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Costume Designer & Chief Executive at James Maciver Costumes Ltd
Hours per week: 37.5h a Week
Salary: £30,000 to £36,000 (dependent on experience)
Location: Milton Keynes, MK46 5ED
Reporting to: Head of Pattern / Workroom Operations
Department: Creative Studio
Job Summary
James Maciver Costumes is looking for a creative individual who can translate the Designer’s ideas and drawings into real costumes, in consultation with both the Designer and Head of Pattern / Workroom Operations. They will be required to work closely with the Head of Pattern / Workroom Operations, team of machinists and pattern cutters or independently on specific projects assigned to them. The role will be based at the creative studio in Milton Keynes and be responsible to the Head of Pattern / Workroom Operations.
The candidate we are looking for will have a deep understanding of garment construction, fit and fabric behaviour, with the ability to follow illustrations together with technical design sheet and client’s measurements to create practical and easy to alter patterns that most of the time need to fit multiple people.
They will have the ability to create patterns for variety of costume types, including structured garment, stretch wear and armour-based costumes. Some of the examples are tailored jacket, waistcoats, trousers, skirts, petticoats, crinolines, bodices, dresses, skirt, catsuits, leotards, knickers, bra cup shaped leotards.
We are looking for someone with at least two years’ experience of working in a similar studio / home environment who can confidently perform the key duties and responsibilities required. The role is physically demanding and will require long periods of standing and some sitting at machinery and manoeuvring boxes / rolls of fabric.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Be able to make costumes using foam, stiff materials, leather, plastic fabrics, wires, ridgeline for the support.
* Ability to adapt patterns for specialised costume needs, including movement, durability, and quick change.
* To ensure that patterns are clearly marked with the required information needed.
* To ensure that the patterns are made in a practical way for the team of Creative Costume Makers / Machinists can follow and understand how the costume should be put together.
* To take into account when designing the patterns the fabric limitations and costume longevity.
* Maintain and organise costume patterns archives for future use and reference.
* To follow working notes and drawings / instructions relating to the manual creation of patterns.
* Have excellent interpretation skills from design to pattern, including scale and proportions.
* Create patterns from clients’ measurements following design, illustrations or photographs.
* Creating a working toile / sample prior to handing over the project to the Workroom Supervisor.
* Be confident in working with and amending existing stock patterns.
* Working closely with the Head of Pattern / Workroom Operations to manage projects and deadlines.
* To be able to use own initiative, manage and organise their own workload to ensure each assigned project or task is completed within the agreed timescales.
* To be highly organised with excellent communication skills.
* To regularly meet and update the Head of Pattern / Workroom Operations regarding the daily / weekly workload.
* Ensure that all paperwork & invoices are kept safe and shared with the office manager.
* To ensure all working notes / photographs are documented on the design sheet.
* During project handover raise any questions / concerns to the Head of Pattern / Workroom Operations ensuring maximum productivity.
* Create makeup samples and toiles to a high standard.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
* Be able to work on menswear, womenswear and childrenswear with a variety of fabrics, (stretch and non-stretch)
* To be creative and adapt patterns and make new patterns to the designers’ illustrations.
* Advanced knowledge in construction methods.
* To be passionate, enthusiastic and be willing to learn.
* Minimum of 2 years' experience of manual pattern drafting with a minimum of 1 year in industry.
* Excellent finishing skills and great attention to detail.
* A good eye for detail, shape and proportion.
* Highly experienced in pattern drafting using a wide range of fabrics including woven, lycra, knit and chiffon.
* Advanced knowledge of working with varied fabrics and understanding of construction techniques whilst drafting patterns.
* Experienced in drafting patterns for corsetry / stretch fabrics using reduction methods.
* Have a strong understanding for pattern development for theatrical, film, television, or bespoke costumes, suited for performance and movement on the stage.
* Good time-management skills, including the ability to turn work around quickly.
* Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
* Proven experience of making patterns, garments and costumes in a professional workroom environment.
* Flexible, hardworking and organised with a positive and constructive attitude.
* The ability to remain calm under pressure.
* Ability to work with due regard to Health & Safety.
About James Maciver Costumes
We are a fast-paced dynamic and creative expanding team of 27 employees based in Milton Keynes, working with clients around the UK and Internationally. Our clients range from independent artists to large-scale companies within the entertainment and hospitality industry with various requirements and needs. We work on various seasonal calendar events throughout the whole year including but not limited to Christmas, Gay pride, New Year, Easter.
Seniority Level
Mid-Senior level
Employment Type
Full-time
Job Function
Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
Industries
Entertainment
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