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Matthew Smith’s journey into the world of theatre costume design began in the most unexpected way—by doodling in the margins of his schoolwork. What started as boredom quickly transformed into a passionate pursuit of creativity, leading him to explore everything from drawing costumes to performing on stage. Now a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin’s Live Design and Production program, Matthew’s work as a draper and tailor is gaining attention in the theatre world.
In this edition of NEW TALENTS, Matthew opens up about the sparks of inspiration that shaped his artistic path, the creative challenges he faces, and how he’s navigating the ever-evolving landscape of social media. With a fresh, innovative approach to costuming, Matthew is one to watch as he carves out his place in the industry. Learn more about his journey, his favorite projects, and the driving force behind his work
My journey as an artist started when I was a young age by coloring in coloring books, like many other people, but that soon evolved into drawing with pencils. I found regular subjects in grade school so boring, that I would pass the time in class by drawing in the margins of my school work. I guess you could say boredom subconsciously sparked my creative journey! I eventually started drawing dresses and costumes from a variety of my favorite tv shows and movies such as Xena: The Warrior Princess, Batman, and Selena. In high school, I started performing in school plays and musicals and studied musical theatre through my undergraduate studies, and I even made a few of the costumes I wore on stage. My creative expression has evolved throughout my career, but what always keeps the spark going for me, is the idea that I’m a student for a lifetime and have so many more things to learn.
One of my favorite projects that I’ve worked as a graduate student in the Live Design and Production program at The University of Texas at Austin has been “Old Man Grasshopper” from James and the Giant Peach. I was the draper/tailor for this costume and led the costume build with a team of two student stitchers. I had an enjoyable experience with the costume designer, Katie Concannon. What made this collaboration particularly fulfilling was how we experimented with pattern shapes together and proportion on the body. Together we figured out how to augment the body to achieve a bug-like shape around the hips and evoke the essence of a grasshopper through the shape of the tailcoat. As a patternmaker, it’s helpful to have a designer’s eye because it opens the realm of possibility and playful collaboration through seam lines and the distribution of proportion. When I look back at that work, I am always reminded of the meaningful collaboration with Katie, and the willingness to play that we established early in the process. To quote the great Paula Scher:
“You have to be in the state of play to design.
If you are not in a state of play, you can’t make anything.”
One of the biggest challenges as an artist is the ever present need to showcase my work on social media. Social media is how the world consumes content today and I have to say it is a little crowed out there. However, it is still a necessary avenue to connect with other artists and potential employers. The algorithms are tricky to figure out, and I find it easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of available content and get lost in the shuffle of other artists who have more followers. Seeing other people have success on social media with thousands of followers is positive encouragement for me to keep trying new ways of reaching out and creating competitive content. I look up to Gunnar Deatherage and how he has curated his online presence as a costume designer and maker. I do believe it only takes one magical opportunity to go viral and for a career to take off, and I am so excited to see which moment that will be for me.
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6 Responses
Matt was my student at McLennan Community College. He was a fantastic student back then and has grown into a very dedicated and thorough costume designer and maker. I am always impressed with his work. Thanks for spotlighting him!
Hey Laundy,
You were the one who taught me how to sew! I am forever grateful and continue to carry your patience and fun spirit when I teach others. Thank you for your continued encouragement and support! 🙂
Xoxo Matthew
Matt went to high school & was friends with my daughter, his talent shined bright. He’s a genuine person in a world full of disingenuousness. I love seeing all he has accomplished, my heart is so happy for him. I love that I can say “I knew him when”. For whatever it’s worth I’m so proud of you, Matthew!!
Hey Lisa,
Thank you for your showing your support through your sweet comment. I remember your loving encouragement back then, especially during a time when I needed it! Thanks for following me along this journey 🙂
Xoxo Matthew
Matt, I am so freakin’ proud of you!
Thank you 🙂