Patterning Technology Integration with CLO3D

Patterning Technology Integration with CLO3D

Academic Year:
2023 - 2024 (June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2024)
Funding Requested:
$955.00
Project Dates:
-
Applicant(s):
Overview of the Project:
Fashion and costume designers have moved almost exclusively to working digitally to create their designs in digital rendering programs like Procreate. The companion technology to producing these designs three-dimensionally in patternmaking is utilizing a 3D patterning software like Clo3D. Recognizing that the creation process of garment making can be one of the highest impact points environmentally, I want to find ways to investigate and integrate digital sample creation alongside traditional patternmaking techniques throughout the Design & Production program in Theatre & Drama. Receiving intensive training in 3D patterning software at the United Stated Institute for Technology (USITT) Costume Symposium this summer will allow me to be prepared to directly implement this new maker technology into my coursework and with student makers.
Final Report Fields
Project Objectives:

Recognizing that the creation process of garment making can be one of the highest impact points environmentally, I want to investigate ways to integrate digital sample creation and 3D patterning software into traditional costume making.  Receiving intensive training in new 3D patterning software (CLO3D) at the United States Institute for Theatre & Technology Costume Symposium will allow for preparation to directly implement this new maker technology into my Fall '23 coursework and practicum work with student makers. 

Project Achievements:

I was able to obtain basic training in CLO3D at the Costume Symposium during summer '23 and then structure the new course I taught in Fall '23, Costume Patterning For Theatre, to fuse hand drafting and CLO3D patterning techniques within the course.  The students in the course were also able to partner with the Costume Design I course taught by a colleague, and work as makers to draft digital versions of the costume designs made by students in the design course in CLO3D.  As costume design rendering continues to move to almost exclusively digital processes, the student makers were able to see how they can utilize digital pattern making with CLO3D to better partner in the production process.

Continuation:
The costume staff for University Productions were able to work with CLO3D patterning software during the trail period and saw the results from the class. This was a factor in motivating the staff to apply for a staff develop grant to obtain access to the software. We believe that having the students and staff training and using the same software for costume production is a powerful way to work collaboratively.
Dissemination:
The student work from the course is currently on display at the annual Design and Production Portfolio Review exhibition in the Duderstadt Gallery.
Advice to your Colleagues:
It was ambitious to fully integrate digital making software into a course that also needs a significant component of hand pattern drafting. Time felt tight in the course to accomplish everything. In the future I will consider teaching a stand alone module in digital pattern making that is taught in sequence with traditional pattern drafting skills.