Description
I have worked in art departments for twenty years holding positions such as production designer, buyer, costume designer/HOD and art director. Working in both studios and on location.
These roles involved working to tight deadlines, managing budgets and departments, prop/costume buying, managing set construction and instillation and quick set changes in front of live studio audiences. I'm organised, dedicated, hardworking and happy to do whatever tasks are necessary to facilitate the smooth running of the production. I'm good at listening and paying attention to what is required, prioritising tasks and working quickly and efficiently.
Over the years I have gained experience working to tight budgets, problem solving, leading and working as part of a team, working calmly under pressure, patience, an eye for detail and continuity and tenacity to get things done.
I'm passionate about visual storytelling, exploring the narrative, working together to take the audience on a journey into the world we have created. Paying attention to the overall feel but also the small details that make the story believable. I strive to create a shared vision that works and pushes what we thought we could do.
My background gives me many practical skills such as prop, furniture and costume buying, prop and model making, sculpting in various media, costume making, scenic painting, set decoration & dressing. Together with my set and costume design and project coordinator skills they make me adaptable and a valuable member of any production be it small where you need to wear multiple hats or a larger production where this knowledge is vital in knowing what is required and what needs to be done to get there.
I have a full clean driving license, own vehicle and an enhanced DBS certificate.
I genuinely love what I do and my cheerful, positive attitude make me an ideal member of a production team.
Special Interests
As well as working in TV and film I design sets, props, costumes and puppets for theatre and events. These range from productions in theatres and studios to tours, site specific projects, outdoor and promenade performances to large scale public events, working with theatre and event companies, community groups, youth groups and schools.
Workshop, prop making & scenic painting - At home I have a well equipped workshop where I often work with my partner who is a carpenter, prop maker, sculptor and standby props. Together we design and make sets, props, costumes and bespoke commissions from a 6 meter high Tower of London in a dry swimming pool to a chess piece costume for CBBC's Jamie Johnson.
I'm comfortable in busy workshops and am confident at using most power tools such as drills, jigsaws, circular saws, table saws, staple guns, spray guns, sanders, routers and planers.
I can sculpt using various clays, polystyrene, foam and expanded polyurethane foam. I also work as a scenic artist and have designed and painted floors, backdrops, scenic gauzes, scenery and props using a variety of painting and texturing techniques.
Costume - I am skilled in sewing and pattern cutting, costume buying and alterations, from creating character costumes/mascots such as animals to simple period costumes.
Project management - I have been project coordinator for Manchester Arts Education Initiative since 2010, coordinating and managing the set build, costume construction, instillation of lighting, sound and set, liaising with venue management, the creative team and all participants coordinating each project from start to final de-rig.