FA1D03 - Dye and Breakdown for Character 01 Sep 2020 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: FA1D03
Module Title: Dye and Breakdown for Character
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Fashion, Marketing and Photography
Faculty Sub Group: Fashion Marketing and Photography
Module Leader: Emma Embling
Module Team: Caroline Thomas, Steven Wright
First Intended Intake: JAN 2020 Final Year of Intake: 2025
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 40 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100055 - fashion design
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2020
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

1. To develop an understanding of character within a script/story in written form

2. To develop an understanding of colour theory in relation to dye and breakdown techniques

3. To develop costume sourcing and buying skills working to a set budget

4. To produce two complete costumes using appropriate dye and breakdown techniques

Content Summary

When appropriate a costume breakdown artist requires an ability to visually communicate character, through costume, to a variety of audiences.

The module provides a fundamental understanding of visual language and the artistic techniques required to produce representations of processes such as mud, sweat and blood. Students will learn the importance of creating character within a costume through the medium of dye and breakdown techniques.

No fabric costs are incurred as garments are reused from charity sources and donations.

Through a series of workshops each students will produce a series of samples- logging each process as they progress.

Upon completion of these workshops students will be required to work to a given budget, costume source and buy appropriate costume pieces for two characters. They will then dye and breakdown each costume pieces as appropriate.

Upon completion of the module students will demonstrate sophisticated dye and breakdown techniques and be able to identify the principles applied to when and where these techniques would be used within the world of costume.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 8
Seminar 6
Demonstration 20
Practical classes and workshops 20
Supervised time in studio/workshop 30
Independent Study 200
Directed Study 100
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 4
Groupwork 12
Total Hours Selected 400

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Produce and construct costumes using a variety of dye and breakdown techniques.
LO2 Identify basic dye and breakdown techniques, applying these fundamental principles to the production of two costumes.
LO3 Incorporate appropriate theory in projects, essays and other forms of work.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Project Output 2 Two complete sourced and broken down costumes 0 N/A 60 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Project Output 1 Sample book with appropriate research 0 N/A 40 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Project Output 2
Project Output 1

Reading List

Nadoolman Landis, D.(2012) FilmCraft: Costume Design. ILEX

Huaixiang,T (2007) Costume Craftwork on a Budget: Clothing, 3-D Makeup, Wigs, Millinery & Accessories: Clothing, 3-D Makeup, Wigs. Focal Press

La Motte, R. (2010) Costume Design 101: 2nd Edition: The Business and Art of Creating Costumes for Film and Television (Costume Design 101: The Business & Art of Creating)., 2nd Revised edition,Michael Wiese Productions;

Nadoolman Landis, D.(2007)Dressed: A Century of Hollywood Costume Design., Limited edition, Harper Design;

(i) Thomas.J (2013) Script Analysis for Actors, Directors, and Designers., 5th edition, Focal Press;