The McCool Factor

Miss Casey Jean is graduating and we couldn't miss this opportunity to celebrate her as she embarks on her new adventures. This chic has been an amazing student, friend, co-worker [In Costume Stock] and she's leaving! But, not before we harassed her to leave behind some words for future students. Enjoy, we'll miss you Casey! 

What did you learn assisting Mercedes O'Bannion (Costume Design MFA '15) and Justin Collings (Costume Tech MFA '16)?

I came into costume design with the idea it was glamorous and fantastical ala Broadway spectacles ... and then I met Mercedes. With Mercedes, I think what I learned the most about communicating with the shop. She was really great at explaining her designs with detailed renderings and had an understanding of how garments were made. Her experience and knowledge inspired me to take draping. She was also confident and decisive in the fittings. She understood practicality of design in addition to the creative aspects of design. Mercedes also had a distinct style ... (dirty-water-color-O'Bannion) ... gritty and site specific earthy designs. Justin gives me a appreciation for details and strong work ethic in creating a final product that is very beautiful and tenderly made. I was more careful and put more love into my work because of Justin and that was very gratifying. 

What is one course you would recommend to students in the department?

MASK MAKING with Jim Glavan & Figure and Fabric Rendering with Karen Maness.  Mask making was cool because you are working in 3-D using wed and plastilina clay. You get to pick any style mask for the final in which I made a recreation of a "Walking Dead" zombie.  We also got to work with a guest artist, Luis Demetrio llanos, from Camparsa Selva Africana who builds professional African themed masks and makeup designs. Karen Maness [Figure & Fabric Rendering instructor] is invested in everyone's learning and she's able to help you see color and shape in a whole new way. This class helped me build more confidence with my art because I'd never used Acrylic before. Seeing that progression of paintings from first to last day is really exciting. 

Did you get the opportunity to design a show as an undergraduate?

I got more opportunities to design than I thought I would have. There are a lot of outside opportunities within the school run groups and organizations like Alpha Psi Omega. However, I made a lot of friends in the graduate program and took a couple grad level courses that gave me opportunities to be a part of the Main stage season's shows as both an assistant and costume designer. 

What is a show you would love to design or work on?

Walking Dead. Or any show that would allow me to work on prosthetics and makeup in that way. I'm currently obsessed with Crimson Peak. #sorrynotsorry 

What style of design are you most interested in?

I get really into period pieces and Romantic Era design. I also appreciate highly stylized period like the new Cinderella film by Disney, specifically the Lady Tremaine gowns. Period with a twist. 

What piece of advice do you have for future students: Grad and Undergrad? 

The first thing that comes to mind is any class that you take - especially in this department - you get out of it what you put in. I found the classes that I put the most time into were the ones I enjoyed the most and got the most out of. 

What's one thing you'll miss about Austin?

I will miss the people in the [UT] department and popcorn tofu at Wheatsville.