They may design for stage, film, television, dance or opera productions. A costume designer's job starts with the production material. They learn the production's theme, location, dialogue and characters, then meet with the director to learn his or her interpretation of the production. Designers then create a rough costume plot, research the era that is being depicted, plan a preliminary colour scheme and collect fabric swatches. Final colour sketches are presented to the director and, if approved, the designer solicits bids from contractors such as sewers and drapers.
Designers work closely with drapers and sewers in costume shops.
They also work with hairstylists and make-up artists. They supervise sittings and attend all dress rehearsals to make final adjustments and repairs. Costume designers put in long hours of painstaking, detailed work while they're employed. Independent costume designer Rae Robison, for example, began work on a new Hollywood film project in 1999. After production meetings, Robison spent a month doing drawings and design work.