Editing Costume design (section)

== Design process ==
[[File:Costume workshop at a theatre, Prague - 8581.jpg|thumb|A woman creating in a costume workshop in [[Prague]] theater.]]
The costume design process involves many steps and though they differ from genre to genre a basic method is commonly used. [[File:2016 Magic Flute Rehearsal • NZ Opera • 060516 • 096 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Costume design drawings by Lisa Holmes for 2016 [[New Zealand Opera]] production of Mozart's ''[[The Magic Flute|Magic Flute]]'']]
# Analysis: The first step is an analysis of the script, musical composition, choreography, etc. Costume parameters for the show are established and a rough costume plot is created. A costume plot outlines which character is in which scene, when the actors change, and what costumes are mentioned in the script.
# Design collaboration: An important phase in the process is when all of the designers meet with the director. There must be a clear understanding of the overall show concept. The designers must all get on the same page with the director in terms of themes for the show and what messages they want the audience to get from the show.
# Costume research: Once the director and designers are on the same page, the next step is for the Costume designer to gather research. Costume designers usually begin with research where they find resources to establish the world where the play takes place. This helps the designers establish the rules of the world and then in turn understand the characters better. The designer will then go into broad research about each character to try to establish their personalities though their costume.
#Preliminary sketching and color layout: Once enough information is obtained, Costume designers begin by creating preliminary sketches. Beginning with very quick rough sketches the designer can get a basic idea for how the show will look put together and if the rules of the world are being maintained. The costume designer will then go into more detailed sketches and will figure out the specific costumes and colors for the character. Sketches help see the show as a whole without them having to spend too much time on them.
#Final sketches: Once the costume designer and the director agree on the costumes and the ideas are fully flushed out, the designer will create final sketches. These are called renderings and are usually painted with watercolors or acrylic paints. These final sketches show what the designer wants the character to look like and the colors of the costume.<ref>{{cite book|last=Covey, Ingham|first=Liz, Rosemary|title=The Costume Designer's Handbook|year=1992|publisher=Heinemann|location=Portsmouth, NH|pages=15–100}}</ref>