Career Goals

My background is as a maker with a focus in costumes, and after my time in the prop shop, I also took an interest in costume crafts. Long term, I hope to work as a Cutter/Draper or Costume Crafts Artisan.

Jan. 2025 • Design & Production annual portfolio review

When I share my major, people often ask, or even outright assume that my ultimate goal must be to work as a costume designer, but I can’t say that has ever been a strong ambition of mine. Up until recently, my hesitation was largely born of uncertainty; in high school and community theatre, “Costume Designer” was often a catch all for the person responsible for all things costumes; that means they are often the shop manager, wardrobe manager, stock manager, wardrobe head, and lead draper all rolled into one. With this combination of responsibilities, elements would often bleed together, meaning I never got to experience any singular position in its entirety, so how could I be sure if I liked one more or less than another? Through my studies and production experience at U of M, I began to gain a better understanding of various roles in a more professional context. Working alongside drapers and stitchers in the costume shop, and especially during my costume crafts practicum, I knew that I was a maker at heart.

Sep. 2023 • making hats during my costume crafts practicum

Today when asked, “So you want to be a Costume Designer?" my answer is far more concise: not exactly, I would much rather spend my time making costumes, not designing.