August 4, 2016

Meet South Gate, CA Costume Designer and 705 Costumer: Jen Martin

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Martin.

Jen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was in jr. high, I fell in love with old movies and thrift store shopping. The more classic films I watched the more I learned about the time period and vintage clothing. I began making connections to things I saw in the thrift stores and what I saw going on in contemporary fashion. While working at vintage stores, I helped a few costumers and designers. I thought it was a dream to big to dream, but after attending LATTC for sewing and pattern making I decided to go for it and ‘work in pictures’!

Upcoming projects not yet released:
-Drake & YG music video
-Gentefied series, directed by Marvin Lemus and executive producer America Ferrera
-Gehenna, directed by Hiroshi Katagiri

Has it been a smooth road?
The journey is on going! I have learned a lot about the importance of working as a team with my department, as well as the entire film crew. Communication and respect are key to understanding people’s needs. If I am working in a costume office on a lot, I write down everyone’s names. I am talking everyone even the janitor. Recognizing individuals contributions and expressing gratitude goes a long way. In a referral based industry like film/tv, reputation is everything.

Have you ever wanted to stop doing what you do and just start over?
There have been some tough moments, a lot of money is wrapped up in making films. The stakes and stress levels can get pretty high. When situations like these occur, I try to remind myself that each job is temporary and we are all working towards the same goal. If its a major blockbuster budget type film, you may be working with the same crew for about a year. Commercials typically run a week and tv shows about three months. Just get though the job, work hard and get recommended for the next one.

What advice do you wish to give to those thinking about pursuing a path similar to yours?
Learn to sew, even if its just the basics. It is a huge advantage in knowing how things are made and how garments can be reconstructed into other ideas. Also, if you know how things are made you understand what is poor craftsmanship and ill fitting clothes.

What are you looking forward to?
Professionally, I get really excited about seeing the end project of what I worked on. Watching everyone’s contributions come together. It’s even more fun when all the departments watch it together.

I would really love love love to work on another period film. Balancing colors and concepts, background cast and working with production design is very exciting.

Personally, I really enjoy gardening. I am super looking forward to my snow peas, butternut squash and blue tomatoes to climb up the trellis. It’s going to be an wall of yummy textures and color!

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