My Ambition

My long-term ambition is to work in costume for Film and Television, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Breaking Down Artist. In the short term, I aim to enter the industry as a costume trainee in order to gain foundational, on-set experience and develop a comprehensive understanding of costume department workflows.

To achieve my career goals, I am actively engaging in professional development and networking opportunities. I attend film festivals to connect with other emerging professionals, I participate in workshops and mentoring sessions through MFJF; seeking advice from established professionals who have navigated similar career paths. Their insights into industry expectations, practical realities, and long-term progression have been invaluable. Alongside this, I maintain and develop my practical costume skills through self-initiated projects.

My Plan

My current plan is focused on sustained effort and positivity. I regularly apply for roles advertised through social media groups and the MFJF job list. I proactively contact costume companies, designers, and makers via email and on instagram in the hope of securing trainee or work experience opportunities. I have refined my approach to cold emailing by keeping the writing concise and professional, and by clearly expressing openness to meetings or calls to discuss potential opportunities. I currently work full-time in a different sector to maintain financial stability whilst trying to make my way into the film industry. I am developing and tailoring my portfolio towards breaking-down work (which I wish to specialise in). I am focusing on roles that align with my career objectives and attained skills, rather than applying to anything (which I'm sure everyone does when they believe they're in a never-ending cycle of job rejections and are prepared to accept any job in order to break that cycle).

My plan is to continue networking with the people around me, and make the most of the workshops and mentoring sessions MFJF offers in order to network and hold on to positivity and hope that the right job is waiting for me.

Successes, Failures, and Frustrations

Since graduating nearly two years ago, I have undertaken several placements and freelance roles, though I have not yet secured a substantial position within the film industry. A recurring challenge has been the industry’s demand for experience, which can make entry-level progression difficult. Initially, I spent considerable time applying for roles for which I was underqualified or not genuinely interested in, hoping for a breakthrough opportunity. However, through mentoring sessions, I was advised to be more targeted and strategic in my applications, which has improved both my efficiency and focus.

I worked as a Wardrobe Assistant on a theatre production for a couple of weeks. Although this did not lead directly to further costume work, it expanded my professional network and ultimately led to employment in another industry. While this was not the intended outcome, it reinforced the value of networking and adaptability.

Although I have yet to secure a film or television role, I have gained increased confidence, industry awareness, and clarity regarding my career direction.

How MFJF Has Helped Me

MFJF has provided essential guidance and encouragement through workshops and mentoring sessions. The enthusiasm and expertise of the costume designers and mentors I have met have reassured me that my proactive efforts - attending events, engaging in networking groups, and refining my portfolio - are constructive and necessary steps. MFJF has also helped me understand the importance of professional application presentation; tailoring CVs differently for film and theatre roles.

Advice

My advice to others entering the industry is to approach networking proactively and consistently. Workshops, mentoring sessions, and professional groups are all valuable forms of networking. It is essential to remember that every established professional once occupied the same early-career position. One particularly impactful workshop I attended provided an honest and comprehensive overview of costume in film as well as the industry as a whole. The speaker discussed both the positive and challenging aspects of the profession, which gave me a realistic understanding of working conditions and role expectations.

Finally, maintain motivation during periods of rejection. The application process can be discouraging, but conversations with industry professionals can reaffirm that sustained effort will ultimately lead to opportunity.

I wish I had been advised earlier to be more strategic and focused in my job applications, rather than applying broadly in the hope of any success. I now fully appreciate the importance of concise communication when contacting professionals, as many do not have time to read lengthy emails. Success is strongly influenced by who you know, and meaningful connections can only be formed by actively putting oneself forward.