The Interview Q&A

Where are you primarily based out of?

NYC

What role do you typically play on set?

Costume Designer

How long have you been working in the film industry? Where did you get your start?

10 years; I got my start as a shopper on the 1st season of The Americans in NYC

What are some of the biggest challenges you've encountered and how have you overcome them?

After starting as an additional shopper on the 1st season of The Americans, I worked my way up to the Assistant Costume Designer for S2 and S3. I then took over as the designer for S4-S6 after gaining the approval not only of the studio but also that of the cast. In my second week of prep, Keri Russell told me she was pregnant, and we both surmised it wouldn't be written in to the show. That season we had fittings every week to figure out different ways to hide her pregnancy including which patterns would distract the eye, loads of great coats, and even working with the Art Department to raise the kitchen island up on the set so that it didn't hit her at her widest point.

Who is your biggest inspiration? What have they taught you?

My biggest inspiration would have to be the women whom I am lucky enough to have both worked with and call my friends. There is a tight group of us who have come up together celebrating each other's wins as though our own and mourning the losses the same way. They show me the value of female friendship especially in our crazy industry.

What does it mean to you to be an inspiration/mentor to someone else?

It's an incredible responsibility to me a mentor but also an honor. I was fortunate to have really amazing teachers both in school and in the professional world who were incredibly giving in their knowledge. I'm merely passing that gift they gave me along.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Everywhere! One of my favorite things to do when starting a project is to flip through books (or go to the Picture Collection of the NYPL before Covid times) and mark anything that felt right. They aren't all fashion books or even textiles. The collection of images I have at the end of that process is often very telling about color and texture for me.

If you had one message to share with the world, what would it be?

Stay curious and ask questions. There is always more to learn.

What’s are some of the biggest things you’ve accomplished in your career so far?

Working my way up from the additional shopper to the Costume Designer for a show in 3 season is a huge point of pride for me. I also just wrapped my first really big period drama about the hunt for John Wilkes Booth after he shot Lincoln. It was an exhilarating challenge that I'm thrilled to share with everyone.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? (No dream is too big!)

In 5 years, I would love to be consistently working on projects I love with people who are equally as passionate about them. Being freelance means there are often big lulls between gigs, so the ultimate dream for me is consistent work!

If you had one piece of advice for a woman who wants to get started in the film industry what it would be?

Find a short list of people whose work you admire, who do the job you would like to do, and reach out to them. Email is good but a good old fashioned phone call is best. Ask them if you could take them out for coffee and to pick their brain. Don't ask for a job; ask for advice, their stories, things they have learned. This is the start of your network.

What does being a part of The Women in Film Project mean to you?

Women are vastly underrepresented in the film industry, just 21% at the last official survey. Of the departments that do heavily identify as women like mine, we are underpaid compared to our counterparts in other departments. Being a part of The Women in Film Project helps shine a line on all the jobs that we do, how necessary we are not only to the process but also to the storytelling, and gives validity and weight to our presence in this industry.