INTRODUCTION

THE ACT OF DRAWING IS THE ACT OF DESIGN

Costume rendering is not the final step in a design process; it is not exclusively a means of communication. Rather, I believe, rendering is an essential tool throughout the full process of design. It is the means by which I search, build, and shape a character. In my design philosophy, the act of rendering is the act of design.

This search for character continues even off the page. Over the course of my career I have had the good fortune to work with a number of incredible artists that have shaped my understanding of art, theater, and design. Directors Tim Bond, Joy Zinoman, and Peter Brosius have been particularly influential collaborators. Each of them has been relentless in their search for character throughout the design process, refusing to let go until they wholeheartedly believe in the person I have presented on paper. I have adopted this fierce and relentless approach to the search for character in all of my work, and I bring this same perspective to my students at the University of Maryland. My students know that it is not enough to simply render well, that success in costume design means capturing the essence of character on the page.

However, I realize that the search for character can often be hampered by a lack of fundamental skills and techniques. With this book I hope to provide young designers with a guide to developing those foundational skills, from drawing a dynamic human body in motion to creating layered and textured clothing through paint. Proficiency in rendering is developed through hours upon hours of practice, and I encourage any young artist seeking to develop their rendering ability to commit themselves to a routine of daily sketching. This text can be a helpful guide in developing and deepening that routine. It is my sincere belief that dedicated rendering practice utilizing this text can provide a young designer with the skills and insight necessary to open themselves up to a greater exploration of character.