Painting in oil is an ejaculation of emotional energy. The very radiance and vibrancy of the coloring mesmerizes and energizes the artist and satisfies the observer. The process of creation consists of subconsciously gathered value and color, lines and forms, contrast and movement, applied on canvas through the artist’s feeling and instinct. The very best paintings are done from the fullness of the heart.
The costume designer should be trained in the areas of the historical period and style, the techniques of cutting, draping and other areas of costume technology. The student needs to develop the artistic skills of sketching and color rendering, achieving the appropriate effect with silhouette, line and color. The insight into the dramatic character's development, and ability to blend with the visual style of the scenic design, recognition of the director's vision of the staging, and an individual flair of style are important areas of study. Good communication, interpersonal and organizational skills are also essential.
Theater being a collaborative art form, communication between the costume designer and the costume technician is vitally important, therefore a working knowledge of the elements and areas of costume technology and process of design should be learned by all costume students at the undergraduate level, both areas of theatrical costuming, the design and the technology are to be emphasized. Also important is a working knowledge of other aspects of the technical theater, such as lighting, sound, stage design and production.
Costume technology involves the realization of the costume designer's sketches, samples, notes, and research and fabric swatches into practical, effective, and affordable costumes for a theatrical production on stage, television or film. Knowledge of the design process, historical periods and styles, and familiarity with the dramatic or lyric work are also required. Pattern drafting, cutting, draping, stitching, and dyeing form the core of the craft, with additional skills in fabric painting, millinery, weaving, leather, and mask work. Responsibilities for the costume management of productions range from the costing, construction, and fitting, to material, equipment, and costume inventory control, to fast changes backstage and wardrobe maintenance during the run.
Both undergraduate and graduate students should be given opportunities as design assistants, first-hands, cutter/drapers, crafts persons and workshop designers as well as wardrobe and maintenance personnel on all productions. The actual hands-on experience with real productions should supersede the theoretical as much as possible.
The Costume program for the BFA and MFA degrees should be a demanding, intensive, fun and exciting educational experience. It is a privilege to teach, inspire, guide and help a highly motivated individual seeking a professional career in theatrical costuming.
Having illustrated fashion for some time, I recently realized that the most important quality of this kind of drawing is not usually taught to students who attempt it.
What makes a successful fashion drawing?
One could emphasize the importance of concept, the proportion of the human body, the representing of the fabric materials, etc. All of these skills are important to communicate the design ideas, but what makes a fashion drawing itself exceptionally interesting and unforgettable?
The principle is the same as a successful concert: Rhythm with Energy. It’s the rhythm of the movement of the lines and colors that give a drawing energy; this energy stimulates the viewer’s senses, thus invoking the viewer’s emotional reply.
Think of a drawing that’s pretty/strong/provocative/wacky/moody/dramatic/calming/maddening/energizing/fun… It’s the artist’s energy that’s transferred to paper that makes the first and lasting impression.
The presence of energy is of paramount importance in Fashion illustration, but how does one transfer energy to paper? The answer I come to is this: By Concentration! Be one with your drawing when you draw. How you feel while drawing will always show on paper, whether you were confident, excited, uncertain, frustrated or happy. A great idea is to borrow energy from music, let the rhythm fill your body, add strength to your hand, and have fun.
Fashion as an art form is always evolving; we who illustrate fashion strive to be masters at capturing its spirits, its essences, and its fascinating beauty.
To Teach -- The basic skill and understanding of the principles.
To Guide -- Based on the individuality and personal interests in the subject.
To Support -- Find and use resources to make it a positive experience.
To Inspire -- Influence through high standard in quality and creativity.