Tal Beer

Highlights

• I have been studying Performance Costume at the University of Edinburgh for the past three years, and am now taking a break from my degree before completing my degree next September. As part of my degree I have completed many design projects, which included research, drawing, millinery, pattern cutting, set design, textiles, and more. Film has been my passion since I was a teenager, and working in costume is my goal, so I am looking to gain experience during my time off from university, in order for me to return to complete my studies more knowledgeable and graduate more prepared for the work field.
  Before going to university, I studied media and film production, and produced, directed, wrote, and shot several short films for school. Having studied film at various levels and capacities since the age of 15 allows me to understand the medium as a whole much better and makes me a better storyteller.
  The combination of my work in costume, fashion & textiles design, graphic design, and photography within media has given me a unique range of skills, that with my knowledge of film and narrative has prepared me well for work in costume.
  In addition to my academic work, I have sought out other work experiences throughout my degree, such as student theatre productions and films, alongside professional work experience at the national tour of Matilda shadowing the wardrobe team. Having completed these experiences alongside my studies has given me good time management skills, and I believe I was able to successfully juggle all these roles to my highest standard.
  Working as costume manager meant that I had to manage a team of five costume assistants in order to design, source, and produce costumes for the show. I have also worked as an assistant, helping the costume manager with any tasks they might need. Working on a theatre production taught me how important teamwork is, as we all need to do our individual jobs well every single night in order for the show to come together. My experience in theatre, alongside my summer jobs, have proven that I can easily take direction, as well as lead and manage myself.
  My degree sets us one or two design projects each term, for which we choose one costume to make for. It is mostly self led, so concepts are entirely personal, and we have to manage our own time for research and development. We set our own targets and goals, and research our own topics, teaching ourselves anything that relates to our project while being guided by the tutors. For example, as part of a live project with the International Science Festival, I had to become an expert on renewable energy.
  Each year, excluding 2020 due to Covid, we put on a costume show, where all 18 of us must plan and coordinate a cohesive performance. In addition, I also spend the show dressing performers according to a plot and directions from the designer.
  In addition to costume experience, I was the makeup artist of a short film in 2019. I also was in charge of makeup for my own costume, which included the use of wax to create gills, scars, and cuts.