We are more than excited to announce that film and television costume designer Shanna Mair (Lucifer, Super Girl, Mortal Kombat, and so many more) is joining The Cut Fashion  Academy team. With almost 20 years of experience in the Costume industry, her energy is electric and her knowledge is extensive.

Sharing with Shanna

Introduce yourself and how you got into Costume for Film?

Hi! I’m Shanna Mair. My creative journey started when I was very young painting, performing and building sculptures out of found objects. In college, I took graphic design, interior design, and visual presentation. As I got older my creative nature lead me to dressing windows and merchandising retail stores. After clients asked started to ask me to style their clothing. Styling became a passion and because of my love of film and TV, costume design seemed like a perfect next step. I attended Capilano University for costume, started as a shopper and worked my way up to costume design. That was 17 years ago.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

That in addition to my crazy film life I am studying to be a sommelier. Oh, and I have very strong feelings about certain colours. 

What is the craziest experience you’ve had in your career?

So many to tell…..mostly involving modesty items for sex scenes or weather coverage. 

What are your biggest tips for students trying to break into the industry?

• Make yourself available. Be willing to do any job 

• Get to know your film community. Job shadow the ones you know to gain experience. Someone may see your talent and recommend you or even better hire you. 

• Maintain a positive attitude with a side of can do! Build logistic and knowledge tools. Make you the easy choice to hire. 
  

What does it take to be successful in costume?

Positive attitude, logistics, time management, communication and technical skills.

What is something you've learned about the industry along with your career that was a surprise to you?

I feel like I've been doing this so long that nothing surprises me! I guess the thing that surprises me daily, is how much we do with so little and how many talented people are on film sets. We should rule the world! 

Welcome, Shanna!