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Volume 8, Issue 2
  • ISSN: 2052-4013
  • E-ISSN: 2052-4021

Abstract

This practice-led research sheds light on the potential for digital sketching in the field of costume design. This project provides an opportunity to advance our understanding of the impact of ongoing digital transformation on costume design processes and other design processes related to sketching and creative teamwork. The material for the research was collected from interviews with Finnish professional costume designers about their costume sketching practices. Interviews concentrated on designers who preferred using digital sketching methods in their process. This study focuses on costume sketching, which is when a costume designer creates a costumed character using tactile sketching techniques on a tablet touch screen. The portable device acts as a digital sketchbook for the costume designer; this study assesses the effects of this digital ‘pocket atelier’ through the lens of professional competence. Professional competence in this context refers to the ability of designers to perform work-related tasks within a creative team, such as expressing and communicating ideas by generating costume sketches. When asked about the impact of digital costume design methods, most participants commented that they have found their own way of expressing ideas and visions through digital means, which has increased their sense of professionalism. They further described the use of digital tools as making them feel more valued as members of a creative team. The research results indicate that the digital transformation of the design process has changed costume designers’ perception of their own skills as better matching the needs of the work environment.

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2023-12-27
2026-04-12

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/content/journals/10.1386/scp_00102_1
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Using a digital ‘pocket atelier’ for creative teamwork: What is the impact of digital costume sketching on the professional competence of costume designers?
Studies in Costume & Performance 8, 289 (2023); https://doi.org/10.1386/scp_00102_1
/content/journals/10.1386/scp_00102_1
/content/journals/10.1386/scp_00102_1
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  • Article Type: Article
Keyword(s): collaboration; competence; costume design; digital; portable tablet; professionalism; sketching

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