Meet PinJu Wang | Costume Designer

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

Hi PinJu, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I will say go to concerts.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a costume designer, based in Los Angeles. As a foreigner, it’s hard to get your step in the TV and Films industry. I moved to U.S on 2019, and studied in FIDM for costume design. It took me almost 3 years until I got my OPT which i got a chance working in the state. I stepped in the industry after i graduated on 2021. Step by step, I got my first union job as costume PA until I joined the costume designer guild on 2024. It’s a long way, and I tried to get many jobs I can, and learned many things from any projects which I worked on. Now, I still working in the industry.
The most rewarding part of working on one of my favorite projects, The Capsule, was the opportunity to build visual identities that deepened the psychological and thematic layers of the story—despite the film’s short format and lean resources. In many productions, especially with limited screen time, costume design can often fall into the background. But on this film, the director, Gregory M. Schroeder actively involved the costume department in the storytelling process, which was both rare and creatively fulfilling.
One of the aspects I found particularly rewarding was designing for the protagonist, Natalie. Her arc—from cautious optimism to disillusionment and defiance—needed to be reflected visually in subtle yet powerful ways. We began with lighter, more open silhouettes and gradually moved toward starker, more utilitarian shapes and subdued tones as the narrative grew darker.
I also worked on a lot of commercials and music videos. Such as kid toys Cocolemon, foodie mini brands, and fashion adidas, Uniqlo. I have clients from Asia who wanted to shoot their projects in the U.S. I speak Mandarin, Japanese, the reason they worked with me, not just my ideas, is because we can communicate more easily. I understand what they need.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I will say Hollywood where I worked most of the time, and DTLA to let people know how’s real LA ! Little Tokyo which is my personal love area. Get the ramen which is the top 1 ramen in LA, Hachuoji Ramen. Also go to a hike in Hollywood hills. Griffith Park and see the Hollywood sign. Before go back home, go to Trader Joe’s to get some special treats and 100% the bags!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom! She support me anyway she can. She also is a hard working person.

Website: https://roshiawang.weebly.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roshia_design/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wang-roshia-pinju-0a1aaa1a7/

Image Credits
MR. POTATTO, Short Film
Jump,Film
Free my Heart, TV show