Meet Monica Chamberlain | Costume Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monica Chamberlain and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi monica, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Taking risks have been a huge part of my life and career. Making the decision to move to Los Angeles where I didn’t know a single soul and pursue a career with no set path was highly risky. Thankfully, it worked out. Now, the risks I take aren’t quite as big but can feel just as scary. Risk is inherent to the industry I work in and generally the riskier the project the larger the pay off.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work as a Costume Designer in TV and film. What excites me most is the story being told and how the audience connects to that.

I’m unusual in my approach, because my main focus is the character rather than just making a great outfit or look. I get a thrill out of trying to create real people, subtly expressing who they are and how they feel through what they wear and how they wear it. For me the clothes should always feel grounded so that the character can come to life.

I’ve learned so many lessons over the years. Everything from job specific skills to budgeting and maybe the most important, learning when to take time off to reset.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A great week in LA…
Starting off the morning with baked goods from either Proof, Tartine or Bubs & Grandma’s.
Doing something active like go for a hike in Griffith Park or walk through the hills of Mt Washington.
Spend time exploring the Eames House or the Hollyhock House and then sit in Barnsdall Art Park just soaking up the sun.
Going to the movies and settling into a dark theater with some popcorn is my favorite activity.
Lastly, my favorite spots are generally restaurants because there’s so much good food and there’s nothing better than sharing a long meal with friends. Speranza, Kazu-Nori, Salazar, Majordomo, Blossom, Dune the list goes on and on.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe everything to my parents and friends for supporting me and pushing me to keep going. There’s also been a few key people that gave me my first chance and many chances along the way to continually step up and keep growing.