Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Experience
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Louise Verdoorn

Guildford,Surrey

Summary

I have just completed my three year course in Costume for Performance at the London College of Fashion. During this time I learnt a lot about myself not only as a costume practitioner but as an individual. I'm an incredibly passionate, creative and eager to learn person who thrives on busy work environments with plenty to do. My passion and one day dream would be designing and creating monsters and creatures for films and television. I am a confident sewer, love drawing and have strong passion for films and music. I am a very initiative person that settles quickly into new environments and works well with people. I have been building my list of skills up over the 5 years, and am excited to discover the endless world of creative possibilities.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Freelance Costume Assistant

Blackburn International
Camberley, Surrey
2025.05 - Current
  • Performed precise alterations to ensure perfect garment fit.
  • Applied knowledge of fabrics and patterns for superior alterations.
  • Collaborated with team members for streamlined workflow during busy periods.
  • Participated actively in rehearsals for live shows, displaying commitment to quality entertainment delivery.
  • Participated actively in final dress rehearsals to ensure last-minute adjustments were taken care off efficiently.
  • Supported main designer with pattern drafting, cutting out fabrics, sewing and fittings when needed for smoother workflow.

Alterations and Costumier

Cosprop
London
2024.03 - 2024.03

My two weeks at Cosprop was the most valuable work experience I've had to date purely based on how much I learnt while I was there.

  • Thoroughly assessed garments to provide best-possible advice on item repairs and mends.
  • Effectively and efficiently handled various garment repairs, from sewing on new buttons to patching up torn linings.
  • Demonstrated understanding of various fabrics, matching machining techniques to best fit material needs.
  • Stored costumes appropriately and returned hired items.
  • Completed tasks on time to help team stay to schedule.
  • Dressed mannequins to match the fitted brief witch included ages, locations and dates.
  • Learnt, studied and handled garments from 18th -20th Century.

Assistant manager

DEBRA
Guildford, Surrey
2024.06 - 2025.05

Use expert selling skills to assist the Shop Manager in maximising profit and hitting agreed targets and budgets.

Use visual merchandising talents to ensure the store is presented well and promote commercial success.

Organise, process, and price donations to promote sales.

Managed till transactions, resulting in accurate accounting.

Established connections with the local community by providing friendly and efficient service.

Research and upload higher-priced items and clothing to eBay to increase income.

Care assistant

Pilgrim Wood Dementia Home
Guildford, Surrey
2023.07 - 2024.08
  • Assisted in all aspects of personal care, retaining comfort and dignity.
  • Minimised care continuity issues by keeping thorough, accurate records.
  • Used outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with the residents.
  • Helped individuals with day-to-day activities while consistently encouraging independence and self-belief.
  • Delivered high-quality care to clients with disabilities, achieving care plan objectives.

Waitress

The Red Lion
Shamley Green, Surrey
2023.02 - 2023.06
  • Attended tables regularly to check customer needs were met, promptly processing additional food and drink orders.
  • Delivered checks, collected cash or credit card payments and provided receipt to customers.
  • Regularly communicated with kitchen and bar staff to maintain smooth front of house operations, minimising potential service delays.
  • Served meals and drinks with professionalism and skill, maintaining high presentation and quality standards.

Waitress

Barnett Hill Hotel
Wonersh, Surrey
2020.06 - 2022.01
  • Attended tables regularly to check customer needs were met, promptly processing additional food and drink orders.
  • Regularly communicated with kitchen and bar staff to maintain smooth front of house operations, minimising potential service delays.
  • Served meals and drinks with professionalism and skill, maintaining high presentation and quality standards.
  • Assisted supervisors with large events such as weddings, funerals and meetings.

Customer assistant

Marks & Spencer
Guildford, Surrey
2019.12 - 2020.01
  • Maintained sales floor stock levels through consistent monitoring and regular replenishments.
  • Provided fast checkout service with high levels of customer care and transaction speed.
  • Carried out regular quality checks to ensure displayed products were in good, saleable condition.
  • Handled requests with friendly, knowledgeable service and support, continually achieving positive customer feedback.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Costume Design

University Arts London
London
2021.09 - 2025.06

A-Levels - Fashion and textiles

Farnborough College of Technology
Farnborough
2019.09 - 2021.06

GCSEs -

Guildford County School
Guildford
2014.09 - 2019.06

Skills

  • Fashion design research
  • Skilled problem solver
  • Garment construction
  • Fast learner
  • Pattern making
  • Collaborative
  • Sewing and alterations
  • Superb eye for style
  • Artistic interpretation
  • Fashion styling
  • Illustration
  • Creative collaboration

Accomplishments

During a summer break, I had the opportunity to assist the Costume Designer at Garsington Opera. My responsibilities included contributing to the creation of costumes and assuming the role of dressing the main character for their performance. This experience marked my first time experiencing to a live opera production and participation in a large-scale theatrical performance, an engagement that I found immensely enjoyable.

My time at college allowed me to participate backstage at London Fashion Week for a day. This was a valuable opportunity to gain a hands on, practical experience of life in the fashion world. I was dressing models for fittings and the show and organising garments so they were steamed and ready for the runway. I was part of a team which meant I delivered excellent communication skills and fast paced decisions.

Experience

My local theatre was recently showing the pantomime Cinderella over Christmas which I was lucky enough to help out backstage with the costumes. I learned so much from my time with them as I was working with experienced costume makers and designers. It was a fast past atmosphere with lots to complete before the first show night. I was making items and props for the show as well as adjusting, hemming and altering ready made costumes. This was an invaluable experience which taught me a great deal. 

Additional Information

Lara Jenson - University Tutor - l.jenson@arts.ac.uk

Gwendoline Dummett - Garsington manager - gwen.nelson28@gmail.com

Sam Jones - College Tutor - sam.jones@farn-ct.ac.uk

Timeline

Freelance Costume Assistant

Blackburn International
2025.05 - Current

Assistant manager

DEBRA
2024.06 - 2025.05

Alterations and Costumier

Cosprop
2024.03 - 2024.03

Care assistant

Pilgrim Wood Dementia Home
2023.07 - 2024.08

Waitress

The Red Lion
2023.02 - 2023.06

Bachelor of Arts - Costume Design

University Arts London
2021.09 - 2025.06

Waitress

Barnett Hill Hotel
2020.06 - 2022.01

Customer assistant

Marks & Spencer
2019.12 - 2020.01

A-Levels - Fashion and textiles

Farnborough College of Technology
2019.09 - 2021.06

GCSEs -

Guildford County School
2014.09 - 2019.06
Louise Verdoorn