Arwen Costume 2

Almost finished! Just have the grommets in front to do, and the trim on the bottom. Fun costume to make!

Arwen As Ranger

Been working on this idea for a while, but only now have time to devote to it. The tunic and bracers are done, and the over vest is a work in progress.

Tsukino-Con 2017

The weekend of February 17 saw over 2000 young (and not so young) people descending on UVic for the annual anime convention Tsukino-Con. All kinds of cosplays were visible; Overwatch, still some Homestuck, Doctor Who, and many many others. Below are a couple of photos of me and my friend Wynn Woytas, who is modelling the Edwardian skirt I made.

My friend Wynn Woytas, looking lovely in her outfit

Me in my Cersei-inspired dress. 

Semi-Finalist!

The Telus Optik web series that I worked on as a Wardrobe Assistant, Ollie and Emma, is a Semi- Finalist in the Hollywood Screenings Film Festival! Super duper!

Interview

1.     What sparked your interest in costume design?

I was a dancer when I was younger and started that way, making costumes for recitals and festivals. When I had a daughter, she danced also, and I ended up making her costumes, and the costumes for the entire ballet school.

2.     Did you go to school for design? If so, where? If not, what did you study?

No; I taught myself, with my mom’s help.

3.     How did you get started on your career? How did you meet the first person that sparked your opportunities?

Funnily enough, it was my daughter. She wanted a corset, and I had never made one before, and getting sidetracked, of course, researching corsets, I stumbled upon historical costuming. The rest, as they say, is history!

4.     Are you a member of the Union? If so, how did you become a member and how was it different from working as a freelance designer?

No; I have always worked freelance. ( I am now a Permittee with ACFC West 2020.)

5.     Would you recommend becoming a member of the Union?

My daughter works in the production end of film, and prefers union jobs, but until now, I have never belonged to a Union. The pay is better, that’s for sure!

        6. Why historical costumes? What made you so interested in that area?

              I love the intricacy of designs from era to era and century to century.

6.     What's your favourite era of costumes?

1700-late 1800.

7.     Could you tell me a little bit more about your private business and how that's different or similar to being a costume designer?

I attend conventions when I can, and sell many of my items there as a vendor. I also sell online, and take private commissions.

8.     Have you designed anything for film or TV? If so, what was different about it? 

I have worked mainly in dance and  theatre, but I am currently working in the Film Industry. Haven’t gotten to design anything yet!

9.      How do you communicate your designs? What medium do you use? 

I’m actually not sure what you mean by this question?  I advertise on my website, and at conventions, but I really can’t afford to do newspaper or magazine advertising, so it’s mainly word of mouth. I also sketch out ideas, although I am not a very good artist!

Tsukino-Con 2017

Well this is my sixth year at Tsukino-Con, and the first where I have not been a Vendor, so in the cosplay spirit I will dress up this year. Two of my costumes are based on Cersei's costumes from Game of Thrones, and I have not yet decided which of two others I have, I will wear for Sunday. Pics are on the dress forms, but I will have proper pics after the con with me wearing said costumes.

Ollie And Emma Web Series

I am so excited to be involved in this multicultural production! It's a romantic comedy following the burgeoning romance between Ollie, a nerdy white guy, and Emma, a gorgeous First Nations girl. It follows all the pitfalls, and the interference of well-meaning friends, but all in a light-hearted vein.

It is a Telus Optik series, produced and directed by Leslie Bland, of Less Bland Productions. It's so great to have something like this filmed in Victoria, and to top it off, we have a fabulous crew!

I'm also excited that two of my vests are worn by two of the actors; Elder Xavier, and Ollie's friend James.

James (Actor Jonathan Mason) running lines

Xavier (Actor Harold Joe) being cool!