ABOUT ✦
I’m Ivy! I am a costume designer, wardrobe supervisor, theatre technician, and competitive cosplayer. My personal journey in costume is a blend of American and UK professional experience. I was born in the United States, and lived and worked there until 2021. I got my start as a cosplayer when I was just fourteen, attending my first comic convention and being so inspired by all the amazing artists around me. That was all the way back in 2012; since then, I have gone on to develop costumes professionally for theatre on the West End, and be the point of call for many cosplayers who want their dream build to come to life.
Design Practices
My skillset spans a variety of mediums, including leatherwork, dye and print, and digital art. I think that these skills should continue to be shared in a positive and accessible way, so it is my goal to keep the art of human creativity alive. I am committed to a 100% AI Free creative environment, and am extremely passionate about sharing skills with other creatives.
I am inspired by so many different aspects of life, but my biggest sources of inspiration come from drag, horror, sci-fi, and high fantasy. I thoroughly enjoy the use of practical effects and tangible works wherever possible. I love the challenge of developing a new skill, as well as learning from other fantastic artists about their own techniques and practices.
A Queer Voice
An essential part of my lived experience as an artist is my Queer identity, as well as my neurodiversity. As a transmasculine and autistic artist, these lenses shape the way I interpret my world. Being autistic and trans is such a gift toward my personal creativity and way of thinking, despite facing stigmas and confronting challenges accelerating my career in both technical and creative workspaces. Bringing both of these important identities forward in my career offers other creatives a deeply honest, sensitive, and innovative perspective. I am committed to not only continuing to challenge existing professional stigmas, but equally deliver work that is inclusive and thoughtfully executed.
Let's Create Together
I'm eager to connect with fellow creatives, performers, and visionaries who share a passion for innovative and expressive art. Whether you have a specific project in mind or simply want to explore the art of costume and design with likeminded people, I would love to hear from you.
Education
I first achieved an Associate Degree of Science at San Diego Mesa College for Fashion Design in 2020. Having transitioned from my early career in California to that of London’s theatre scene thereafter, I studied at Wimbledon College of Art, where I achieved a Bachelors of Fine Arts for Costume for Theatre and Screen in 2024.
University of the Arts London, Wimbledon — BA (Hons)
Costume for Theatre and Screen
SEPTEMBER 2021 - 2024
Awarded First Class BA (HONS) awarded in Costume Design at Wimbledon College of Art, UAL.
San Diego Mesa University, San Diego, CA — AA (HONS)
Fashion Design and Tailoring
AUGUST 2017 - MAY 2020
Awarded First Class AA (HONS) for Fashion Design and Tailoring from San Diego Mesa University.
