Every design begins with a clear understanding of the story, character and creative direction behind the project. I take time to understand the purpose of the costume, the personality and journey of the character, the setting, historical or cultural context, and the overall visual language expected from the production. This initial understanding allows me to establish a strong creative foundation before moving into the design stage.

Research plays an important role in developing an authentic and meaningful visual direction. I explore references from fashion, history, art, culture, architecture, cinema and other relevant sources depending on the requirements of the project. I also consider practical factors such as production schedules, locations, movement, lighting, photography and the environment in which the final design will be presented.

From this research, I establish the overall direction for the project, including the visual mood, silhouettes, colours, textures and design language. Having a clearly defined direction at the beginning helps ensure that every creative decision made throughout the process contributes to the story and creates a cohesive final result.