For over 15 years, I’d been in fashion in one way or another. However it was only after having my 3 kids that I realised I wanted to do more than work for someone else in a retail environment. I loved to style clients, watch their confidence increase and see their happiness as they walked out knowing how to dress for themselves and their body shape. I found it very rewarding. This is the career I wanted to pursue.
I looked online and read all about the Australian College of Professional Styling and realised that The Professional Photo, Film TV and Personal Stylist’s Course was all I needed. Once I signed up, I loved the tutorials and the assignments. I learnt so much about all different types of styling, and found the course to be very comprehensive. I still refer to certain tutorials now I’m working in the field.
As part of the course, I sought professional work experience and contacted the Australia’s Got Talent (AGT) costume department in Sydney. My time there was absolutely invaluable and this is where I realised my true passion – costume design for film and television. I was so fortunate to work with the incredibly talented, Tim Chappel, who won the Oscar for Costume Design for Priscilla Queen of the Desert. I learnt about buying, making and styling for live television, as well as stand-by for live TV. Before I had finished my work experience, Tim asked me to come back for some paid work! Once I had finished at AGT, I went across to X-Factor and worked on the grand finale show.
Last year I was Stand-By/Buyer for a film being made in Perth. My first experience with film was incredibly hard work and very long hours. I now understand what people, and the Australian College of Professional Styling, mean when they say “do something you love and you’ll never work another day in your life.”
Since then I have been Costume Design Assistant for a TV show and Stylist for TV commercials. I’ve headed up the wardrobe department of two Crown Casino campaigns and have done several more web series. I also have a film and series in the pipeline for next year. This is my absolute passion now. I am actively pursuing more costume design opportunities and have made so many amazing contacts and friends in the industry.
I would never have discovered my path without this course. It was absolutely worth every penny and I am so pleased to have completed it. This wasn’t an easy task with three small kids, but being able to complete it online was great. The admin staff were so helpful and they made it so much easier to understand the assignments.
Thank you so much for this course – I am eternally grateful!