Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Roger Teng. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Roger , thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on was Toe Tag, directed by Jordon Bolden. As the first short film I ever worked on, it marked an important turning point in my creative journey. The project explored themes of identity and belonging within New York City, drawing from both the city’s cultural history and deeply personal storytelling. Being part of a narrative that engaged with these perspectives was especially meaningful to me. It allowed me to contribute to a story that felt both intimate and socially relevant.

What made the experience particularly impactful was the collaborative process. Working alongside a diverse group of artists across disciplines pushed me to expand my approach to costume design, adapting to the nuances of film while maintaining a strong focus on character-driven storytelling. Through research, fittings, and close dialogue with the director, our team developed designs that reflected not only the characters’ emotional arcs but also the environment and historical context.

This project reinforced my belief that costume design is a vital storytelling tool. It is one that can bridge personal narrative and broader cultural themes. It was both a formative learning experience and a defining moment that continues to influence how I approach my work today.

Roger , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a costume designer from Taipei, Taiwan. I often think back to The Lion King, the first musical I saw as a kid when it toured my hometown. I didn’t fully understand its impact at the time, but I remember feeling completely immersed in it. Later, I had the chance to see Wicked on Broadway, and that experience really stayed with me.

There was something about how every element of the show came together that brought this inexplicable joy, and that’s when it clicked for me. I knew I wanted to be part of that world. The idea of designing costumes felt so creative and exciting, and I began exploring it during my undergraduate studies, continuing to hone my skills through grad school and beyond.

As a costume designer, I provide comprehensive design services that support storytelling from concept to final execution. My work includes character analysis, visual research, and the development of cohesive costume concepts that align with the director’s vision and the narrative’s emotional tone. I specialize in dressing characters that not only define them, but also enhance performance and movement on stage or screen. From initial sketches and fabric sourcing to fittings and on-set or backstage supervision, I oversee the entire process to make sure each piece is both visually compelling and technically functional. My approach often draws from personal and cultural influences, allowing me to craft designs that feel authentic, layered, and emotionally resonant.

I often help solve both creative and practical challenges that arise in production. On the creative side, that can mean clearly defining a character’s identity, relationships, and emotional journey through costume, or aligning the visual language with the director’s overall vision. On the practical side, it’s about making sure the costumes actually work, whether that’s accommodating quick changes, movement, durability, or staying within budget and time constraints. What sets me apart is how I approach these challenges through a storytelling lens, focusing on emotional detail and nuance while staying flexible and collaborative throughout the process.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to create worlds and stories that resonate with people through diverse perspectives, whether through emotional depth, nostalgia, or shared human experiences. Storytelling has always been an essential part of human culture, and what inspires me most is how it continues to evolve, constantly challenging artists to draw from their own lives to create something unique.

Through my work, I aim to bring audiences visions that are distinctly my own. Stories that not only reflect my perspective but also connect with others on a deeper level. Ultimately, I hope to create work that lingers with viewers, echoing emotions they recognize and perhaps inspiring them in return.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

My ability to tell a story through costume in a way that feels personal and emotionally grounded is extremely rewarding. For me, it’s not just about how something looks, but how it supports a character’s journey and helps bring a world to life in a meaningful way. I want potential clients and audiences to know that I approach every project with a strong focus on storytelling, collaboration, and detail. I’m always thinking about how each design choice connects back to the bigger picture.

I’m also deeply drawn to working with colors and patterns. One of the most exciting aspects of the job is shaping the overall visual palette of a production in collaboration with other designers. In that sense, the stage becomes a kind of living canvas, where costumes contribute to a larger composition while still grounding each character in something believable and human. I draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, and that constant exchange of ideas is what keeps the work engaging and endlessly evolving.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://roger-teng.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therogerteng/

Image Credits

All images credited to Roger Teng