Daily Inspiration: Meet Jocelyn Kuan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn Kuan

Hi Jocelyn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I graduated with a BA in Fashion Design in Tampa, Florida. My first job after college was designing ballroom dancing gowns. We did the very first season of “Dancing with the Stars” and it really opened my eyes to the possibilities of Costumes for film and television. A path I never really thought about. I’ve always LOVED watching movies, television, music videos but never thought about doing it as a career choice. From there, I made the cross country leap of faith from Florida to Los Angeles. I’ve never looked back.

Since then, I’ve jumped in completely. Met tons of people, built my network and continuously challenged myself to try different things and learn all I can. Good and bad… what to do and especially what NOT to do! The journey has been worth it! The collaboration on of so many people and departments to create a unique world and bringing it to life. I love this industry and the things we get to create.

I am a member of IATSE 892 Costume Design Guild, IATSE 705 Key Costumer and member of the Television Academy.
With the support of my husband, Devin Reeve and my kids Melissa and River, and my family, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No journey worth anything is smooth. The challenges show us who we are and what we are capable of. Help us to grow.

Took me 10 years of working non-union gigs to finally join the costume union. The struggle is real. But I knew what I wanted and where I want to be so I kept striving for more. Still striving, still learning, still more challenges to come. I look forward to the challenge.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Costume Designer/Assistant Costume Designer (ACD), Key Costumer, and Entrepreneur. In this climate, you can’t just be 1 thing.

As a Costume Designer/ACD, I collaborate with director, producers, and actors to come up with character’s costumes to help bring that personality and story come to life through clothing. Style, color, attitude, body language becomes a costume language that speaks without speaking. I love to see actors come to life when they put a costume on. It’s their armor as they get ready to battle a script or scene. Some of my design work can be seen on Wonderful World of Disney- Holiday Special, Hulu’s Grimcutty and Uncharted: Live Action Fan Film. Music Videos with Pierce the Veil and U2. Commercials with Coin Master, Morongo Casino, Target, DeLorean and many more.

As a key costumer, I also help support other Costume Designers bring their vision to life. Whether it’s on set or running the costume trailer. It truly takes a village. Massive amounts of organization and preparation to keep a long running show or feature running smooth so when it finally ends up on the screen, it’s magical! I’ve taken part in shows such as, NBC’s “Suits LA”, Amazon’s “Ballard”, Hulu’s “Tiny Beautiful Things”, Usher’s Super Bowl Halftime Show LVIII, and so many other shows its been privilege to be a part of.

Entrepreneur is a new venture for me recently. After years working in the costume department, I’ve noticed an ongoing need for origination and a gap that I felt I could fill. Costumers have so many supplies and “THINGS” we need to carry with us on a daily basis. We have to be prepared for anything and everything possible that can happen on a moments notice. Especially on set or on location.

I have designed and developed hanging organization bags for these supplies, tools and costumes. Functional, organizational, and most of all secure for all the places production takes us. Manufacturing has just completed and will be available for sale soon. Patent pending and available soon at www.nylecoj.com

Excited for this new venture and what else is yet to come.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
1. Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life. When you love it, it doesn’t feel like work.
2. Surround yourself with good people. No egos, no jealousy, just true supporters and people who cheer you on.
3. Don’t be an assh*le! Don’t be that person, it’s so not necessary.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.JocelynKuan.com
• Instagram: @IamJocelynKuan
• Other: https://www.nylecoj.com

Image Credits
Photo credits: Jocelyn Kuan and Devin Reeve