Today we’d like to introduce you to Loren Weldon.
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?
I always knew I was going to work in the arts, but when I was young, I wasn’t sure what my path to it would it be. I also knew I loved film, especially classic films such as Gone with the Wind, Rebel Without a Cause, Some Like It Hot, and East of Eden. In my undergraduate career I didn’t pursue my passions and decided to opt for a practical and safe career. But eventually my journey led me to Fashion Design and Merchandising. I spent a long time doing fashion buying, but I felt really lost the whole time like I was missing a piece of the puzzle. I eventually decided to go back to school for fashion to get better at sewing and building my own patterns, and while I was in school, I met a costume designer, and she spoke so passionately about it. I was mesmerized by everything she told me and I felt like pursuing costume design just made more sense for me because my grandfather was a theatre actor and always spoke of theatre with love. I later spent 3 years at CalArts working on my Masters of Fine Arts in Costume Design and never looked back. Costume Design lets me combine my love for storytelling with my love for design, and I’ve never felt more fulfilled and creative.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Pursuing costume design definitely wasn’t a smooth road, and I almost gave up, but I’m proud of myself for sticking with it. In the beginning I doubted myself a lot and would always talk myself out of trying. It took me two years to find the courage to apply to a graduate program so I could really hone my skills and not only get better at design but also have a better understanding of how to tell a story with clothing. I also had a lot of struggles with health, financially, and sometimes with family, and had to push through to remind myself to keep trying. I can’t tell you how many nights I stayed up until the morning trying to improve on sketching or costume construction so I could properly translate my thoughts. Or the amount of nights I stayed up crying because I wasn’t sure if I could do it. I don’t think I can say it enough, but I’m really thankful for the support system my friends and CalArts created for me. I don’t think I would be where I am now without it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Costume Designer and an Artist. I consider my medium clothing, and I want to find ways to create immersive stories with my designs. I also really love fiber arts and try to find ways to incorporate it into my costume designs. I’m mostly known for playing with color, and I like to put Easter eggs in my clothing so that the keen viewer can make more connections to the story. I am most proud of Etta and Ella on the Upper Westside, which is played by one of my favorite playwrights, Adrienne Kennedy. I was able to do the costume design for the world premiere production at REDCAT Disney Hall. I’m also really proud of a dance piece. I did the costumes for called Because You’re Worth It, because I love the message of the piece, and the choreography was beautiful. I love both pieces because I think they really showcase my versatility. I think what sets me apart from others is how I try to immerse myself in the characters and their world to create my designs. I want every character’s uniqueness and personality to shine through their design.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
My favorite book is The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. I use it as a reminder not to give up and it also reminds me that no matter how insignificant I might think something is, it’s always a part of the larger story. I also collect books about artist such as Keith Haring, Jean Michel Basquiat, and Yayoi Kusama, because their art styles really inspire me.
Contact Info:
- Website: lorenweldon.com
- Instagram: @ohnonotloren and @bylorenw
Image Credits
Angel Origgi
