Lessons in Costuming: A Designer's Arsenal

Research and Inspiration:

Aside from simply watching films or stage productions; a good amount of research should be done within the subject of art itself. Learn the basics such as the color theories, the principles, etc and then crossover to the history of art and architecture. Is there one artist or a specific type of art that inspires you? Expanding your artistic periphery will build a sound foundation in your mind when it comes to creativity. You will be able to tap into what you've learned and what you've focused on specifically whether its environmental art, abstract, dada, surreal, and so on.

For me, Andy Goldworthy's Environmental art,

and the Contemporary works of Dorian Cleavanger and Luis Royo are what have been my favorite sources.

Tools:

Though Costume Designers nowadays do not have to be artists on paper I still feel its essential for getting your ideas down as close to what you are thinking as possible. There are many who specialize in figure drawing and often work with the Directors or Designers for just that reason; helping put down a lot of ideas in a design.

So, for actual sketching a good hefty set of color pencils, markers, pastels, watercolor pallets and yes even chalk are what will put some real dimension in the design. There are many products for sketching and many well-known brands such as Prisma, but you can make due with your standard set of Mr. Sketch markers and color pencils just in case you can't get your hands on the design-specific mediums. I've used Mr.Sketch since high school and though I've been using Prisma Colors I recommend either.

I've also been using (to this day) standard sketch pads. Depending on what you use to sketch and color you'll need the specific type of paper; but there are sketch pads made for everything from water color, to charcoal to marker.

Drawing:

If you're just starting out with sketching start by just taking a sketch pad wherever you go and just draw what you see. It doesn't matter how it comes out. What is important is that you draw as much as you can on paper; look at all the lines and shadows, everything you see. Try to get as much on paper.

When you want to move on to figure drawing books are always helpful. Look for anything from still life books to fashion sketching books. The Fashion books usually have a croquis for beginners to use. A croquis is a simple sketch of either a man or woman that you can use as a stencil and then add on to the design. They are very good for beginners, and some can make their own croquis and use that for all their designs. It's really up to you.