Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1531371
Multifaceted Workforce in By Erin Wenrick Specialty Costumers are a unique asset to Local 705's roster. They are the unsung heroes of material manipulation and manufacturing, artists in aging and dyeing, and the mad scientists of costuming experimentation. Their contributions can start as early as creating samples to inspire the Costume Designer, to the moment before the costume establishes on camera if there are last-minute changes or aging that needs to be added. Each individual Specialty Costumer has an exceptional set of skills, experiences, and knowledge that impacts the concept and construction of costumes. More so, no two Specialty Costumers are alike. Textile Artists use different tools, paints, and dyes to create beautiful (or perfectly disgusting) costume pieces. Some Specialty Manufacturing Costumers use sculpting or 3D printing to build armor and other costuming "hard goods," while some work in traditional paern making to build "so goods." These artists have spent years developing their skills to achieve a designer's vision and still experiment in techniques to bring with them on their next projects. Dorothy Bulac-Eriksen L Specialty Key Costumer Dorothy Bulac-Eriksen began sewing in her middle school's home economics class and then went onto earn a degree in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). Aer her education, she went onto work for an animatronics company making costumes, also learning how to make walkarounds (Above) Dorothy with Baby Groot; (opposite) Front detail for Bjayzl character from Star Trek: Picard. MOTIONPICTUREC O S T U M E R S .O R G 23 L Specialty Costumes