What It Takes To Be A Costume Designer

Dream of becoming a costume designer and work on the wardrobe of top movies and films? Learn what it takes from Union costumer designer Brea Holmes!

How did you get your first costume design job?

My first Costume Design gig was for a UCLA short film called, "Mid City Blues". I got the job through my website because the producer contacted me from there.

What are the top 3 qualities one must have to excel as a costume designer?

1) Do your research: It's important when you get a gig to understand the era and your characters. I'm a stickler when it comes to authenticity, and that is something that you must have.

2) Organization: Be organized. Have your kit fully stocked, script broken down, and clothes for each character set up in order on the rack. Organization is a quality of professionalism.

3) Be flexible. Your initial idea of what a character will look like will change, the script will change, the actors will change. Being flexible is a great quality to have on an ever-changing set.

Congrats on recently becoming a member of the Union!! What were some of the requirements you had to fulfill to be eligible?

Thank you so much! The main one that got me in was to have a project that was commercially distributed to the public. My recent horror/ thriller, "Hunter's Moon" was able to give me that opportunity. The film was picked up by Lionsgate and distributed online on Amazon and other streaming platforms.

What are the perks of being in the Union?

Some of the perks include better job opportunities, health benefits....basically you're more protected when you are under a union.

Can you give a glimpse at a week in the life of a CD prepping for a production?

Basically, you would meet with the director to get a feel for what they want for their character specifics. And you both would toss ideas back and forth to get a consensus on what they should look like. I usually would create boards and/or concept sketches to get my ideas across.

After these meetings, you would set up fittings for the actors. This is a time that you can discuss character with the actors to get more detail.

Then, I will shop, rent, or construct the costumes needed for the production. Which would vary depending on the genre of the project.

Then, it's just set costuming from there.....maintaining the continuity and integrity of the costume on the actor.

What is something you wish you knew about being a costume designer before you got started?

I wish I knew that how to get into the union faster lol But, in all honesty, I'm fine with how my journey has turned out. All the crazy schedules and situations that I went through, have shaped me into the designer that I am today. I have no regrets!

What's your biggest piece of advice to an aspiring costume designer?

The biggest piece of advice is to set yourself up for success: Keep an organized kit, updated resume, portfolio on point, NETWORK, and ask as MANY questions as possible to get to where you want to go. As long as you do that, you'll go far.

All photos: Courtesy of Brea Holmes. Follow Brea on IG: @brea_the_costume_designer