Up front, don't expect to get paid much, if anything, for a long time. Sometimes you luck out and you get treated well, but I had some bad experiences where the actors and 1st and 2nd ADs treat you like crap. Not fun.

I found jobs in theater to be much more plentiful, more creative, nicer people, and they're willing to pay you (outside of community theater).

Exactly - well said. Networking is going to be key. Granted I can sculpt where you can sew, but put an ad out offering your services on boards, Craigslist, DeviantArt etc, and work up from the bottom, up.

A seamstress I used to work with is now being contacted by costume/art directors all the time, because she found a guy, on my facebook page after working a contract for me.

Schooling is great for learning technique if you have none, but even then, I always felt that going to school for any form of art, other than to learn chemical compositions and mediums, is a waste of time and money. But that's just me. You can't teach someone to be creative; You can't teach someone to have an "eye" for this kinda thing...

Make some stuff, shop it out, and network. Networking is going to be the key.

 

[iycis]

Schooling is great for learning technique if you have none, but even then, I always felt that going to school for any form of art, other than to learn chemical compositions and mediums, is a waste of time and money. But that's just me. You can't teach someone to be creative; You can't teach someone to have an "eye" for this kinda thing...

Agreed, you don't need a degree, but since you need experience, volunteer opportunities are a good way to start because they don't care what your experience is most of the time so long as you show up. They're just happy to have anyone help at all.

 

[madcat]

Agreed, you don't need a degree, but since you need experience, volunteer opportunities are a good way to start because they don't care what your experience is most of the time so long as you show up. They're just happy to have anyone help at all.

From what ive seen your work is really great you dont need a degree you have raw talent. and your in LA Id think portfolio to movie companies maybe a start least this way you get paid to do what you like. :confused
that Mad Hatter rocked did you also do the Darth vader outfit?

 

[EvilRocketeer]

Too bad you didnt live closer to Fullerton Community College. They have or had a seamstress Theater class. The head of the theater department was in charge of the costuming classes and taught students how to create costumes for theater productions. Some of her students went onto great careers on Broadway or Las Vegas shows costuming. One of the them went on to design and make the Toy Story musical costumes and finding nemo stuff.

Plus, I think there are unions for seamtress and you have to follow certain guidelines etc etc.

 

[GeektressGalore]

I'm starting small and local, doing odd jobs for the community theater, working for the local steampunk group, doing pieces for the magicians nearby, etc.

Nothing too major, but it's a start at getting my name out there.

 

[Eveningarwen]

Thanks so much for the replies everyone!

If you have no experience in working in a costume shop or as a wardrobe assistant, a great way to build up a resume is to start in theater. Even if you have to do community theater to start. For me, I got my degree in theater production, so I got a lot of my experience doing shows there to start with.

I actually did costumes for musicals with my professor for about 6 years at our junior college and with a lot of our community theatre. I helped create a lot of garments and helped with wardrobe and also designed a few shows myself. Then I went to school to train in acting in hollywood and took a break from making costumes but for the past 2 years I've been working at home sewing and selling online. I'll include some samples of my work to show the sort of portfolio that I've developed....and that's only a tiny bit of what I've done. Congrats on your costume as well in the contest. I've never made an Elizabethan costume because my God!!! The work that has to go into that and money.....it was gorgeous!

Networking is going to be key. Granted I can sculpt where you can sew, but put an ad out offering your services on boards, Craigslist, DeviantArt etc, and work up from the bottom, up

Thats mostly what I do now...I have my own webpage, etsy page, deviantart page and facebook page and I also post a lot of my flickr. My costuming at home business was doing really really well like I said for two years but this year has been almost dead. I don't know if it's been like that for anyone else or not? I mean I still get a lot of emails asking to create things for people but once I give them a price I never hear back lol soooo....I guess now that I have all of that done I'm looking for the next step.

From what ive seen your work is really great you dont need a degree you have raw talent. and your in LA Id think portfolio to movie companies maybe a start least this way you get paid to do what you like. :confused
that Mad Hatter rocked did you also do the Darth vader outfit?

Thanks so much! Lol the only two costumes I did in the contest were the mad hatter and um from umbridge....and the hatter my fiance helped a lot with too. I did do the sexy vader in my attached pics though hahahaha... not SA but was still kinda fun and random. Also congrats on your win. :cheers

Most cities have a Film Commission. I put up my resume and info on their website and then when tv shows, commercials, music videos, and film productions come to town, they go to that website to find people to staff their crews with. I got plenty of calls to do wardrobe crew that way.

That's great.....I was hoping to find something like that but I had no idea what it would be called....I'll definitely look for something like that around here. Thanks!

Up front, don't expect to get paid much, if anything, for a long time. Sometimes you luck out and you get treated well, but I had some bad experiences where the actors and 1st and 2nd ADs treat you like crap. Not fun.

I found jobs in theater to be much more plentiful, more creative, nicer people, and they're willing to pay you (outside of community theater).

Ya that's pretty much what I expect....Its the same with acting....there's a select few who hit the jackpot and make it big or at least do really well and the rest have to claw your way up from the bottom of the bottom lol. And with someone who trained in theatre and loves acting on stage I completely agree....theatre is much more of a nurturing environment and not built to tear you down as much as the film industry....unfortunately there's not a lot of theatre I've found in L.A. that hires for costuming. I tried contacting quite a few of them and most didn't reply and the few that did said they already had a staff....:cry.....ahahaa.....but I'll definitely keep trying!

 

[GeektressGalore]

LOVE the Vader and Star Trek costumes. Just so you know. I've been wanting a blue Trek corset (and now I want that shrug)

 

[Got Maul]

Send me your resume-

Joe@anovos.com

 

[Eveningarwen]

LOVE the Vader and Star Trek costumes. Just so you know. I've been wanting a blue Trek corset (and now I want that shrug)

HAHAHA! Thanks! I know that they're really random lol but they were a lot of fun to make and to wear. I have a love hate relationship with the shrug lol! I hate doing the sleeves for it hahaha....so frustrating.

 

[Eveningarwen]

Send me your resume-

Joe@anovos.com

Will do!

 

[GeektressGalore]

HAHAHA! Thanks! I know that they're really random lol but they were a lot of fun to make and to wear. I have a love hate relationship with the shrug lol! I hate doing the sleeves for it hahaha....so frustrating.

I totally understand that! I have love hate relationship with a robe I had to make for our production of Aida. Loved looking at it, hated having to hand-sew it together.