Progress Pics
Does this message look familiar: “Hey Nicole! We are so excited to meet with you next month for Dancer’s first fitting! Do you have any progress pics you can share with us?”
Dun dun DUNNNNNNNN!
This is a difficult one to maneuver around. For many reasons. I might regret this, but let’s just dive into the several scenarios surrounding this dreaded question:
The costume pieces are all cut out, flat-lined, basted together, but certainly not resembling an actual costume yet. I can’t send them a picture of costume pieces...they’ll freak out.
The costume is somewhat put together, but has no trim or other embellishments. And they are sure to respond with “it’s so plain”
It’s friggin’ 7pm and dark outside. Which means no natural light. Which means if I take a picture, the recessed lighting in my sewing room will show every single imperfection. Kind of like the lighting in a dressing room while you’re trying on bathing suits. Yikes.
And finally, you haven’t even started the costume yet because the first fitting is 2 weeks away…what do they want, a picture of the fabric nicely folded? I can’t send them a picture of that. They’ll freak out. Again.
It’s a delicate dance. Pun intended. And I treat this question differently for every single client. Have we worked together before? Or is this our first project together? What is the personality of the client? Has the client micromanaged every textile and trim choice? Or did she say “Whatever you think” (cue the angels singing in the background because this is my favorite response).
More times than not, I usually answer: “I don’t routinely send progress photos. Let’s wait until the costume is nearly complete and then I can send some shots!”
The reason for this answer is that we have already settled on a design through a consultation and a sketch I have sent (with the disclaimer: “I’m a better at sewing than drawing, so bear with me!”) And, honestly, the finished costume is in my head. And duh. The client can’t see inside my head. It would be like walking through a house being built and just the frame is up.. And the architect or GC says: “Isn’t it great?? Can’t you see how beautiful this kitchen/living room/ bedroom will be?” And I’m thinking: No. No, I can’t. All I see are studs. Ughh…
Every Maker has their own way of handling this, but the question “To send? Or not to send?” is always a tricky one!
