We recently connected with Ciciley Hoffman and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ciciley, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with inspirations and heroes. Are there any historical figures you look up to?

I look up to Eiko Ishioka, the Oscar winning costume designer and artist. Her designs were dark, bold, and fearless. Her creativity is unparalleled- gravity defying structures, beautiful textures and layering, and gorgeously daring shapes. She was absolutely brilliant. Her work in “The Cell” and “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” are my all time favorite. She valued art and story telling and pairing the two with finesse and artistry. She reminds me to be adventurous and gutsy in my artistry and to stand up for what I know is the best course.

\

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a costume designer for film and television, a high profile wardrobe stylist and image consultant, and a fashion editor. I started in theater as an actor when I was a kid, and moved into theatrical costume design in college, then into video after that. In the film world, I help directors and production designers tell the story through visual unity of the costumes and clothes within the piece. This also helps actors ground themselves in their characters and build the world of the story. For commercials, I visually support the product or service being presented. Fashion editing is similar to commercial work, and I present clothing and accessories in such a way that they are attractive to potential buyers. As a stylist and consultant, I help artists or renowned clients present themselves in the manner they wish to be perceived, help give them confidence, and/or translate their music, craft, or expertise to their audience. I am set apart by my inherent ability to know what will work for each project/story/client, and being able to implement exactly what a director is envisioning. I can see the story and how to tell it in my head, and then create the pieces that are needed to do so. I am proud of the work I do with the charitable organization Fashion Is For Every Body, which is devoted to using fashion as a language to promote body positivity, self esteem, and inclusion. (https://www.fashionisforeverybody.com)

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I have a reputation for creating costumes that well suit the client or film, and for my aesthetic choices in costume. They are often whimsical, decadent, quirky, bold, and vintage or vintage inspired. I strive for meaningful costumes. These designs stand out in films, music videos, commercials, and photos, and get noticed. I also have a reputation for being meticulous and have never gone over budget. Those aspects of my reputation tend to precede me in the market. I also build strong relationships with directors, studios, production houses, and line producers who then tend to hire me more than once, knowing I will deliver.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect is being able to do what I love, knowing it is what I am meant to do. Being an artist is not for everyone, and too many amazingly talented artists struggle to be seen and make a decent living. It is incredibly rewarding to be supported by my industry, colleagues, and inner circle for creating and designing. And I often get to work with some of my favorite people in the world, telling meaningful stories together.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.cicileyhoffman.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cicileyhoffman/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cicileyhoffman/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/cicileyhoffman
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4263171/

Image Credits
Roman White, Motke Dapp, Micah Simms, Spencer Creigh, Sammy Hearn, Monica Murray, Dycee Wildman, and Danielle Shields.