Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1490775
Christopher Hargadon One of the cool things about being a costume designer is how it can expand your mind. When I was called for The Umbrella Academy, I was woefully ignorant of the vast universe of graph- ic novels. The illustrations by Gabriel Bá alone fired my imagination. Coupled with the quirky characters and storyline conceived by Gerard Way, I was hooked! Respecting the source while creating looks for the beloved characters with- out enraging the fan base was a challenge that I eagerly accepted. I was more-or-less given carte blanche in the design as we were blessed with a trusting and won- derfully creative showrunner. The three seasons that fol- lowed were a joy for both me and my very talented crew. I am currently wrapping an epic journey on an Apple se- ries about Godzilla. Again, I initially came in blind, but what grabbed me was the story and its characters—a journey of discovery. The monsters were a bonus! There were a few timelines on this, so keeping all the balls in the air was both a physical and mental workout. The exten- sive cast was one of the loveliest I've ever worked with, as were the crews in Tokyo, Vancouver, and Oahu. I think all of us dream of experiencing other cultures in our work. It's another great gift that this industry can offer. Next up? A rest and a recharge most definitely, then time will tell. Looking down the road as we ply our art, many of us don't know what we'll be doing, with whom, or where. The adventure continues! e story and its characters a journey of discovery The Handler from The Umbrella Academy, illustration: Ciara Brennan, Netflix. Mads Mikkelsen as Hannibal Lecter. Photo: NBC. Forsaken. Photo: Momentum. 52 THE COSTUME DESIGNER | SPRING 2023