Introduction
The second edition contains the following new visual images: (a) three pages of ballet sketches added to the “Figures in Dance” section, Chapter 1; (b) nine pairs of working-class figures added to the “Figure Poses Change Through Time and Fashion” section, Chapter 1; (c) a new Chapter 7, Character Costume Figures in Style, which demonstrates how to incorporate and develop demeanor, attitude, body language, and facial expressions into each individual character and type of the production.
The second edition, just like the first, provides a simple, visual guide that focuses on the principles and format of characteristic costume figure drawings. Throughout all the illustrations, you will see dimension and diversity in the characters. Facial expressions, body language, body action, and props are incorporated to clearly characterize each figure.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD THEATRICAL COSTUME DESIGNER?
I would never say that a person who draws beautiful pictures is a good costume designer. A good costume designer must have many other qualities and capabilities, such as imagination and knowledge of theatre, world history, theatre history, costume history, and literature. The designer must retain good communication and organization skills; possess research and technical skills like drawing, rendering, computer graphics, costume construction, crafts, millinery, and personnel management; be a good team player; and even be in good health. All these factors make a wonderful, even ideal costume designer. Drawing and painting skills are tools for helping a designer develop and express visual images and design concepts. Renderings are not the final product—the final product is the actual stage costume made suitable and proper for the actors.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONALITY AND BODY LANGUAGE
To capture the impression of a character's spirit is always a goal when developing character figure drawings. By nature, we all relate to human emotion, because we all experience it. Characters are human beings, and human beings all possess personalities. To portray a character's emotions and personality on paper is a challenge, but well worth the results. When I create costume designs, I try not only to illustrate the costumes, but also to portray a completed characterization. I try to manipulate every body part to build compositional beauty and artistically express the power of a character's substance. Every gesture, action, facial expression, and accessory will add meaning and entertainment to the design. People say that we should not judge a person by his or her appearance, but when an actor appears on stage, his or her appearance becomes significant. The character's body language reflects the soul and spirit of the character, and an interesting gesture helps display the style of the costumes. Using body language to emphasize the personality and status of a character is to give the character an exciting appearance. Character figures enhance and adorn the costume designs, and they communicate with the director, actor, other designers, and the production team. Expressing the personality of the character in your drawings is like the saying that “a picture is worth a thousand words.”
PHILOSOPHY FOR DRAWING
Drawing human figures should be fun. Nobody was born an innate artist and nobody will become one overnight, but I believe that with some effort, anybody can draw. Although improving your drawing skills requires tremendous effort, enjoying it and being interested will greatly help. When you are driven to do well, you will. Watch, listen, and absorb.
To develop a more positive attitude, consider this: just do it. Work helps. Avoid a pessimistic and sluggish attitude. Desire and dedication are the discipline of a career, and work is the language of that discipline.
POSITIVITY!
CONFIDENCE!
PRACTICE!
SUCCESS!