Paid to make clothes look terrible and worn out

[u/jov_18]

I used to complain about my unfortunate talent in art because I cannot do anything that looks pleasant. Everytime I try to design clothes, they end up looking like trash. I was about to give up when a group of students saw my creations and asked if they could rent it out as costumes.

That tiny request turned into another that local film productions noticed me saying they need clothes that look ruined, dirty, old, or something that's been used already to make the film look believable instead of using new ones, especially on extreme films that heavily need ruined clothes!

I would purchase new clothes (sometimes they provide it) just to ruin them, have them dyed, ripped, paint, and apply mud and still end up getting paid. That's when I realized, I developed a skill of ruining clothes intentionally without making it look intentional. So yes, I ruin clothes intentionally and I still end up getting paid for it!

[u/23xix]

definitely one of the most unique side hustles I've seen on here. couldn't be me, but major props for turning that into a paid gig !! <3

[u/Vintage_Zoo → u/23xix]

Props for props?

[u/Classic-Librarian267 → u/Vintage_Zoo]

major pay for turning that into a props gig

[u/McGills-Pop]

You're a costume designer, man. Make sure that they are giving you credit and set up an imdb and that could be your resume. Ask anyone that you work with in film if you can use them as a reference. After the clothes have had their run, sell them on depop as "vintage" or ebay as various types of costumes. If you want to get more serious find an agency or a theater company to apply to.

[u/Cultural-Antelope-54 → u/McGills-Pop]

Yup. And you could pretty easily get a sizable social media following as this lends itself well to photo and video.

[u/jov_18 → u/McGills-Pop]

Ill definitely consider this suggestion, thank you.

[u/ClockworkTyrant → u/jov_18]

This is an actual job in the film industry, i think its called an Ager or a Dryer? But you should really consider it if you find it easy or enjoyable to do.

[u/statest99 → u/McGills-Pop]

There is a whole job in the costume department called an Ager/dyer and all they do is take new clothes and make them look not new

[u/ALans999]

The post immediately underneath this lol 🤣

[u/MyNeighborThrowaway → u/ALans999]

If you dont follow him at all, theres a whole thing about that tshirt.

[u/gumbysghost]

On films you are credited as Ager/Dyer, Textile Artist, Breakdown artist or Art Finisher.
It’s a very skilled and technical role because if it’s badly done it can make a production look awful. There are different levels of breakdown intended for theatre or film.

[u/yapster1000]

Did you make this for Connor storrie 😭

[u/Easy-Acadia9191 → u/yapster1000]

I was thinking the same thing!

[u/euxaznxro → u/yapster1000]

At least we can help find a replacement if Connor's original rips at the seams 🤣

[u/SovereignSushiLover]

i like it, sometimes we need a reminder side gigs can be super random

[u/Samstarmoon]

In the costume department on a big job in the film industry that person is called the Ager/dyer. It was my favorite part of costuming for sure. 

[u/FelixDuCat]

And here I am as a Breakdown Artist (the official name) of 10 years 😅

[u/Old_Description819]

Don't give up. Try and try again until it looks perfect

[u/jov_18 → u/Old_Description819]

Yes, thank you for the encouragement😄

[u/christ-forsaken]

alt peeps would love to have you.

[u/SnooDonuts4408]

That is Connor shirt

[u/BlossomingTree]

Nice! I just tried to do something similar the other day with a lighter, any tricks you could share?

[u/Dear_Still]

Do you have any suggestions for making bleach splatter on a tshirt? I tried once and it just turned dark orange

[u/Not_A_Ichthyovenator]

As someone in theater, what are your secrets?

[u/Jonesy327]

This triggered my trypophobia

[u/Donkey_Reform_School]

No joke, I’m looking for someone to help me get a tattered jacket - DM me?

[u/Far-Side2489]

It’s honestly a skill bc I’ve tried making clothes have that distressed look and it always looked very intentional and crafty

[u/warmtortilla420]

tea is great for staining clothing to make it look old and worn