Its my 9th week at the studio. I feel very at home and have a good routine for commuting in. Im being trusted with more tasks and knowing how to complete them independently but still feel able to ask for advice to improve my technique. Its refreshing to be so confident in my abilities whilst also learning and improving my dexterity and tailoring skillset. Being paid for my time and work also has had a big impact on me, for the first time I feel my time, work and skills are appreciated and valuable. Accepting payment helps in accepting the responsibility of the work.
However, I feel as though the things I am learning about the industry and my professional development starting to plateau. I gained so much from random chats or even overhearing discussions with people passing through the costume department. It was especially great meeting actors and designers with such different perspectives of costume from me. The set and prop departments were also incredibly interesting to see and I’ve realised how much I miss building and painting things beyond sewing.
At Kingsley’s studio I feel more isolated and I only get to talk with the other freelancer sewers- no actors, directors, designers, supervisors…
Future plans??
Hearing other peoples experiences going on tours and working on cruise ships ect. Im realising id really like to travel in my work in the next 5 years if i can. I see myself really enjoying freelance studio work either part time or maybe 10 years in the future if i were more settled in my personal life. Looking forward; I could learn to dress for film/ theatre and see if i can get a job on any touring productions this summer/post-graduation.
Once, we are finished with Operation Mincemeat in February, I want to move on to a more dynamic work environment, perhaps something less sewing/tailoring-based. My current plan is to look into what skills i have & skills want to learn then research where i could do a placement to develop them.
