Associate Costume Designer

Skydance Animation is seeking an Associate Costume Designer to join the studio’s Costume Department. Reporting to the Head of Costume Design, the Associate Costume Designer will expand upon and support the development of wardrobe concepts established in collaboration with the broader Visual Development team and film leadership.

This role ensures the creative vision is carried through consistently, while identifying opportunities to enhance storytelling and elevate character performance through research and design. Additionally, this position will also bring technical expertise in costume packeting, supported by a solid foundation in garment construction, tailoring, fabrics, and sewing techniques. 

The ideal candidate brings prior experience in animation visual development, has a passion for how costume design enhances storytelling, and is highly detail orientated. 

Responsibilities

Assist in the development and visual styles of costumes alongside the Head of Costume Design and Production Designer by following the Director’s overall vision for story, character development, and visual tone
Drive costume research in support of the films vision
Visually explore research by pitching, iterating, adapting, and designing different costumes taking into consideration leaderships notes and feedback 
Create costume style guide and apply approved design language to primary, secondary, tertiary, and crowds
Resolve design issues with Production Designer, Lead Character Designer, and rest of Visual Development team
Provide and share expertise on clothing styles, fabrics, fabrication techniques, and patterns to align with the narratives, character, and show designs
Prepare detailed costume packets alongside Costume Design Assistants considering downstream departments by including and advising on information such as textiles, fabric properties, and garment construction including pattern making and draping
Partner with Costume Design Assistants by tracking assignments, giving notes, doing draw overs all while keeping in mind quality set by department leads
Creative problem solving
Implement feedback promptly ensuring deadlines are met
Promote a positive, collaborative, and inclusive team culture within the larger Production and Art team

Requirements

5+ years of experience working as a visual development artist on animated projects and 1+ years working on costume designs in visual development, theater, live action, or related field
Education in Fashion Design, Costume Design, Toy Design, or Art preferred
Self-starter and organizer with the ability to drive all production needs keeping mind production pipeline and deadlines
Demonstrated ability to prepare detailed costume packets for downstream animation departments that inform final design execution
Knowledge of costume terminology, methods, practices, and techniques
Proficiency in drawing (including human and animal anatomy), design, perspective, composition, painting, lighting and color theory
Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
Requirement to be, or become, a member in good standing of the Animation Guild (Local 839)