Costume DepartmentCostume Breakdown Artist

The Costume Breakdown Artist works closely with the designer to ensure costumes look genuine and realistic. They are responsible for ageing or manipulating a costume to make it look authentic for a film/TV production using various techniques. They must dye fabrics as needed and manipulate or distress fabrics as instructed.

Is this role right for me?

For this role, you will need:

Extensive knowledge of the various established techniques used to accurately age costumes and a thorough understanding of various dyeing techniques.

Skilled in creating unusual effects with certain fabrics.

An ability to understand the director and designer’s creative vision and the ability to use a creative approach to work in achieving this vision.

An awareness of health and safety when using chemicals and sprays.

Time management skills and the ability to run a department to budget and schedule.

The ability to communicate and delegate tasks effectively.

Work with:

• Costume Designer
• Costume Supervisor
• All of the Costume Department

Career Path to Costume Breakdown Artist:

There is no usual career path to Costume Breakdown Artist, often they would have experience as a Wardrobe Trainee. Practical experience of working on costume in film, television or theatre is essential. It is important to have a portfolio of work.