Costume designers are normally brought onto a project by the show's director, and they will work out their ideas together regarding the different costumes. Some designers like to draw out their designs, but computer-generated designs or ‘mood boards' are increasingly common.

Costume buying - overview

Costumes are crucial to any production. They can be sewn from scratch, bought on the high street, or made by altering other clothes. In the National Theatre's Costume Department, a staff of designers, dyers, tailors and buyers work together to produce outfits for every character in every show.