A career in the arts isn't always about trying to get on stage. For some, there is great artistic satisfaction to be found in areas like costume design.

University of Connecticut faculty member Laura Crow is one person who knows firsthand the ins and outs of costume design and similar work.

This week, the University's Advance newsletter profiled Crow, noting that her duties can bring her and her students anywhere from opera performances to shopping trips in search of fabrics.

Along with teaching at the university, Crow has reportedly been a costume designer at an area theater, and she assists graduate students pursuing their own costume design careers. She has also won various awards, participated in international competitions, and is currently writing a book.

For those interested in careers in costuming, the field is a niche that isn't always easy to thrive in. The Bureau of Labor Statistics counts costume designers with fashion designers, and notes that demand is expected to grow by a slow five percent by 2016, with stiff competition because of the glamour that many associate with this industry.

However, another way to break in to this business could be by finding work as a costume attendant. The BLS notes that this profession is expected to grow faster than average in the coming years.