Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1154384
Being a great, effective, and authentic Costume Designer starts before the job. Self care and well-being before and between projects are necessary for most of us. Although projects are growing bigger and more elaborate, there are increasingly shorter prep times, tighter schedules, and smaller crews. We have to navigate through while keeping our own creative Zen leading our costume crew, collaborating with actors, creative EPs, producers, and studios. I have a few thoughts to share and hope they pro- voke a discussion to curate one's own practices and cre- ates a willingness to share them to be healthier, happier, and more effective. How do we lead when we are so engrossed with our work and sleep deprived? It is a challenge to balance managing a department with maintaining design integ- rity every day on set. Passionate team leaders makes for a creative team. Hiring leaders that support the team and the vision ultimately will support the project and you. The word itself is composed of respond and ability. Often how we respond has more to do with our ability to communicate, our stress level, and where we are both physically and mentally on a project. None of us execute this perfectly. I have had many challenges and remind myself that responsibility is a two way street, but I only have my side to drive on. After every project is over, I consider my personal accountability as why a show went well or didn't and how I can initiate change within myself to be a better me for my next project. This starts with a vision of myself first. One has to ask questions to find what vision I have of myself, first as a designer and secondly as a head of a department. Personally, I write this objective down and refer to it often. Then, I write down what is asked of those within my department. Sometimes it isn't as easy to ask others to do the job required of them. We often have to hire crews that are not our usual crews and they may not have the deserved training needed for positions they are asked to fill. Setting a tone on paper for yourself that you can refer to while working helps realize what may be needed, what is expected, and how to achieve this goal with your supervisor. I also read many books, to expand my skills. Everyone's vision for how they want to imple- ment a well-run show is different. Having a vision for yourself within the Costume Department will set the tone for your department. Leadership Responsibility Vision A Meditation on Mindfulness By Nancea Ceo WELLNESS Caduceus/CDG Statuette by Gwyn Conaway Summer 2019 The Costume Designer 41