We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Serena Duffin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Serena below.

Serena, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Earning a full-time living from my creative work has indeed been a long and challenging journey, culminating in my recent Emmy nomination for Outstand Period Costumes For A Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. As a young girl, I would visit my father on movie sets, dreaming of one day working in the hallowed grounds of Hollywood. My career path took me from fashion styling and personal shopping in San Francisco to New York, and eventually back to Los Angeles, where I began the arduous process of earning my days to join the Motion Pictures Costumers IATSE Local 705.

Joining the union was a challenging process. To become a member, you must work 30 days in a calendar year on a union project. Although this might sound straightforward, it took me six years to achieve all my days. During this period, I continued to work as a fashion stylist and took on my creative projects as a non-union Costume Designer.

In the early stages of my journey, I was working as a PA on one of my first films, and someone told me it would take six years to join the union. I thought surely there must be some mistake! Yet, six years almost to the day, I was finally sworn into Local 705 and granted the opportunity to work as a costumer, a dream I had nurtured since childhood.

At times, the challenge seemed insurmountable, and I contemplated quitting. However, with the support of many friends and colleagues, I persevered and secured all my union days. Had I given up, I would never have experienced the honor of being nominated for my first Emmy.

This Emmy nomination is an incredible gift and recognition from my peers. It validates all the hard work, long hours, and dedication I have poured into my craft. The journey has been demanding, but moments like this make it all worthwhile.

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 stylist and freelance photographer with a rich background in the film and television industry. My career has been a fascinating journey, from working on fashion styling and personal shopping in San Francisco to being part of some of the most iconic projects in Hollywood. Recently, I had the incredible honor of being nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Period Costumes in a Limited Series for my work on the Netflix series “Griselda” starring Sofia Vergara.

From a young age, I was captivated by the magic of Hollywood, spending summers visiting my father, a prop master and set builder for major studios in Los Angeles. These visits inspired my dream of one day working in the entertainment industry. After studying fashion design in Los Angeles, I quickly discovered my passion for fashion styling. My journey began with a role as a junior booker at a modeling agency in San Francisco, where I worked with new faces and partnered with local photographers to build my portfolio. My experience expanded while working for Chaiken, a renowned clothing designer in San Francisco, where I learned about the fashion industry from manufacturing to sales and had the opportunity to dress local celebrities.

With a bit of a gypsy spirit, my career path took me to Austin, Texas, and New York before I eventually returned to Los Angeles. Here, I embarked on the challenging process of earning my union days to join IATSE Local 705, the costumers’ union. It took me six years to achieve this goal, but my perseverance paid off, allowing me to work on projects like Alexander Payne’s “Nebraska” and the Apple TV series “For All Mankind,” where I am currently a costume buyer.

In addition to my work in the film and television industry, I freelance as a personal stylist, brand developer, creative director, and photographer. I offer a range of services, including fashion and portrait photography, personal shopping, and brand development. My unique background in fashion manufacturing, styling, and editorial production, combined with my passion for creating beautiful and meaningful visuals, sets me apart from others in the field.

One of the projects I am most proud of is my role as the Costume Supervisor for “Griselda,” a job that was both challenging and immensely rewarding. This opportunity allowed me to showcase my skills and dedication to the craft, ultimately leading to the Emmy nomination. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and collaboration involved in costume design, considering everything from the environment to dialogue and action to create a character’s wardrobe.

Outside of the film and television industry, I am passionate about all forms of creative endeavors. My love for fashion and styling was inspired by my grandmother, a fashion designer who created the first Playboy Bunny suit, and my mother, who was always thoughtful about her appearance. These influences, along with my father’s work in Hollywood, have shaped my career and fueled my desire to make the world more beautiful through my work.

During the recent industry strikes, I explored my hobby as a portrait photographer and launched a creative business that combines my love for styling with my passion for photography. This venture has allowed me to create unique and memorable portraits for my clients, further expanding my creative portfolio.

As I continue to work on exciting projects and pursue new creative ventures, I am driven by the belief that it is my life’s work to enhance the beauty of the world around me. Whether through styling, costume design, or photography, I strive to bring a unique and thoughtful perspective to every project I undertake.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Wow, what a great question! My industry is incredibly demanding, involving high budgets and a lot of money, as well as a diverse range of personalities from directors and producers to designers and fellow costumers. Managing a team in such a dynamic environment requires a blend of skill, patience, and understanding.

When I stepped into the role of Costume Supervisor for “Griselda,” I knew I was taking on a significant challenge, but I was surprised by the workload and the critical importance of team leadership. Leading a crew of over 20 people, especially in high-pressure situations with long hours, demands maintaining an open and positive atmosphere. Here are some key strategies I employ to manage my team and keep morale high:

1. Open Communication: Maintaining open and honest communication is crucial. I make sure my team feels comfortable approaching me with any questions or concerns. There are no silly questions, and everyone deserves the time and respect to be heard.

2. Positive Environment: I strive to create a positive and supportive work environment. This means recognizing and celebrating achievements, no matter how small, and providing constructive feedback that helps team members grow and improve.

3. Empathy and Understanding: Understanding that everyone is doing their best is vital. Acknowledging the human aspect of our work helps in managing stress and keeping the team motivated. It’s important to be empathetic and provide support when needed.

4. Collaboration Over Competition: Emphasizing collaboration rather than competition is key. When everyone understands that we are all working towards the same goal – creating something truly incredible – it fosters a sense of unity and teamwork. This collaborative spirit is what drives the best results in our projects.

5. Steady Leadership: As a leader, it’s essential to remain calm and composed, especially when emotions are high and the workload is intense. Providing a steady hand and clear guidance helps the team navigate through challenging times and stay focused on our objectives.

6. Inclusivity and Respect: Treating every team member with respect and valuing their contributions is fundamental. Regardless of their department or role, everyone is an integral part of the process, and their efforts are appreciated.

By focusing on these principles, I aim to create an environment where my team feels valued, supported, and motivated to deliver their best work. Managing a large team is about fostering a culture of mutual respect, open communication, and collaboration, which ultimately leads to high morale and exceptional outcomes.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is seeing the end results come to life on the big screen or at home on television. There’s an immense sense of pride when my brother sends me a screen grab of my name in the credits. I have dedicated much of my life to this industry, and knowing that my family feels proud of what I do makes me smile deeply.

In addition to my work in the film industry, when I wear my other hats as a fashion or personal stylist and photographer, the most rewarding part is seeing my clients happy and thrilled with the work we create together. Whether I’m styling them for an editorial or magazine shoot, or capturing a beautiful portrait of them and their family, the sense of accomplishment and pride is incredible. I wish I could see the look on their faces more often because it truly brings me joy.

Helping people feel good and confident is at the core of what I do. Through fashion styling and photography, I aim to elevate their self-esteem and showcase their best selves. There is nothing quite like the feeling of knowing that I have contributed to someone’s confidence and happiness through my creative work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.serenaduffin.com
• Instagram: @evoke_serena
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EvokeSerena
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serena-duffin-9881b72/

Image Credits

Serena Headshot Randi Roberts Photography
Serena with Camera Hope Kauffman Photography
All others are my work.