Meet Kelley
Costume Technician
Draper
Craftsperson
Hello! My name is Kelley and I am a freelance costume technician who graduated in 2022 with an MFA in Costume Design and Technology from Kent State University.
I have been sewing since I was a child, and I have been working on costumes since a teenager. As a self-taught seamstress, I am always looking for new projects that explore different techniques and push my skills to new lengths. I put a special amount of skill and care into each garment I create for individual clients and theater work alike.
When I am designing for theatrical shows, I enjoy diving into costume history, understanding the motivations of the characters, and collaborating with the other members of the production team to create a unified piece of art. Designing is one of my favorite ways I can connect with stories, especially stories I feel are important to tell.
When I am constructing costumes. I find myself approaching each garment like a puzzle to solve. Nothing is impossible as long as I have time to figure out the new technique I need to create it. Sewing is something I always return to, if I go too long without sewing I tend to go a little crazy.
Recently I have been interested in creating garments for the World of WearableArt (WOW) competition. I am looking forward to using my techniques in design and costume construction, on work that is art for art sake. Unlike most of my work, which is creating costumes to define a character, or is determined through work with a client, WOW provides a place for me to play with my craft in unique ways. I am focused on playing with how the movement a human body can create affects a garment, either intentionally or unintentionally. I look forward to seeing what I can create while working on pieces for WOW.
Outside of costumes, I enjoy knitting, digital design and laser cutting techniques, cosplay, playing Dungeons and Dragons, photography, and any other craft I can pick up along the way.
