Costume Design FAQs

What is Costuming?

Costuming is when someone creates a costume and/or wears a costume. Most of the non-professional costumers you see are dressing as a character from science fiction, fantasy, video games, anime, etc. In recent years, costuming has become a very popular hobby in the U.S. and many other major nations. Anime fans specifically call it 'Cosplay', which is short for costume play. Costuming requires many skills like: sewing, pattern drafting, crafts, design, power tools, and yucky basic math. ^^

What is a Costume Designer?

A costume designer does just what the name implies, she/he designs costumes. They can design for theatre, film, television, dance...and almost any other performing art. Costume designers, who design for a living, only do original work. However, there isn't anything wrong with re-creating costumes for a hobby as long as you give credit where it is due. This is how I got started in costume design and I encourage it!

What does a Costume Designer have to do?

In the theatrical arts, a costume designer works closely with the director to understand his or her vision of the play. The costume designer uses information from the director and the production staff to create designs for the character's costumes. After they have a good idea, they start to sketch out ideas using design elements, period fashion, etc. After they have designed the costumes, the designs or sketches go to the stitchers who are responsible for making the costumes. Film and television are a little different. Theatre is done live, and obviously film and TV are not. This means that the costume designer has to take in considerations while designing for differences in lighting, how the colors of the fabric react on film, etc.

Are you a professional Costume Designer?

Almost. ^^ I'm a Theatre major currently, but my career goal is to be a Costume Designer.

Do you design and/or re-create costumes to sell?

No, sorry. Because I am a student, I don't have the time to construct costumes for people to buy. There are a lot of people that do however. They are listed on my links page here.

Can you teach me how to sew?

If you have any questions about sewing or costuming in general, I would love to help. Just send me an e-mail at: kristina-at-kristinaleigh.com. Make sure to replace the -at- with @ and make the subject 'Sewing Question' or something similar. I'll try my best to help you out, and if I can't answer it...I know people who can. ^.^


Website FAQs
Can I link you?

Absolutely, as long as its on a tasteful website. ^^ There are banners on my link page here.

Will you link me?

Send the website address to: kristina-at-kristinaleigh.com (Replace the -at- with @) and I will review it. I will generally link anybody as long as it's not a crude or un-tasteful themed site.

Can I use your pictures?

Yes, but please e-mail me first and let me know. Not all of the pictures on my site are mine, so it's important that you e-mail me. And remember, giving credit is a must these days....or else...^^