Name: Esther Garcia
Type of Artist: Costume Designer for Village Theatre in Issaquah, WA
Location: Seattle
What mediums do you use for your art?
Being a Costume Designer is a multi-disciplinary art form. From the renderings to creating each costume piece to the actors onstage moving in the space under the lights. When I first started designing, I used watercolors and gauche to create my renderings, but now I mainly use my tablet to draw and create my costume design renderings. The digital format allows me to make alterations and have multiple options for a given costume design. After the renderings are finalized, there is the process of fabric selection that makes the designed garments come to life. “Color, Pattern, Texture” is my mantra as I select fabrics to bring my costume designs to life. Also, having a good working knowledge of fabrics and how they move and react is important when you are designing a costume.
What is your core inspiration for your art?
I received a sewing kit from my aunt when I was 9 years old and taught myself to sew. I learned to look at world in a different way. I could create things that I had only dreamed of previously. I started to draw what I wanted to make to work out how to make it. I watched old movies and read books that inspired me. I was fascinated and amazed with the costumes that I saw in those classic movies. I didn’t know then that they had someone designing and creating those dresses and pieces I loved so much.
What do you think your role as an artist is in the community?
I see myself as a costume designer in a vibrant and varied community, who has been doing this for some time. I am an artist, a mentor, a supporter and an educator. I love seeing new faces in the theatre costuming world bringing fresh new ideas and reimagining stories to be told in a new way. The role of a costume designer is one of instinctual visual human insight, telling the story of love, hope, tragedy, laughter and tears through costumes. It is a collaboration and partnership with fellow designers, actors and our theater community. The costume designer emphasizes and supports the story, reaching people in a new way.
What would you like to see happen in the art world to include the LGBTQ+ community more?
I would like to see more inclusive stories that don’t compartmentalize or stereotype the characters. Stories that move away from the stereotypical, creating space for each individual to be seen and therefore reached naturally and sincerely. There are playwrights that are creating these stories now, but we need producers who are willing to produce them. Supporting and uplifting our LGBTQ+ community is vital to keeping the theatre community diverse, inclusive, truthful and relevant.
How has art impacted your life?
Art opened a world to me that felt reachable, one that focused on personal talent, self-expression, skills achieved through hard work, and connection with others. For me it has been about finding others like me who have similar interests and goals. Finding community. I feel incredibly grateful to be able to do something I love.
Who are your favorite artists?
Edith Head, Christian Dior, Frida Kahlo, Dolly Parton, Colleen Atwood, Jean Paul Gautier,
Where can people see your art?
People can see my work in the Seattle theatre scene. I am currently designing costumes for the classic mystery And Then There Were None at Village Theatre which opens in January, 2027. People can see my past work at www.esthergarciacostumes.com
