Thanks to costume designers like FIDM alumna Eva Fredrickson, actors and actresses are able to bring their characters to life on the small screen through their wardrobe.
We caught up with the L.A. resident to chat about attending FIDM, costumes, and the process of designing for television!
Name: Eva Fredrickson
Grad Year: 2007
Major: Film & TV Costume Design
Campus: Los Angeles
Job Title: Costumer/Costume Designer
How did you get your big break into the industry?
While I was at FIDM, I was awarded a NBC/Universal internship in the wardrobe department on the soap opera Passions working for Emmy-nominated designer, Diana Eden.
What do you love about your job?
Everything! But mostly it's the storytelling aspect of what we do in wardrobe. So much thought goes into how we dress our actors. We think about who this character is, what they've been through, how they see themselves, etc. There's a surprising amount of psychology involved.
What have been some of your favorite gigs so far?
Working on How I Met Your Mother has been amazing. And I just finished designing a pilot called Party People where I got the chance to dye and construct a lot of the costumes, which I miss from my days working in theater costume shops.
What is your process as a costume designer?
First, I break down the script. I do whatever research may be necessary - this is especially important for period pieces, which are my favorite. I make a budget. Then I dive into the creative part of designing. I think about how I can use color, shape, texture, and style to tell the story.
How do you get inspired?
I draw inspiration from art, fashion, people, nature, and anything that feels connected to the character and the script. Sometimes I do sketches to show the director, producers, and network. I follow my instincts and I hope that I am on the same page as the aforementioned players. But if changes need be made, I make them. Then comes the acquiring and/or building of the wardrobe. Then fittings with the actors follow and if everything works and everyone is happy, the wardrobe goes off to set.
What is a typical day like?
Every job is different and every day presents new challenges. One day I'll be researching serial killers for Criminal Minds, which is another one of my favorite gigs, and the next I'm gluing rhinestones on sneakers for the dancers on America's Best Dance Crew.
What do you think it takes to be successful? You have to be hungry. Jobs are not always going to find you so sometimes you need to be proactive about finding them. There's really no such thing as a steady gig in my line of work so you have to have to accept that aspect of the career you have chosen and always have faith that if you work hard and you really want to make it happen for yourself, you can.
How did you find out about FIDM?
I knew that I wanted to go to design school after college so I did some searching online and I found FIDM. As soon as I learned about the Advanced Studies in Film & TV Costume Design program, I knew it was perfect for me.
Why did you choose your major?
I couldn't be more passionate about designing costumes. And I have always known that I belonged in the film and television industry. It was a no brainer.
What did you love about your program?
I loved the access we were given to so many resources in the industry. We were taken on some incredible field trips to television sets, costume houses, and studio lots. We had some of the biggest designers in the business come and speak to our class. Our professors were like bottomless wells of knowledge and experience. And Mary Kay Stolz, the heart and soul of the program, works very hard to give her students every opportunity possible.
