Canadian Costumer's Digital Research Initiative Results

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Cathleen Sbrizzi (CS): In the ideal situation, where
you have all the resources you needed to use
digital pattering (skilled digital cutter, printing
access etc) how often would you utilize digital
tools on a build?
Kate Klingvall (KK): I would try to use it wherever
my cutter would feel comfortable with it. If they
felt confident they could draft a whole show on
it, great, let’s go for it. If they still wanted to do a
couple “old school”, whatever works. Part of my
job is to trust and support the team however
they need.
CS: What was your experience like working on
Steel Magnolia’s with KaeLeah using CLO?
Katie Klingvall (KK): It was interesting, and I can
see how this can greatly change the way we
pattern draft in the future. There is still some
kinks to work out like the cutter learning the
program and getting better at using the
program. But can see how this could help in so
many ways.
CS: How essential is the backing of your
producers to successfully executing costumes
using digital patterning?
Katie Klingvall (KK): It will be very essential,
especially in the first few years of using the
program. As it will take time to adjust our way of
thinking of how we pattern draft, having the
support will makes things easier. The first few
years it will take a bit more time which means a
bit more in the labor budget and money to
refigure a shop like how we print the patterns
either in a plotter or using a projector. Expenses
that upfront are more but long term can save
time and material waste.
CS: How can Heads of Wardrobe’s help facilitate the
use of digital cutting? What challenges do you
foresee?
Katie Klingvall (KK): I think by supporting whatever
the cutter needs. If that is more prep time in
learning the programs. Or letting them have the
time to work with the program without feeling
stress. I foresee challenges of people wanting to
stick to the “old school” ways, which I understand
but I can see this interesting more younger
generations who already have more computer skills
than any other generation.
CS: How would you choose organize show patterns?
And how do you currently organize your size sheets?
Katie Klingvall (KK): We currently just have them filed
as hard copies, which I have always wanted to do a
digital database, and this sounds like we would have
it that way! And as performers bodies change, it
sounds easier to update their avatar to reflect these
changes.
As for organizing show patterns, I’m not sure if filing
by show or by period would be better for ease of
future use. Either way it would have to be a
discussion with the cutter
CS: When you’re looking at the scope of what you
need to accomplish to execute a design does it make
you nervous to look at incorporating new
technology?
(KK): I think until our cutters get more comfortable
and confident with the software I would start with
smaller shows. Ones that maybe don’t have a big
build but some smaller builds on a show. I don’t
think it matters if it’s period or modern, but more
how much we build on the whole show.
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