Speaking Their Language

As I have stated many times, I am currently in the middle of designing my first show in my MFA program. I have learned a lot in the past three weeks and have enjoyed the insight from my professors and directors. The other day when I was hiking around the shops in NYC (How did I get so lucky that this is my life!?) shopping for my show with the director, he gave me a very nice compliment and insight into how directors and producers like to be talked with during the creative process. 

He complimented me on my use of descriptive words when explaining my designs and thought process. It is important when presenting a design to a producer, artistic director, director, etc. to use descriptive words along with your renderings and research. Although a picture is worth 1000 words, a few choice descriptors also help paint a picture when there isn't a garment and actor standing in front of you. 

Some examples of the descriptors I've used thus far in the process:

• "modern version of a court gentleman of Louis the XVI"
  
• "suit has been lived in"
  
• "She knows how she can use her body to get what she needs and knows how to clothe it accordingly"
  
• "wanna be hipster; trying but failing miserably"
  
• "The clothing reflects her transition into a darker area of her life and worldly wisdom gained"
  
• "orderly, regimented, sharp, pointed personality"

Putting an abstract thought into words is something I have been trying to get better at. The more specific you can paint a picture with your words, the easier it is for a director or someone else to give you the go ahead with your design.  Learn how to speak their language.