"You have to earn that trust. You have to be able to coordinate a lot of
things. I have a crew of three to eight people, on a feature film it's even
larger, and I have to make sure all of those personalities get along well
and know their jobs."
Advice for Someone Seeking This Job
Look for work as a production assistant with the wardrobe depart-
ment, or as a day player, hired to assist on days when there are many
extras, so you can meet people and gain some basic experience being on
set. Networking is the key to landing a job as a costume designer. Join an
organization where you can meet theater people, or volunteer to work for
a designer on a stage production where you will have an opportunity to
meet people and learn from a
working designer.
"I occasionally do theater,"
says Eden. "I tell people, `If I'm
doing a theater project and you
want to come and work with
me for free, I'll be happy to
teach you what I know.' A lot
of designers are very kind.
They have been helped by
other people, and if they have
the time and situation to help
someone, many of them will."
Professional Profile:
Diana Eden, Costume Designer
Born in England, Diana
Eden's family moved to
Toronto when she was 10. She
knew at the age of five that she
wanted to be a dancer, and by
15 had earned a slot with the
National Ballet of Canada.
When she grew too tall to be a
ballerina, she moved to New
York and became a dancer and actress on Broadway. "There was never
any question that I wanted to be involved in the performing arts."
What began as a hobby soon led to designing and sewing clothes for
fellow Broadway dancers. "It never occurred to me that I would be
What do you like
least about your job?
"The thing I like least
about the job is the fact
that there is no financial
security. Even after doing
it for a number of years
and being well known in the community,
when a show gets cancelled or a film ends,
you still have to look for the next job. It's
quite terrifying. That never seems to go
away."--Diana Eden
What do you love most
about your job?
"What I love is the interaction with so many
people. It's a very collaborative job. From the
moment you get hired and read the script,
you're meeting with people and working in
an interconnected way to realize a common
goal. I love working with actors. I love the
fact that I get up in the morning and go to
the studio."--Diana Eden
VOICES OF
EXPERIENCE
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