Summary of the Occupation
Creative industries tap into the multiplicity of cultures and rich cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago. This sector utilizes the creativity, talents and skills of its practitioners, and offers an alternative contribution to the country’s economy, in the thrust toward economic diversification.
Costume Design and Construction is an integral element of the festival arts sector in Trinidad and Tobago. It is predominantly attributed to the Carnival festival arts, however, the jobs identified, can be undertaken across a number of other design- and construction-based sectors in the creative industry.
Costume Designers must carry out research into the costume styles, designs and construction methods which are appropriate for the productions’ time period, using a number of resources including libraries, museums and the internet. They may also discuss costume and character ideas with performers. They deliver initial ideas about the overall costume vision, original costume designs using sketches and fabric samples.
Carnival Costume Designing portrays various aspects of art and design, it is like poetry or storytelling. It incorporates a theme that finds its basis in an actual incident or series of incidents that are typical of human nature. It appeals and connects to masqueraders of all ages, ethnicity and nationalities.
In this industry a slower-than-average job growth is projected. Competition for jobs is expected to be keen as many designers are attracted to the creativity and glamour associated with the occupation.
Designers must have a strong sense of the aesthetic, an eye for color and detail, a sense of balance and proportion, and an appreciation for beauty. Persons in this occupational field must have excellent communication and problem solving skills. In this industry persons must have sewing and pattern making skills. They need to be able to understand these skills so they can give proper instruction in how the costume should be constructed.
There are four main job titles in this industry which fall under Carnival Costume Designing:
| OCCUPATION | SUMMARY | ENTRY LEVEL QUALIFICATIONS | SALARY RANGE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COSTUME DESIGNER | The Costume Designer’s position is critical since his/her duties are essential in the design and construction process. The costume designer creates an image to suit a concept, idea or occasion. | Strong knowledge of design concepts Study of design elements in a structured design programme at the level of an associate degree or bachelors degree. | 3,000 – 10,000 Or per costume | |
| WIRE BENDER | The wire bender provides the base, that is, the foundation of the costume. | Experience in Wire Bending and Construction, formal or otherwise, for approximately 2-3 years. | Per job based | |
| STEAM-STRESS | Takes measurements, cuts patterns and templates and stitches components or pieces together on the machine. | The costume design seamstress requires skills in garment construction. Subject thought in secondary schools and can be further developed at YTEPP, SERVOL or UTT | Per job based | |
| SURFACE DECORATOR | The Surface Decorator is responsible for finishing the costume and the maintenance of the overall aesthetic of the finished product, by decorating its surface, for example, sticking jewels or stone to bra tops for Carnival, or adding flowers on Easter Bonnets. | In addition to natural talent, style and taste, and the ability to follow instructions, a Surface Decorator must have basic knowledge of sticking and sewing. | Starts at minimum wage. |
COSTUME DESIGNER
The Costume Designer’s position is critical since his/her duties are essential in the design and construction process. The costume designer creates an image to suit a concept, idea or occasion. The design must please the client; it must be practical and cost effective. The designer is also ethically mandated to be culturally aware, ensuring that the costume is not offensive to the cultural beliefs of persons in that specific space/place.The Costume Designer:
- Designs a costume depicting a particular concept
- Draws a costume by hand or using computer software (visible or tangible 3-dimensional image)
- Gives colour and dimension to the costume
- Suggests methods and materials for construction
The frequency of the performance of these duties is determined by seasonal demands.
A designer has to be practical with a design. He/she cannot draw a design that is impossible to construct, but one which is also aesthetically pleasing. He/she must consider the concept, the cost, the size and ability of the masquerader to carry the costume, the purpose for which the costume is used (whether the costume must be durable enough to withstand travel) and the size of the stage or auditorium.
Useful sources of information
National Carnival Band Leaders Association www.ncba.com
The Costume Designer reports primarily to the client, that is, the person or institution that is paying for the design, such as a bandleader, financier. In addition, the designer is accountable to the builder, where he/she must be able to justify the structural possibility of constructing the costume. Costume Designers are employed by mas camps, the theater arts industry, and in the garment construction and fashion industries.
This position is usually full time, however the hours of work are defined by the costume designer him/herself, and is further determined by client-imposed deadlines.
The costume designer has the freedom and flexibility to design his/her pieces wherever he or she pleases. Some designers get inspiration from their environment. Therefore, a costume designer may choose to design a costume in an environment which is in keeping with the theme of the costume/presentation.
Useful sources of information
National Carnival Band Leaders Association www.ncba.com
A high level of innate creativity is necessary to be successful as a costume designer. In addition, the costume designer should have strong knowledge of design concepts as gained through study of design elements in a structured design programme at the level of an associate degree or bachelors degree.
Useful sources of information
National Carnival Band Leaders Association www.ncba.com
The future of these positions is somewhat bleak in relation to carnival costume designs, and by extension so too, the industry. For the preservation of the competencies and skills identified, these must be transferred to another sector of theater arts as opposed to simply being applied to carnival celebrations, for example the designing of costumes for theater and other cultural festivals. Further, in order to experience economies of scale, industry leaders are finding it necessary to outsource costuming, which ultimately reduces the demand for costuming skills.
Pay
A Costume Designer’s wage is calculated per design, and ranges from $3,000.00 to $10,000.00 per design.
For children’s mas, for example, a costume designer is paid $400 per individual costume and $300 per section costume.
Useful sources of information
National Carnival Band Leaders Association www.ncba.com
SEAMSTRESS
The seamstress’ job is very important in Costume Design and Construction. Although some items can be factory made, the seamstress can satisfy individual needs, such as, arm bands for costumes, which require specific yet varied measurements. A Seamstress may sew a range of items, from an armband of sponge on fabric, a skirt to 1000 yards of frill – their duties vary considerably. According to the design of the costume, a seamstress may need to sew approximately 10% of one costume, or, on another design, 60%. The seamstress also must understand difficult fabrics and threads.
The Seamstress:
a) Takes measurements (he/she will either measure each person individually or decide on standard measurements for small, medium, large,)
b) Cuts patterns and templates
c) Stitches components or pieces together on the machine
Similar occupations
| OCCUPATION | DUTIES | ENTRY LEVEL EDUCATION | MEDIAN PAY |
| Dressmaker | Makes, alters and repairs garments following customer specifications or commercial patterns | CXC O’level education and specialized vocational training on the job or through an institution | Various based on the amount of experience in the field |
The Seamstress reports to the camp manager, who inspects all work to ensure that the finished product is ready for the next step. Normally, Seamstresses are employed by mas camps, the theater arts industry, and the garment construction and fashion industries.
This position is usually part-time, however the hours of works are defined by the mas camp manager, and further determined by client-imposed deadlines.
The seamstress may also operate in large garment factories using industrial machines or in the comfort of their own home using commercial machines.
Similar occupations
| OCCUPATION | DUTIES | ENTRY LEVEL EDUCATION | MEDIAN PAY |
| Dressmaker | Makes, alters and repairs garments following customer specifications or commercial patterns | CXC O’level education and specialized vocational training on the job or through an institution | Various based on the amount of experience in the field |
The Seamstress reports to the camp manager, who inspects all work to ensure that the finished product is ready for the next step. Normally, Seamstresses are employed by mas camps, the theater arts industry, and the garment construction and fashion industries.
This position is usually part-time, however the hours of works are defined by the mas camp manager, and further determined by client-imposed deadlines.
The seamstress may also operate in large garment factories using industrial machines or in the comfort of their own home using commercial machines.
Similar occupations
| OCCUPATION | DUTIES | ENTRY LEVEL EDUCATION | MEDIAN PAY |
| Dressmaker | Makes, alters and repairs garments following customer specifications or commercial patterns | CXC O’level education and specialized vocational training on the job or through an institution | Various based on the amount of experience in the field |
Seamstresses are in high demand in Trinidad and Tobago not just around Carnival time but year round.
Pay
A Seamstresses’ wage is calculated per piece or job.
Similar occupations
| OCCUPATION | DUTIES | ENTRY LEVEL EDUCATION | MEDIAN PAY |
| Dressmaker | Makes, alters and repairs garments following customer specifications or commercial patterns | CXC O’level education and specialised vocational training on the job or through an institution | Various based on the amount of experience in the field |
SURFACE DECORATOR
The Surface Decorator is responsible for finishing the costume and the maintenance of the overall aesthetic of the finished product, by decorating its surface, for example, sticking jewels or stone to bra tops for Carnival, or adding flowers on Easter Bonnets. He/she is usually the final person to work on an item.
This job is being slowly replaced by imported costuming from China or Japan, however, this job is still important to the person producing small quantities or individual jobs.
The duties of the Surface Decorator include:
a) Stitching on stones, braids, etc.
b) Sewing on braids, stones, sequins, etc.
The amount of time spent engaging these duties are dependent on the quantity and the intricacies of the final look.
The Surface Decorator must be precise and neat, and this usually comes from having the natural talent compounded with training and or experience in design as well.
The camp manager or designer will perform checks to ensure the job is executed properly and that the desired effect is achieved.
The job of the Surface Decorator is usually temporary and seasonal. His/her work schedule is dependent on the location and type of work that is required. For example:
• Mas camps – all day and all night sometimes
• Interior Décor – all day
In addition to natural talent, style and taste, and the ability to follow instructions, a Surface Decorator must have basic knowledge of sticking and sewing.
Demand for this job is diminishing, as completed costumes are being slowly replaced by imports from China or Japan. The Surface Decorator position is still important however, in sectors that engage in small scale production or individual jobs.
Minimum wage: $12.50/hour (taken from a solitary response)
Similar occupations
| OCCUPATION | DUTIES | ENTRY LEVEL EDUCATION | MEDIAN PAY |
| Handicraft worker | Construct architectural models, make and decorate artificial flowers, candles and carnival costumes and arrange flowers | Basic secondary level schooling along with specialized vocational training acquired through on the job training |
WIRE BENDER
The wire bender provides the base, that is, the foundation of the costume. Without the wire bender, there is no costume. The wire bender is important only for certain parts of the costume for example the head piece or the back pack. This is an important position, especially in traditional costumes and for head pieces for modern mas.
The Wire Bender:
a. Interprets the designer’s drawing (he/she determines the framework required to suit the design)
b. Bends wire into shape, creating the frame according to the design
c. Locks the wire, so that the frame and shape is maintained
The frequency of the performance of these duties is determined by the quantity of costumes desired by the client.
The Wire Bender must be innovative, intelligent and creative. He/she must be able to frame a costume precisely to ensure balance and preserve the strength, flexibility and durability of the finished costume.
The Wire Bender reports primarily to the designer to ensure that the design was interpreted accurately. Primarily, Wire Benders perform their craft in mas camps or workshops that may comprise of some light and heavy machinery. However there is no limit to his environment since there is no fixed place for example a workshop where he/she is required to work. Wire bending projects may be large or small therefore he may simply require an open space or a desk top. This position is usually part-time and temporary, however the hours of works are defined by the costume designer.
Wire bending is a skill which can be taught by those experienced in the field. Experience in Wire Bending and Construction, formal or otherwise, for approximately 2-3 years, is necessary for this position.
In addition, experience and ability in the areas of precision and artistic creativity are necessary.
This skill is in high demand during the Carnival Season. A wire bender can however find employment in the arts industry as well as in regional and international productions and Carnivals.
The National Carnival Band Leaders Association (NCBA) has identified several challenges facing the carnival costume production sector. In particular, the importation of ready-made costumes and accessories has impacted negatively on the industry. The NCBA (www.ncba.com) has indicated that:
- “the importation of Mas costumes and materials often translates into the exportation of the mas producing industry and the revenue earning potential it offers its members and the people of Trinidad & Tobago. This is deemed as a direct blow to the future development of Carnival as a local industry whose main aim is to export the ingenuity and creativity of Carnival through its locally produced final products.
- Loss of creativity, limited national expression and a lack of customization of costumes: NCBA’s President David Lopez maintains that the importation of mass produced costumes and ready-made materials also leads to measurement issues for masqueraders who purchase these international produced costumes. He asserts that this practical reality is unlike the arrangement at the traditional, local mas camps where each masquerader obtains a costume measured and customized to fit him or her.
- Loss of employment for skilled workers: such as wire benders and metal beaters due to labour redundancy.”
Pay
Wages are subjective, and are determined per job.
Useful sources of information
National Carnival Band Leaders Association www.ncba.com