As a costume designer, I value design that comes from strong collaborative relationships, a fully developed concept, and a complete and thorough design process. A costume design’s purpose should not only be a visual means of storytelling but also a working, living element that continues to develop throughout the rehearsal process. A successful design should be mindful of the script, the directorial vision, and the needs of both the actors and the audience. Effective communication with everyone involved throughout the entirety of the process is crucial.
I believe the beginnings of a good design take root in its research. Early conversation with the director and production team, using interesting and evocative images, stimulates discussion and reveals similarities or differences in interpretation. I also find dialogue and collaboration with actors enlightening and beneficial. It’s important to me that the actors in a production can comfortably deliver a performance without being inhibited by their costume pieces and I believe a well-designed costume can assist an actor in further developing their character. However, I also believe it is possible to make concessions if necessary and still fulfill a production’s needs without sacrificing the artistic integrity of the design.
I face challenges and exercise creative solutions with a positive attitude, regarding each production I encounter as an opportunity to grow as a designer and collaborator. I relish the thrill of bringing life to an idea and then sharing that idea with other artists and audiences. Combining unexpected elements to create new, unanticipated stage pictures proves to be not only very rewarding but also one of my strengths.
Theatre is a collective effort with the power to change minds, to promote ideas, and to question the world in which we live. I enthusiastically embrace being an integral part of this effort.