Today we’d like to introduce you to Melina Perez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I always knew I wanted to be a designer– some of my first memories are of my great grandma teaching me to sew, carrying around sketchbooks everywhere I went filled with my little designs and sketches, and window shopping in New York City, where I grew up. Being surrounded by so much art and culture was so exciting as a kid, and I like to think I never lost that whimsy and childlike wonder. It led to my dream career, after all.
My parents moved us to South Texas when I was 13, but I continued to explore my fashion interests and went through a plethora of phases– my favorite thing about fashion is that there is SO MUCH to try and experiment with. I’ve never felt limited by one style or look, and I feel like that has also really helped me get a feel for how to dress other people and create character closets that feel authentic and true. I was the first character I ever dressed, and that expression shows in every character I’ve dressed since.
I started at UT in 2014, and my love and appreciation for fashion deepened, as my passion became a true study. I declared my major as a sophomore and was officially a fashion design student. Then, as a senior, I discovered film and costume design, and my world was changed forever. I had this wild, a-ha moment that this is exactly where I needed to be and never looked back. Since then, I’ve had the incredible opportunity of costume designing and styling several indie feature films, music videos, commercials and more, with creatives who really inspire me. I always say that everything I do is for 13-year-old me, and I know she’d be so proud of where I am and what I’ve accomplished.
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?
I think it goes without saying that the film industry isn’t an easy one to break into– but I think my passion, drive, determination and just pure love for the craft got me to where I am today. It’s not impossible, but you really have to want it and be willing to put in the work. In a lot of ways, film really changed my life and I am forever grateful.
The pandemic in 2020 was one of the most difficult years for me, as I know it was for many others. I had found some footing in the industry after graduating in May 2019, and was getting pretty steady work until March 2020. I wasn’t able to be back on set until October of 2020, but I did get an artist grant from the City of Austin, which helped me stay creative and go back to my sewing roots– I sold some custom designs and tried to make the most of it. Along with this, I was struggling with a lot of difficulties in a relationship that ultimately ended in December of 2020. During this time, I saw my career in film as my anchor, and in some ways, my savior. I wanted to succeed so badly for myself, and I like to think I’m on the right path.
Additionally, we had a strike happen in the middle of 2023– having my regular career put on pause forced me again to stretch my creative muscles, and I took a position in the costume department at a haunted house. I’ve always loved horror, and being able to fully immerse myself in that world was a blast. The break-neck pace of the job and necessity of making things work allowed me to re-enter the film industry with a brand-new set of skills.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Throughout my career, I’ve always tried to remain well-rounded and adaptable– I’ve costume designed several feature films, while also styling commercials, music videos and photoshoots. I designed a jersey for a soccer team, I’ve created and sold custom designs, and I’ve worked live shows. I love being a creative, and I like to dabble in every facet this industry has to offer.
Lately, I have done a lot of period pieces, and I like to think I specialize in projects like this. I love the time, care and research that goes into making a project look accurate, and the costumes look lived-in and authentic. I’d say the most notable projects I’ve designed are Billy Strings’ “Seven Weeks in County” music video, RATS! (a gross-out indie comedy set in 2007 that took film festivals by storm), and a music video for “Veneers” by Hannibal Buress, also known as ESHU TUNE. The most recent project I costume designed is titled ‘Tiny, Texas,’ a feature film set in the 80s in a small, fictional Texas town. This project was a HUGE feat, but so much fun. We had to costume an entire basketball game for a scene, including custom uniforms for 2 teams, cheerleaders, coaches, referees, and 100+ background,
Some other projects I’ve been fortunate to be a part of as a costumer or assistant are In Space with Markiplier, Love & Death and Walker.
I believe what sets me apart is seeing the realities of the characters I’m dressing so it feels authentic to them and their story– I’m probably most proud of this, as well. I think there is a natural, yet stylized feel to the people I dress. This is especially important in period pieces and adds another layer to my work. Does it make sense for the character, and does it make sense for the time?
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Adaptability. As I mentioned, this time in my life was difficult– but it was also a huge learning experience for me. Even though the world shut down, creatives continued to create. The love, care and passion remained, and I patiently waited for the industry to come back so I could create with my friends again.
I will also mention, COVID precautions on set were serious– something I was very grateful and appreciative of. There were whole departments created to keep us safe and healthy so we could continue to do what we love!
Pricing:
- Prices vary by project! I’m open to personal styling and creative ideas.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melinayperez.wixsite.com/myportfolio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melinayperez/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinayperez
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11334122/
