Costume Design: A career in film, television and commercials
Costumes
For many years, I created the look and shopped for various television shows, commercials and and films. I designed many independent films, including “Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss”, an indie gay romance shown at the Sundance Film Festival in 1999 that paved the way for network shows like “Will & Grace”, and a recent project I worked on called “Barrio Boy”. I co-designed concert tours (Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake) and worked with many well-known artists and celebrities on print, media campaigns and commercials. Extensive research, knowledge of specialty and period costumes, history, fashion and modern day clothing, are a given but being a Costume Designer also requires other more nuanced skills. Elements of storytelling, measured and clear communication play an important role, while collaboration with actors, directors, producers, and crew are also key. Budgeting, both time, money and personnel management and the ability to constantly problem solve are all part of the job. And endless iteration, creativity, energy and a keen sense of curiosity and wonder really help!