Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Kim.
Hi Paul, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
There was this kid in algebra class who always had a sketchbook on top of his textbook and was sketching clothes with colored pencils while the teacher was lecturing about the next formula. All the other kids in that small town Missouri school just thought he didn’t pay attention because he was of Korean ancestry so he probably knew all about algebra and also, he was going to be a fashion designer anyways.
Well, that kid didn’t know the rest of the algebra chapters and although he grew up and became a designer, he is creating and exploring in the enchanting power that is theatre.
I have always had an enthusiasm for clothes and producing looks. While growing up, I caused my sister to cry all the time because I would not allow her dolls to have a peaceful afternoon tea since I had to swap and alter their outfits. GQ and a Harper’s Bazaar were always in my backpack ever since my parents allowed me to subscribe in my own name. Fashion unlocked my brain to the countless areas in art and expression as well as its historical influence in society. Then, while taking a theatre class in college just for fun, my fascination became a driving passion when I realized I can be a storyteller.
Storytellers come in many forms and I as a costume designer see myself as one through collaboratively supporting the development and delivery of the characters that the audience absolutely adores or even frustratingly detests. Then, for me, the most significant reward from exploring and designing is when a moment sparks for someone in the audience and they question why they love or hate that costumed character and then apply that critical thinking to the people in their reality.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Working on a production rarely is a set number of hours per day engagement especially when you’re a designer. You have this other world that takes residence in your mind because it needs to be realized and you still have to balance and live your real world. Communication is extremely important for everything and everyone to function but you can have some people in either world pressuring you to pretty much abandon the other so they can have you planted in theirs. In those situations, I was left feeling like I’ve been incorrect my whole life in decision-making especially selecting this career.
However, I have learned that wanting to only have smooth roads to travel on really doesn’t result in a genuine feeling of achievement or embracing its meaning. There may be tranquility but I also honestly think just having smooth roads is a drowsy journey.
If you think of movies like the much-cherished Wizard of Oz and the visual feast that is The Wiz, Dorothy’s wild and rocky journey had her making new friends, witnessing the most unique and unimaginable, finding confidence in herself despite the escalating fear of the unknown, receiving the love and support that she always longed for, and even getting a sparkly pair of heels! Moreover, we experienced her journey just from watching the films and was undeniably entertained! Could you imagine the movies being as wonderful if it were about a girl who doesn’t take the yellow brick road and decides to shut herself crying in that old house sitting on top of a dead witch?
I believe a journey of taking challenges, reflecting on mistakes, and facing struggles gifts growth. Also, the way I see it now is if growth becomes a higher priority, then finding strength becomes a bit easier to do.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Costume design is more than gathering materials to build costumes and pieces for a character’s wardrobe. It has me diving into history, psychology, and sociology to apply and present sentiment and purpose in the design.
Of course, I love making the audience ooh and ahh over an actor entering the stage dressed in a glory of glitz but if I am not serving the story and only putting up an unneeded visual screaming that it is a costume then in my mind, I have failed as a costume designer. I earnestly value wearing my collaborator hat and my storyteller hat.
Don’t get me wrong, if the specific show needs a spotlight-soaking costume for the audience to be in awe or needs it to match the grandeur of the set, lighting, or choreography then I won’t hesitate in adding all the marabou feathers, Swarovski crystals, and devore fabric!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My dear kindred spirits whose passion and dreams at times flare up habitual overexertion, sweet of you it is to say yes to others but sweet it is to yourself when saying no. Don’t forget to save yourself at times so you can keep living your passion and dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pbawuk.com
