I first and foremost want to dedicate this book to Ming Cho Lee, who has inspired and supported me at many stages in my career in ways both small and large. The critique that Ming gave me when we met in the mid-1990s on how to “draw an imperfect body for the perfect character” completely changed my way of approaching costume rendering and the way I approach teaching. For that and many other moments along the way, thank you.

To costume designer Kelsey Hunt, my co-author both here and on Elizabethan Costume Design and Construction, for helping me to expand on ideas in that book in the pages you see here.

To costume designer Heather C. Jackson, for her deep understanding of my methods and her ability to help me translate my work in the classroom to the page for new students and designers.