My name is Charley Finding, and I am a Class of 2020 First-Class BA (Hons) Costume Construction graduate. This is my story.
What first drew me to the Costume Construction course was the opportunity to combine two of my biggest passions: creating cosplay costumes and Musical Theatre. I’ve always been interested in the performing arts, especially what happens behind the scenes, so the course felt like the perfect way to turn my creativity into a career.
The partnership with the Royal Ballet and Opera gave me confidence that I would be learning from the best in the industry. That connection has been incredibly important in shaping my journey, and it ultimately helped open the door to the career I have today.
During my time on the course, I developed a wide range of technical and interpersonal skills. I learned how to work professionally in a studio environment, manage my time effectively and consistently produce work to a high standard. These are skills I now use every day in my role.
One of the highlights of my degree was a creative pattern cutting project based around drag artists. This was the first time I had complete creative freedom over my work, and it allowed me to fully immerse myself in the design process. It was a turning point for me creatively and helped me develop confidence in my ideas.
The course gave me a broad understanding of the costume industry, from practical techniques to the realities of working in a creative field. I really valued the honesty of the tutors in preparing us for both the opportunities and the challenges ahead. I always felt supported and encouraged to push myself further.
After graduating, I secured my first role as a Costume Revivals Casual at the Royal Ballet and Opera. While it took time to find that opportunity, it was incredibly rewarding to be able to start my career in such a prestigious environment. It gave me the chance to learn at a high professional standard and build my confidence within the industry.
In February 2025, I joined WhiteStar Costume, a specialist maker’s studio working across theatre, film, television and entertainment. I am now a core team member, working on a range of creative construction techniques. In a short time, I have developed my skills far beyond what I thought possible, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a supportive and inspiring team.
Alongside my professional work, I continue to enjoy creating personal projects. One of my favourites has been designing cosplay costumes inspired by Starlight Express. Reinterpreting the original designs and adding my own creative ideas has been a really rewarding process. These projects bring together everything I love about costume: creativity, imagination and technical challenge.
Looking back, choosing this course has had a huge impact on my life. It gave me the skills, confidence and opportunities to build a career doing something I am passionate about.
If you’re considering applying for the BA (Hons) Costume Construction course, I would absolutely encourage you to take that step. Whether you are experienced or just starting out, it’s an incredible opportunity to develop your skills, build confidence and open doors to a future in the creative industries.