Prop and Costume Designer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of theater and film, the emphasis on prop and costume designers has never been more pronounced.

Artistry evolves, and with each scene change, the demand for visionary creatives who can craft, enhance, and maintain our on-screen and on-stage visuals grows louder.

But let’s unravel the mystery: What’s truly expected from a prop and costume designer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A casting director outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the behind-the-scenes of prop and costume design,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable prop and costume designer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Prop and Costume Designer Duties and Responsibilities

Prop and Costume Designers are responsible for the creation of props and costumes that portray the characters’ personalities, backgrounds, and the overall aesthetic of the production.

They work closely with directors, production designers, and other members of the creative team to ensure the visual continuity and thematic coherence of the production.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting research to understand the historical and cultural context of the costumes and props
• Creating detailed sketches, drawings or digital models of costume and prop designs
• Presenting designs to directors and production teams and making revisions as required
• Selecting, purchasing, or fabricating the materials needed for costume and prop creation
• Supervising the construction, fitting, and alteration of costumes
• Ensuring that props and costumes are available and correctly placed for each scene
• Collaborating with the make-up department to coordinate the overall look of the characters
• Maintaining and repairing costumes and props during the production
• Coordinating with the production team to stay within budget and meet production deadlines

 

Prop and Costume Designer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Prop and Costume Designer to join our production team.

This role involves creating and sourcing materials for props and costumes that visually represent characters and scenes in our productions.

The successful candidate will be able to translate narrative elements into design concepts, collaborate with directors and actors, and manage the production of costumes and props within budget constraints.

 

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the director and production team to understand and interpret costume and prop requirements
• Research historical, contemporary and futuristic design concepts for prop and costume creation
• Design, sew, and alter costumes for actors
• Source, modify, or create props to meet script requirements
• Manage costume fittings and make necessary alterations
• Ensure props and costumes are available on set when needed
• Adhere to budget constraints and timelines
• Maintain inventory of props, costumes, and related supplies

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Prop and Costume Designer in the film/theater industry
• Knowledge of costume history and design
• Ability to design, sew, and alter costumes
• Proficiency in sketching and creating models for props and costumes
• Strong research and budget management skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
• Detail-oriented and creative mindset
• A degree in Design, Fine Arts or related field is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Prop and Costume Designer
• Work Environment: This role requires work in a studio or workshop setting. Some travel may be required for location shoots or sourcing materials.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Production Director or Production Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $52,000 minimum to $98,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your portfolio, resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Prop and Costume Designer Do?

Prop and Costume Designers work predominantly in the entertainment industry, including television, film, and theatre productions.

They can also be involved in the design and creation of costumes and props for theme parks, festivals, and exhibitions.

Their primary role is to design, plan, and oversee the construction of costumes and props that help to bring the director’s vision to life, and add depth and dimension to the characters.

This involves thorough research into the periods, styles, and cultures relevant to the production.

They work closely with the director, production designer, and other creative team members to ensure that the props and costumes align with the overall aesthetic and narrative of the project.

They often lead a team of skilled artisans and craftspeople to fabricate the costumes and props.

In addition to designing and making props and costumes, they are also responsible for managing the budget, sourcing materials, and ensuring that all items are ready for use on set or stage.

Their work requires a blend of creative and technical skills, as they have to conceptualize unique designs and then translate them into tangible, wearable items.

They also need to have a good understanding of different fabric types, construction techniques, and historical fashion trends.

Prop and Costume Designers often work under tight deadlines and high-pressure situations, as changes in script or direction can require last-minute alterations or completely new designs.

 

Prop and Costume Designer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Prop and Costume Designer should possess an array of skills and qualifications to successfully bring artistic visions to life, such as:

• Artistic ability and creativity for designing unique and detailed props and costumes that contribute to the overall aesthetic of the production
• Technical skills, including the use of various tools and materials for costume and prop creation
• Knowledge of fashion and design trends, as well as historical periods and cultures to create accurate and realistic designs
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with directors, actors, and crew, as well as to understand and interpret production vision and requirements
• Strong problem-solving skills to address design challenges or changes in production requirements
• Attention to detail to ensure the accuracy and quality of props and costumes
• Time management skills to meet production deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Knowledge of safety standards and regulations for props and costumes
• Awareness of budget constraints and the ability to work within those confines without compromising design quality
• Physical stamina and dexterity for long hours of work, often under demanding conditions

 

Prop and Costume Designer Experience Requirements

Entry-level Prop and Costume Designers usually possess a Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Costume Design, Fashion Design, or a related field, supplemented by internships or relevant coursework.

In addition to this, a few years of experience in roles such as a costume assistant, wardrobe assistant, or prop assistant can be beneficial.

These individuals would have gained practical experience in costume and prop design and management, and may have developed essential skills in stitching, crafting, sculpting, painting, and other creative arts.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have usually mastered the art of designing and creating costumes and props, and have developed a robust portfolio demonstrating their creative ability and technical skills.

They may have worked on larger-scale productions or projects in the theater, film, or television industries.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often ready to take on leadership roles within the costume and prop design department.

They may have experience managing teams of assistants, coordinating with other production departments, and managing budgets.

They may also have a proven track record of bringing creative visions to life while adhering to production schedules and budgets.

 

Prop and Costume Designer Education and Training Requirements

Prop and Costume Designers typically have a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as theatre, fashion design, fine arts, or graphic design.

They need to have a strong background in visual design and an understanding of the technical aspects of costume and prop creation, including sewing and fabric manipulation for costume designers, and carpentry or sculpting for prop designers.

Specialized courses or degrees in costume and prop design are available at some institutions and can provide more focused training on the nuances of the role.

These courses cover a range of subjects including costume history, textiles, pattern making, and prop construction.

Experience in theater production, either at the educational or professional level, is highly beneficial for understanding the practical demands of the role.

Internships or assistant roles are a common way to gain this experience.

In addition to formal education, Prop and Costume Designers need creativity, problem-solving skills, and an ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

While not mandatory, professional certifications from renowned design institutions can enhance a designer’s credibility and demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

Moreover, continuous learning and updating of skills related to new design software and technology is recommended to stay competitive in this field.

 

Prop and Costume Designer Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Prop and Costume Designer is around $55,000 (USD) per year.

This figure can vary based on experience, the scale of the production, location, and the company producing the project.

Entry-level positions may pay significantly less, while experienced designers working on high-budget productions can earn significantly more.

 

Prop and Costume Designer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Prop and Costume Designer need?

Prop and Costume Designers need to have strong creative and artistic skills to create unique, visually appealing, and functional designs.

They should be knowledgeable in different types of materials and fabrics and be skilled at sewing and construction.

Attention to detail is crucial as they may need to recreate specific historical or futuristic costumes and props.

They should also have good communication skills to understand and translate director’s vision into reality.

 

Do Prop and Costume Designers need a degree?

While it’s not always necessary, many Prop and Costume Designers have a degree in fields such as costume design, fashion design, fine arts, or theater.

What is crucial is their ability to demonstrate a strong portfolio of their work, showcasing their skills and creativity.

Practical experience, such as internships or work on student productions, can also be very beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Prop and Costume Designer resume?

Look for experience in costume and prop design, preferably in the type of production you are working on (e.g., theater, film, TV).

Check for knowledge of various design and construction techniques and familiarity with a wide range of materials.

Also, look for indications of creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

Evidence of good teamwork and communication skills is also important as they will need to collaborate with other members of the production team.

 

What qualities make a good Prop and Costume Designer?

A good Prop and Costume Designer is highly creative, able to come up with innovative designs that enhance the visual storytelling of a production.

They should be detail-oriented, ensuring that every element of their designs contributes to character development and narrative cohesion.

They need to have excellent problem-solving skills, as they may often have to work within budget and time constraints.

Good interpersonal skills are also important as they will need to collaborate closely with directors, actors, and other production staff.

 

What are the daily duties of a Prop and Costume Designer?

A Prop and Costume Designer’s daily duties may include researching design ideas, sketching designs, sourcing materials, constructing costumes, and adjusting costumes for actors.

They may also need to attend production meetings to discuss design concepts, collaborate with the director and other designers, and supervise the costume and prop crews during rehearsals and performances.

They are often responsible for maintaining the costumes and props throughout the run of a production.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve pulled back the curtains on what it truly means to be a prop and costume designer.

Can you believe it?

It’s not just about sewing stitches.

It’s about bringing creative visions to life, one costume or prop at a time.

With our essential prop and costume designer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into the spotlight.

But don’t stop just yet!

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for crafting precise listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every stitch and prop is a piece of a larger story.

Let’s weave that story. Together.

How to Become a Prop and Costume Designer (Complete Guide)

Skyrocket Your Earnings: Discover the Highest Paying Jobs of the Decade!

Careers That Cruise: Low-Stress Jobs for Smooth Sailing

Bright Days Ahead: Careers That Are as Fun as They Are Rewarding

Find Work That Excites You: Fun Jobs That Are Also Profitable