Life & Work with Laura Gonzalez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Gonzalez.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I was young, I wanted to be a fashion designer, I drew dresses and learned how to sew. I was put on the wardrobe crew during my freshman year of High School and immediately fell in love. I felt like it was the best of both worlds, fashion and psychology in one field, Costume Design. I was very fortunate to go to a school with a competitive theatre program that trained us as professionals, and from there I went on to major in Costume Design at the University of Texas at Austin. While in undergrad, I started doing short films and also fell in love with film. The moment I heard “camera speeds” I was sucked into a whole new medium of storytelling. After graduating, I pursued both of my loves, theatre and film, only to discover that they are sometimes at odds. I pursued film more specifically and joined the Costumers Union in Texas. After a year or so there I wanted change and new adventures! That led me to move to LA and earn my Union days out here. I’ve had the wonderful honor of working on Killers of the Flower Moon, 1883, Palm Royale, The Accidental Getaway Driver, and 1923.

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?
There have been challenges, but to be honest the challenge is my favorite part! I think the obstacles I’ve experienced have been the source of my greatest growth and self-reflection. In my experience, film and theatre have some similar challenges to any job in the world, like learning to work collaboratively for example, but because the number of hours spent on the job is so much greater than a 40-hour work week, the challenges can feel greater too. I think the most critical skill that comes from the nature of this work is learning to stay calm and collected when things feel bigger than they are. This has been one of my greatest challenges, and I am so grateful for it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work predominately in Costume, although I dabble in Production Design, Hair, and Makeup. What I truly specialize in is costume! I love every element of bringing a character to life. From the initial design to the sourcing and shopping, and alterations, and the most critical element making sure everything makes it to camera or the stage in the way that best serves the characters. I am most proud of my ability to embrace play as a part of my work. I think the best designs, expressions of character, and moments between coworkers come from inviting space to be creative!

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think there is a world where my industry embraces a variety of changes while also holding to tradition and long-time practices. Film especially has undergone so many changes in the roughly hundred years of its existence, for example as a set costumer it used to be necessary to carry a polaroid and develop the continuity photos and then carry those photos to set each day, now we use our phones. What has stayed true through this change is the need to track continuity, the practice has stayed the same but the means are different than they once were.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lauramgonzalez.com/ 

Image Credits
Top photo on the left: Arcos Dance Middle left photo: Ryan Stach