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Costume Design Portfolio

Jannel Howard

Discovery

Discovery drives my costume design work. Whether a show is new or classic, I love reinventing it—reimagining characters or transforming existing pieces into something fresh.

NEWSIES

Design Inspiration

NEW YORK: NEWSBOYS, 1910 Photograph by Lewis Hine. Antique illustration - New York 1881. Women working in cycle factory stock illustration. Aura Donnelly in a scene from the (C) HBO new series : The Nevers (2021) Karl Max Tilke Drei Damen biem Cancan.

Final Work

This production relied primarily on costumes sourced from local theatres and rentals from The Costume Collective, with a small amount of purchasing as needed. Significant time was  devoted to coordinating the newsies’ looks to create a cohesive color palette, while adding thoughtful details to achieve a polished, professional finish.

Rochester Civic Theatre Director: Lindsey Williams Lights: John Collins Photos: Kate Klaus

Skirts purchased from Amazon were upgraded by adding some black satin draping and feathers to the skirts. This made for a more luxurious and period look.

Clue

Designer

Each costume was designed to highlight the character’s unique personality, drawing inspiration from traditional Clue motifs while still making the designs distinctly my own.

Summerset Theatre Directed by: Lucas Johnson Lights/Set: John Deyo Photos: Jadon Fimon

Killer Cook

First, a plate was hot glued into the center back.
The material was dampened to give the paint more flexibility to spread like blood. A range of paint was applied from bright red to deep brown, purple, and black.
The final result.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Designer

Directed by: Lawrence Benjamin Set design: Katie Edwards Photos: Kate Klaus

Brain-Dead Co.

Concept

Jannel Howard, Aya Takono, Yoshitama Nara-Guitar Girl, Yoshitaka Amano - Candy Girls, Nate Howard

Products:

I designed three different t-shits for this project and sold on Instagram and Etsy.

The process of creating a shop taught me how to scan designs, use photoshop, source printing affordably, and fill orders.

Sleepy Hollow

Designer

This show was a challenge in its limited budget. Costumes needed to be sourced from other theatre's for affordable rates, while not compromising design. 

Riverland Theatre Directed by: Susan Hansen Lights/Set: John Deyo Photos: A.D. Drumm

Two duplicate scarecrows needed to be created for this production using materials we already had.

First, white henley shirts were dyed and distressed.
Matching patches where applied .
The whole look was sprayed with brown spray paint to add dimension.
A combo of burlap and straw was sewn on to finish the look.

The Prom

Designer

Because the show’s message centers on self-expression and acceptance, I chose to incorporate elements of the cast’s personal clothing into the designs. At the same time, it was important that the ensemble look cohesive, polished, and not distract from the principals. To achieve this, I created style guides for each ensemble member outlining what types of clothing to bring to their fittings.

Emma stood out in her black jeans and converse. Reflecting her differences from the other students.

1st Prom

The two proms needed to have different tones to them. The first prom was traditional and reserved with muted colors and traditional silhouettes.

Production

Many of the dresses for this number where bridesmaids dresses that where thrifted and made shorter. 

Second Prom

This prom needed to be bright and exciting a fresh. I worked with bold colors, large sequins, jumpsuits and free gender expression.

Production

Directed by: Lindsey Williams Set design: Katie Edwards Lights: John Collins Photos: Kate Klaus

Skills

Distressing and painting

Universal Studios: Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights 2023

Photos of the "Exterminatorz" Terror Tram and "The Last of Us" maze, as well as the chainsaw dolls. 

Wig Maintence

Stranger Things: The Experience

Wigs for Eleven had to be washed and restyled daily.

Construction

This was a personal project a created from altering an existing pattern and expanding on it. 

Elsa's tear away dress created by Madlain Vander and I.

This project was tedious, precise, and required lots of brainstorming.

Rochester Civic Theatre Directed by: Dylon Starr Set design: Katie Edwards Lighting design: John Collins Photos: Kate Klaus

Thank You