We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Casey Dave a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Casey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
In 2018, I made a decision that would drastically change my life—I chose to leave my long-standing career in the nonprofit sector to pursue a path as a full-time creative. After nearly two decades of working in nonprofit organizations, I realized it was no longer fulfilling my passions, and I felt called to explore a new creative direction, whatever that might look like.
In 2021, I took another big step: I purchased a home in my hometown of New Orleans while still living in New York. I decided to move from New York to Atlanta, but with the intention of keeping my house in New Orleans. A close friend suggested I move into my New Orleans home, which was a two-family property, to save money and invest in property in Atlanta. Shortly after the move, however, I was unexpectedly terminated from my remote nonprofit job in New York. This left me with little plan but a strong conviction to move forward as a creative.
I kept affirming to myself that I was meant to transition into a new career. Through networking, a friend in the film industry introduced me to a colleague in need of a production assistant in the costume department for the show *Twisted Metal*. At 40, I took a leap of faith and started from the ground up in the costume department, earning half of what I’d made in the nonprofit field. That risk paid off—since then, I’ve worked on two more films, an episodic series, a commercial, and even the Super Bowl.
Becoming a union costumer has been a remarkable journey, and I am proud of how far I’ve come. But now, I find myself at another crossroads. With the recent strike affecting the film industry in New Orleans and the shift of scripted content being filmed overseas, I am again exploring opportunities to continue my creative journey. Most recently, I’ve applied for a position as a Fashion Merchandiser for a Global Company, and I’m excited to see where this next chapter will take me.
Taking that initial risk to change careers at 40 was life-changing, and I have no regrets. It’s been a wild, unpredictable ride, but one that’s opened doors to creative work that I love. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continuously reinvent myself, and I’m ready for whatever the future holds.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a passionate, adaptable, and deeply curious individual whose creative journey is shaped by a desire to explore and express the world in unique ways. Having transitioned from a long career in the nonprofit sector to becoming a full-time creative, my work reflects my commitment to authenticity, continuous growth, and the stories I’m privileged to help tell.
Being from New Orleans, my roots and culture are something I carry with me in everything I do. My city’s rich history, diverse influences, and vibrant energy are constants that inspire me. I believe my work—whether it’s in film, fashion, or merchandising—is an extension of that heritage. The stories of my city, its music, art, and people are woven into everything I create.
One of my proudest moments recently was being part of the Super Bowl performance with Kendrick Lamar. I was responsible for assisting with the fitting and dressing of 600 people for the event, and working alongside an incredible team to make that happen was truly surreal. The experience reignited my passion for fashion and reminded me of its power to tell stories—stories that transcend time and generations. Fashion, for me, isn’t just about the clothes, but about the narratives they carry and the cultural connections they foster.
My creative focus spans costume design, styling, fashion merchandising, and storytelling through design. I am inspired by the intersection of art, culture, and human expression. For me, fashion is a language—a way to communicate identity, history, and emotion. I find joy in how clothing can give life to characters, enhance storytelling, and empower individuals to express themselves.
At the heart of my work is a mission to create with purpose—whether on set or in the world of fashion, I aim to make an impact by producing meaningful, innovative work. I’m constantly inspired by the diverse cultures and experiences I encounter, and I seek to bring those influences into everything I create.
Ultimately, I see myself as someone who is always evolving, always learning, and continually seeking new ways to express my creative vision. My mission is to tell stories that matter, to celebrate culture, and to leave a lasting impact through every project I am a part of.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions non-creatives have about our work is that they only see the final product—not the journey it took to get there. For example, when I worked on the Super Bowl halftime show with Kendrick Lamar, there were countless challenges behind the scenes. It was a massive collaboration between teams from different cities, each with their own work styles and ideologies. We had to quickly learn to work in sync, think on our feet, and problem-solve in real time—all while staying true to the creative vision.
While I wasn’t the Costume Designer for the halftime show, I took great pride in carrying out her vision through every piece I touched. Every fitting, every detail mattered because it all contributed to the larger creative story being told.
One thing I always say is: whatever I do, I do it scared. Being a creative isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s full of uncertainty. But that uncertainty also brings freedom. My biggest accomplishments have come on the other side of fear. So if there’s one piece of insight I’d share, it’s this: never be afraid to take a chance on a dream that was placed in your heart. Fear might try to stop you, but the reward on the other side is always worth it.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
For society to truly support artists and creatives, there needs to be a deeper understanding of the value we bring—not just in entertainment, but in shaping culture, inspiring innovation, and driving industries forward. Creativity isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential.
First, there needs to be more investment in the arts—whether through funding, grants, or corporate sponsorships. Many creatives struggle not because they lack talent, but because they lack access to resources. Making education, mentorship, and financial support more accessible would allow more artists to thrive rather than just survive.
Second, respect for the creative process is key. Too often, people see the end product and assume it was effortless. But behind every great piece of art, fashion, music, or design is an unseen journey of problem-solving, trial and error, and persistence. Recognizing and valuing that process—whether through fair pay, better working conditions, or simply respect for creative labor—goes a long way, especially for creatives of Color.
Lastly, creating spaces for collaboration and experimentation is crucial. The best creative work happens when artists feel safe to take risks, explore, and push boundaries. Whether it’s through community programs, residencies, or corporate initiatives that integrate creatives into different fields, fostering environments where creativity can flourish benefits everyone.
A thriving creative ecosystem doesn’t just support artists—it enriches society as a whole. When creatives are given the tools to succeed, the impact ripples across industries, communities, and generations.
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