Lea McCormick
Claremore
Summary
Dynamic Fashion Designer with a proven track record at Heruse Tos, excelling in creative vision and garment construction. Recognized for designing trendsetting collections and mentoring junior designers, while enhancing workflow efficiency. Adept at fabric sourcing and fostering strong relationships, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality results in fast-paced environments.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Fashion Designer
Heruse Tos
12.2021 - Current
- Trained junior designers in techniques for costume construction and maintenance practices.
- Improved workflow processes by implementing new organization methods within costume shop.
- Determined financial goals and in-season projections.
- Consistently met tight deadlines under high-pressure circumstances, ensuring that all productions started on time with a fully prepared wardrobe.
- Designed seasonal collections, aligning with current fashion trends and consumer preferences.
- Developed technical sketches and specifications for design implementation.
- Researched fabrics and materials, optimizing selection for durability and aesthetics.
- Managed project timelines, ensuring timely delivery of samples and final pieces.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic design decisions and enhance brand positioning.
- Mentored junior designers, fostering skill development in design techniques and processes.
- Conducted market research to identify emerging trends, guiding the development of new collections accordingly.
- Designed seasonal styles according to upcoming trends and popular color palettes.
- Created unique and trendsetting garments, securing a loyal customer base and positive media coverage.
- Selected fabrics, patterns and trims to use in final designs and meet desired aesthetics and quality standards.
- Conducted fittings and adjusted designs to produce comfortable and appealing final products for clients.
- Assisted photographers in styling photoshoots showcasing new collections effectively; increasing exposure through print and digital media.
- Used drawing, computer-aided design (CAD) and draping techniques to develop ideas and communicate strategies to others.
- Worked with photographers and stylists to showcase products for optimal visibility.
- Organized and participated in fashion shows, generating significant media attention and industry recognition.
- Designed custom garments for high-profile clients, enhancing the brand''s reputation for luxury and exclusivity.
- Oversaw successful execution of fashion shows, from conceptualization to runway presentation, boosting brand image.
- Sketched artistic and fresh designs for consideration.
Costume Designer
Springer Opera House
02.2025 - 04.2025
- Designed costumes aligning with production themes and character development.
- Collaborated with directors and actors to interpret vision through wardrobe choices.
- Created sketches and renderings to visualize costume concepts for approval.
- Managed fabric selection, sourcing materials that enhance overall aesthetic quality.
- Supervised fittings, ensuring garments met performance requirements and comfort standards.
- Developed timelines for costume preparation, adhering to production schedules effectively.
- Led fittings with actors, making necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit and comfort while maintaining the integrity of the design.
- Expanded creative skillset through continuous professional development opportunities such as workshops, courses, or conferences.
- Read scripts and researched appropriate costumes.
- Sketched artistic and fresh designs for consideration.
- Oversaw operation of on-site costume shop.
- Managed budgets and timelines effectively, ensuring all costumes were completed on time and within budget constraints.
- Collaborated with directors and producers to create visually striking costumes that supported the overall vision of the production.
- Assisted in set dressing tasks when needed, contributing to cohesive visual storytelling throughout a production.
- Created detailed documentation for each costume piece, ensuring consistency across multiple productions or performers.
- Gathered props to authenticate designs and desired looks.
- Attended and participated in extensive rehearsals for stage and film productions.
- Enhanced costume designs by incorporating historical accuracy and cultural relevance into each project.
- Researched and sourced high-quality materials for costume construction, resulting in durable and visually appealing designs.
- Shopped at brick-and-mortar and online stores to find unique and relevant pieces.
- Maximized efficiency during rehearsals by providing quick-change solutions for complex costume changes between scenes or acts.
- Sewed full outfits for use by main actors and extras.
- Took up and let down hems to shorten or lengthen garment parts.
- Suggested style changes to creative team to achieve improved designs.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between costume changes by coordinating with stage managers and wardrobe crew members.
- Designed new patterns for special genre and story requirements.
- Created visually appealing character styles that married story with director vision.
- Utilized specialized sewing techniques such as draping or pattern-making to create unique garments tailored specifically for individual performers.
- Increased client satisfaction through effective communication of their visions throughout the design process.
- Developed entire looks encompassing garments, makeup, and wigs.
- Organized and managed all outfitting and styling for Type cast of Number members.
- Supported models when clothing was uncomfortable.
- Adjusted clothing once model was dressed, making sure all garments fit properly and looked perfect.
- Determined proper shoes, jewelry, head wear, and other accessories to complement designer outfits.
- Maintained positive, professional attitude during long shoots and when dealing with difficult people.
- Collaborated with hair and makeup departments to align looks with specific image plans during events.
- Fitted models with outfits as per designer specifications.
- Steamed and pressed garments prior to runway shows.
Prop Master
Nanyehi Productions
09.2017 - 11.2022
- Communicated with production teams to ensure timely delivery of costumes for rehearsals.
- Improved overall quality of costumes by meticulously inspecting each piece for flaws and making necessary alterations.
- Developed strong relationships with local vendors to secure high-quality materials at competitive prices for multiple productions.
- Contributed to cohesive set design by coordinating with other departments on color schemes, fabrics, and overall aesthetic.
- Collaborated with production team to ensure accurate set designs and prop placements.
- Assisted in organizing and maintaining inventory of props for seamless access during filming.
- Executed setup and breakdown of sets, ensuring timely transitions between scenes.
- Researched and sourced materials for props, enhancing authenticity in design elements.
- Coordinated with department heads to align prop requirements with creative vision.
- Streamlined workflow processes for prop assembly, improving efficiency across productions.
- Led prop fabrication initiatives, implementing best practices for safety and material usage.
- Assisted costume department with procuring wardrobe items when necessary, ensuring seamless integration between costumes and set design.
- Established safety protocols for the handling and use of potentially hazardous materials or objects on set, reducing incidents and accidents.
- Liaised with production buyers to allocate budgets used to purchase, hire or create props, consistently staying within budget and schedule.
- Customized props as needed to meet specific design requirements or director requests, achieving a cohesive visual aesthetic.
- Contributed creative ideas during pre-production meetings, assisting in the development of visually engaging scenes.
- Attended rehearsals to note props' placement and use.
- Broke down each scene in shows to identify required necessary items or property, bringing each set to life.
- Discussed selection of appropriate hand props with actors to instruct on care, maintenance and operation of props.
- Solved unexpected problems during filming by quickly sourcing or creating alternative props as needed.
- Acquired necessary prop elements for production through borrowing, building or buying.
- Conducted post-production assessments of props and set elements for potential reuse or repurposing in future projects, maximizing budget efficiency.
- Enhanced set designs by collaborating with directors and production designers to develop visually appealing environments.
- Researched period props, various styles of props and furniture to make films more realistic.
- Worked with scenic designers, directors and stage management to create and update prop lists for each show.
- Attended and participated in preliminary design meetings to provide feedback into overall aesthetic details.
Asst Costume Designer
Nanyehi Productions
09.2017 - 11.2022
- Presented design concepts to stakeholders, incorporating feedback into final products.
- Worked closely with production teams to ensure high-quality manufacturing and timely delivery of products.
- Developed and maintained relationships with suppliers, vendors and other industry professionals to stay informed about new developments and resources available.
- Assisted in creating costume designs based on character requirements and themes.
- Collaborated with designers to source fabrics, trims, and accessories for production.
- Organized fittings and maintained accurate records of alterations and adjustments.
- Supported costume construction by preparing materials and coordinating timelines.
- Researched historical fashion trends to inform contemporary design choices.
- Participated in fittings, providing feedback to enhance fit and comfort for performers.
- Maintained inventory of costume assets, ensuring proper labeling and storage practices.
- Assisted in creating visually appealing costumes by researching historical period clothing styles and current fashion trends.
- Supported seamless costume changes during performances by diligently preparing backstage areas and assisting actors as needed.
- Reduced expenses by skillfully repairing damaged costumes instead of purchasing replacements when feasible.
- Facilitated clear communication between designers, directors, actors, and crew members to align creative visions and solve problems efficiently.
- Ensured actor comfort and safety with properly fitted costumes that met specific character requirements without hindering movement.
Costume Designer
New Beginnings Church
09.2014 - 12.2016
- Oversaw the construction of custom-built sets, ensuring adherence to design specifications and timely completion.
- Collaborated with special effects teams to ensure safe usage of practical effects-related props on set.
- Worked closely with art department leads to ensure consistency in style and tone across all set elements, contributing to the overall vision of the project.
- Designed and constructed costumes for various productions, ensuring alignment with creative vision.
- Collaborated with directors to interpret character development through costume design.
- Led costume fittings, providing adjustments to enhance actor comfort and performance quality.
- Developed comprehensive costume plots to streamline production processes and timelines.
- Spearheaded costume fittings, adjustments, and alterations to achieve optimal visual effects on stage or screen.
- Oversaw the creation of custom-made garments, ensuring accuracy in fit and adherence to design specifications.
Education
No Degree - Art
Art Instruction School
Seattle, WAHigh School Diploma - Art
Bixby High School
Bixby, OK05.2035
Skills
- Creative vision
- Pattern making
- Fashion design
- Tailoring expertise
- Garment construction
- Fashion illustration
- Sewing techniques
- Material manipulation
- Fabric sourcing
- Styling proficiency
- Patterning skills
- Sustainable design
- Excellent oral communication
- Fashion show production
- Quality assurance
- Fashion trend forecasting
- Draping techniques
- Fashion history
- Color theory
- Garment design
- Pattern building
- Outline drawing
- Product needs assessment
- Costume design
- Technical sketches
- Fashion sketching
- Sewing
- Sketch drawings
- Multitasking
- Relationship building
- Accessorizing
- Excellent communication
- Attention to detail
- Production oversight
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Organizational skills
- Active listening
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Creative thinking
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Self motivation
- Professionalism
- Quality control
- Continuous improvement
- Adaptability
- Project management
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Material sourcing
- Visual communication
Accomplishments
I have attended New York Fashion Week 3 times as a featured designer.
My fashions have been featured in Variety Magazine and Native Max Magazine.
My fashions have appeared on red carpets at the Grammy’s, and the Oscar’s.
Timeline
Costume Designer
Springer Opera House
02.2025 - 04.2025
Fashion Designer
Heruse Tos
12.2021 - Current
Prop Master
Nanyehi Productions
09.2017 - 11.2022
Asst Costume Designer
Nanyehi Productions
09.2017 - 11.2022
Costume Designer
New Beginnings Church
09.2014 - 12.2016
No Degree - Art
Art Instruction School
High School Diploma - Art
Bixby High School