From a theatre prop workshop to the catwalk!

At the end of May I said a sad farewell to Leigh and the gang as I felt Middlesbrough was just a bit too far to get on the 3 and a half hour, zig-zagging train to from Glasgow to Middlesbrough (sad times). But looking onwards and upwards I set out to look for a new job over yonder border. I was so thankful to join such a friendly, creative church (The one and only Hope Church Glasgow!) as only a few days after moving into our new flat I came by some freelance work working alongside Cassandra Belanger Macindoe who owns The Stitchery. Trained in fashion design she does a range of exciting work such as making patterns for the sewing magazine 'Cloth', teaching sewing classes and doing various other freelance work. Check out her website for more details. She was also quite recently on the first episode of Kirsty Allsops new show 'Kirstie's Fill your house for free.' 

A local fashion designer in Glasgow employed her to make two dresses that went on the catwalk at the end of July. Again unfortunately I am unable to share the projects I was working on due to copyright reasons but again would like to share that it was a great experience working with Cassandra. This was I hope only my first taster of the fashion industry and from this job I felt very inspired to try and design my own clothes. My first effort is a dress that will very soon be posted up. So keep a wary eye out!

Props and fat suits

I finished my degree in Entertainment design crafts at CCAD (Cleveland College of Art and Design) last June. The fastest three years of my life! To end a crazy busy year we took our workrooms apart and putting down the sewing machines and picking up hammers and power tools built up the stage for our degree show. I finished with mixed feelings of relief and pride as our costumes took the stage. Although I thought it was a good way to end the year and our course together, in all honesty I wasn't in much hope of any possible employment to follow as its such a small college in a tiny seaside town. What an encouragement it was when I was picked out from the many other ones on display, well my devil costume was (see previous projects if this doesn't make sense). Leigh Cranston who owns the props company LCProps gave me a trial period at his workshop in Middlesbrough. LCProps specialises in props mainly for theatre work but has a wide variety of jobs such as film work,  music shows, independent work etc.

Although I didn't specialise in props I was initially able to make the fabric prop structures that involved sewing and from there Leigh taught me how to use different materials and tools I didn't have the opportunity to use previously. So much fun. Due to so many projects coming in over the few weeks I worked there I was able to experience such a range of new challenges, learning new methods and seeing how a workshop like this works. As stated in my 'About me' section I am a huge fan of Disney! As you can imagine I was a little more than over-excited when the first project I was able to work on was for the west-end theatre production 'Disney's The Lion King' that was due to go on tour around the United Kingdom. Unfortunately due to copyright reasons I am unable to show any photos of the projects I worked on or to link my blog to any other images on the web of the props. I also can't share the methods and materials used but I do want to share that I had so much fun working there. I was able to work both independently and in a team on three different types of leaf structures worn as costume props in the scene, 'Can you feel the love tonight'. As part of the team at LCProps I had the opportunity to help with painting Scar's costume, cutting out and partially sewing Mufasa's collar and making the basis that makes up Rafiki's fingers. Too Cool.
Other things I was able to help with was the fat suit for the character of Bruce in the west end theatre production Matilda and also on some props for the Human Centipede 3 that is due to be out in May 2013.

We had a few long days as it came up to deadlines but we were able to meet them all (yippee) and I learned a lot from how Leigh came up with quick solutions to the odd hiccups that came up. Working there gave me a real confidence and enthusiasm for learning new techniques outside of 'the seamstress box' I put myself in previously. 

My Inspiration for costume

If you need to know one thing about me it would have to be that I LOVE Disney. I think I have a lot to owe to my childhood hero. Through the magic of animal tailors and seamstresses at the age of three I was captivated with costume construction as the rabbits, mice and birds swung, zip-wired and with their tiny paws stabbed the huge needle back and forth to sew the dress together WHILST creating an impeccably finished garment. Only after my first project did I realise just how much training these wee critters must have had to pull off something that perfectly made.....especially being that small and all.

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Although looming deadlines does often make me wish I had that natural ability to create a perfect finished piece in a matter of minutes, I have a deep down appreciation of being able to learn, improve and refine those oh so important skills needed to create such well made costumes evident in film and theatre today. Theres nothing compared to the feeling of meeting a challenging deadline whilst keeping up a good quality and foreseeing all the possible issues that might arise. But above all I love being able to create something functional and often really sophisticated looking from the few pieces of materials lying on my work desk at the beginning of the project.

Pride and Prejudice
It was my next obsession that got me really hooked. Jane Austen. What a legend. I mean what girl doesn't want to watch Colin Firth as Mr Darcy stride coolly across the lawn on repeat for the 52nd time? If he could change Elizabeth Bennet's mind from hate to adoring love in the 6 hours I watch then he had me from scene one, act one. Theres a fine line between my love for him and my love for the pretty dresses. Whatever sucked me in to that world I've been wanting to make historical costume that might just transport me back to that time ever since. 



Theres something really romantic about the period dramas. Not being able to go back in time but through them imagining living in a time when one of the most important things for a lady was to decide what she was going to wear to the ball. 

My passion in costume is inspired by how it reflects the characters personality, culture and lifestyle to bring the character to life and aids in engaging the performer into their role. I love how it subtly aids in conveying themes and emotions to draw the audience into the story and how costume together with all the other elements together create the best final production possible.

Although I am at the very beginning of my career I am a very eager learner and try to take every opportunity to learn and to build up my range and ability of skills.I love costume and I hope I get the opportunity to develop and push my creative thinking and practical skills. Its such an exciting journey and I really can't wait to get started. I wonder where I'll be in 10 years? Maybe on the newest production of Pride and Prejudice. Lets hope so.

CV

Profile

I am a degree graduate in Entertainment Design Crafts and specialise in costume construction achieving Second Class Honours Division One.My passion in costume is inspired by how it reflects the characters personality, culture and lifestyle to bring the character to life and aids in engaging the performer into their role. I love how it subtly aids in conveying themes and emotions to draw the audience into the story and how costume together with all the other elements together create the best final production possible.

I am hard working, enthusiastic, can work under tight time pressures and enjoy working independently and in a team. I enjoy new experiences and learning new skills. Although I am at the very beginning of my career I am a very eager learner and will take every opportunity to learn from who I am working with in all situations to acquire a good knowledge of costume construction and to build up my range and ability of skills.

Education AND Qualifications

2012  Bachelor's degree in Entertainment Design Crafts achieving Second Class Honours Division one
         - Cleveland College of Art and Design as part of the University of Teeside

2009-2010 Foundation Degree Costume Construction for Stage and Screen

        -Cleveland College of Art and Design as part of the University of Teeside

2001-2008 A-Level Qualifications 

         Textiles-C

         Psychology-B

         Health and Social Care -C

        

Eleven G.C.S.E qualifications including:

         Textiles A, 

         English Literature A, 

         English Language A, 

                     Maths B