Solution oriented with the ability to work either independently or collaboratively
Proven ability to handle concurrent projects with a calm and professional manner, under tight deadlines, and with a variety of personalities
Extensive knowledge of hand and machine sewing, aging and distressing, pattern drafting and draping, foam construction, crocheting, beading, embroidery, basic millenary, hair punching and tying
Extensive knowledge of the sourcing of costume supplies
Extensive knowledge of the proper handling of costume racks, and the proper handling and storage of costume pieces
Knowledge of art techniques including marker rendering; water color, oil, and acrylic painting; and photography
Knowledge of proper use of costume shop machinery including Industrial straight stitch machines, industrial sergers, industrial irons and steamers, commercial sewing machines, washing machines, and dryers
Respect for the proprietary and confidential practices of the Entertainment Industry
Computer Literate on both Macs and PCs, with proficiency in computer programs including RTPro, CPlotPro, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, and Excel
Detailed Work Experience:
Faculty, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising; Los Angeles, CA – 2014 to Present Teaching classes in “Script Analysis and Breakdowns” where students learned to use database programs such as CPlot Pro, SynconSet, and Excel to inventory and track costume needs for film and television. “Sourcing Costumes,” where students learned how and where to source items for productions including tracking receipts, mileage, and associated paperwork. "Costume Design" where students learn to express character through clothing. Developed class on “Professional Presentation for Costume Designers” focusing on job seeking and networking skills; culminating in students designing an AFI student film, and a portfolio review by industry professionals. Responsible for development of all course materials such as homework assignments and selection of scripts, with goal of tying assignments into broader themes and current events. Mentored students in establishing professional relationships within the entertainment Industry.
Freelance Costume Designer/ Member IATSE 705; Sherman Oaks, CA - 2005 to Present Coordinated wardrobe needs for a variety of stage, television, and film projects. Created expense reports related to productions. Tracked rental agreements and shipping for costumes. Maintained high level of integrity and confidentiality related to proprietary information. Experienced as a dresser for stage, film, and theme park costumes. Designed and built costumes. Won Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance (SARTA) Elly Award for Best Costume Design in an Educational Musical for 2009 production of Anything Goes. Nominated in same category for three more shows between 2010 and 2012. Member of IATSE 705 from 2013 to 2017.
Pattern maker/ Stitcher, Total Fabrication; Sylmar, CA – Nov. 2016 to February 2017. Corrected patterns to improve construction of body pods for Kia “Hamstar" walkabout costumes. Constructed costume props, accessories, and walkabout costumes.
Skilled Craft, Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios Hollywood – July 2016 to Nov. 2016 Drafted patterns and created costumes for multiple mazes. Assigned as a dresser for specialty costumes. Received multiple positive recognitions for quality of work.
Floor Costumer, Western Costume Co; North Hollywood, CA – July 2012 to Nov. 2014 Coordinated with costume designers to pull period and style appropriate costumes for film and television shows, including the selection and shipping of items as needed. Responsible for training new stock and floor costumers in women’s rental department. Assigned to Supervisor’s desk when she was out of the office and on leave. Additional duties included answering calls and emails from clients in a timely manner; and supervising and delegating assignments to floor costumers. Completed rental transactions including account creation, contracting, inventory tracking, and billing. Fostered a positive work environment by consistently treating all employees and customers with respect and consideration; and by handling all customer relations issues in a gracious manner and in accordance with company policies.
Research Library Intern, Western Costume Co; North Hollywood, CA – Jan 2012 to June 2012 Catalogued and stored costumes in museum quality collection. Assisted head librarian in fulfilling research queries for film and television shows. Cleaned and organized large collection of books, periodicals, and historically important costumes. Assisted with production of Western Costume Company’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at LACMA. Wrote content for company website. Answered telephone calls and emails promptly and in an appropriate manner. Determined designer needs by asking relevant questions and listening actively to the responses. Located print and online materials for Designers completing research projects. Assisted Designers with use of large format copiers and scanners.
Teaching Assistant, UCLA; Westwood, CA - Sept. 2010 to Dec. 2011 Taught Introductory level class on costume construction. Supervised and evaluated students’ laboratory work. Trained and Managed student run and strike crews for theatrical performances. Taught segments on research for Introduction to Costume design class, and led class when instructor was absent. Acted as House Manager and supervised the box office for all three school theaters; set schedules and trained student employees and volunteers to be ushers and ticket takers.
Research Assistant, David C. Copley Center for Costume Design at UCLA; Westwood, CA - Jan. 2010 to Dec. 2011 Developed and maintained a database of artwork and interviews, enabling faster service and turnaround for time-sensitive projects; used in the publication of three books by Deborah Nadoolman Landis. Photographed and catalogued artwork from museum and private collections for use in same publications. Cleaned digital files with Photoshop to remove artifacts and adjust color shifts due to aging of artwork.
Costume Designer/ Make-up Artist, St. Mary’s High School; Stockton CA - 2006 to 2011 Won Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance (SARTA) Elly Award for Best Costume Design in an Educational Musical for 2009 production of Anything Goes. Nominated in same category for three more shows between 2010 and 2012. Hired by theatre department to design, build, and buy costumes and stage makeup for theatrical performances. Coordinated a team of 15 parent volunteers in the creation of costumes. Supervised and trained students for backstage run crews. Organized fittings for casts of 30 to 50 students per show. Trained students and parent volunteers in application of stage make-up.
Costume Rental Coordinator, CMT/ Music Circus; Sacramento, CA - June 2008 to Sept. 2008 Tracked rental contracts and physical assets from multiple vendors resulting in 0% loss and damages of rental items, and a more timely turn around for large shipments. Reorganized on site costume stock to improve efficiency of warehouse following proper storage procedures. Assisted designers in finding appropriate costume pieces within the warehouse. Created photo documentation to track costume pieces used in 8 full scale musicals. In charge of intake and transportation of costume pieces between multiple storage and production areas.
Adjunct Faculty, American River College; Sacramento, CA - Jan. 2008 to May 2008 Designed costumes for a traveling show that students performed at local elementary schools. Supervised costume lab and taught basic sewing skills.
Costumer/ Shopper, Events and Entertainment Costuming, Disneyland; Anaheim, CA Sept. 2006 to January 2007 Contracted through Superior Technical Resources as lead costumer for “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade. Did 400 fittings in one month. Scheduled alterations and maintenance of all costumes and accessories for parade. Worked with vendors and designers in creating new costume looks. Worked with costume crew to organize stock. Bought all additional items needed for parade. Created and maintained photo-documentation for parade.
Shopper/ Assistant Costumer, Events and Entertainment Costuming, Disneyland; Anaheim, CA Sept. 2006 to January 2007 Contracted through Superior Technical Resources to as a shopper, and assistant costumer on a variety of shows and special events. Created and maintained photo-documentation for "A Christmas Fantasy" parade. Assisted with fittings for "Block Party Bash" and "A Christmas Fantasy" parades. Coordinated with designers and work room to create and maintain costume pieces.
Adjunct Faculty, Bakersfield College; Bakersfield, CA - Jan. 2002 to May 2005 Taught introductory level courses in Costume Design, and Stage Make-up, to an all-ages college classroom. Developed courses in line with the curriculum requirements of the Theatre Department. Wrote course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments and handouts with a focus on cultural diversity. Wrote, administered and graded midterm and final examinations. Developed and delivered engaging lectures. Planned, evaluated and revised course content and course materials. Supervised and evaluated students' laboratory work. Guided students in using technology to support educational research. Coached students on public speaking and presentation skills. Participated in community outreach programs designed to introduce elementary school children to theatre, and to recruit high school students into the theatre program.
Costume Designer/ Technician, Bakersfield College; Bakersfield, CA - Aug. 2001 to Oct. 2005 Responsible for all aspects of costume and makeup design from start to finish for 5 - 8 productions, including two shows running in rep, each school year. Developed and maintained show budgets and timelines; responsible for all purchasing and rentals of costumes and materials. Facilitated the purchase of all departmental supplies. Tracked all loans, sales, and donations, and prepared all related documents in accordance with school policies. Supervised staff and work study students, offering constructive feedback on their work performance. Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated them to staff and student workers. Supervised and evaluated students' laboratory work. Coordinated fittings with casts of 12 to 40+ actors per show. Maintained and repaired all costume shop equipment. Organized costume inventory for easier accessibility and efficiency. Created and maintained research and photo documentation for each production. Pointed students to relevant information about academic and personal support services available at the college. Assessed vendor products and maintained positive vendor relations.
Education : University of California, Los Angeles, Sept. 2009 - March 2012) MFA Costume Design California State University, Long Beach; Collection Management for Costumes and Textiles American River College, Sacramento, CA (2007 - 2009) Long Beach City College, Long Beach, CA (2006-2007) California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA (1994-2001): BA History, (Mar. 23, 2007) St. Mary’s High School, Stockton, CA (1990 -1994)