Costume Design for Performance offers a detailed insight into the creative process behind designing costumes for the performing arts, including theatre, opera, dance and film. Guiding the reader through the essential steps of the designing process, Bettina John combines extensive knowledge of the industry with insights gleaned from leading experts in the performing arts. Featuring over 200 original artworks by more than thirty designers, this book gives a rare insight into this highly individual and creative process. Topics covered include script analysis; in-depth research techniques; practical techniques to explore design; basic drawing techniques; character development; the role of the costume designer and wider team and finally, advice on portfolio presentation.



The book fulfilled it's claims to be a compact introduction to costume design. It is both a clear overview of all the varied ways to be a costume designer and has an excellent textbook style on how to do the job. The author did the difficult work of gathering many voices together and not losing clarity or focus. It would be an excellent text for an introduction to costume design course, as well as excellent book for designers teaching themselves how to do the job.



Here is a welcome freshness in John's tone that would make this a valuable introduction to any costume student's collection.