SARAH’S PROCESS
Each project is its own living organism, influenced by the experiences and framing of its contributors. Each story needs to be nurtured in its own unique way to cultivate its highest creative resonance.
Along with each phase of development comes a dedication to focused listening, communication and collaboration to ensure the best results.
Research
Beyond just the physical world of the characters, but research into the why behind their world and choices within it.
Conceive
The synthesizing of the research, design conversations and director’s perspective on the story through Sarah’s unique, holistic design approach.
Sketch
Converting the research into visual thoughts through pencil drawings, collages, and physical art.
Design
Taking the drawings a step further by filling in the details and conveying a clear representation on where the physical designs are heading.
Develop
Where the rubber hits the road and dream worlds become realities though construction of costumes, the building of sets, and the rigging of lights. This is where materials are gathered and things are built.
Refine
Each design continues to push to perfection as characters and their worlds become more clear to the cast, the creatives and the director.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SARAH
“Great storytelling exists in the alchemy of the mind. The ruminating between design conversations that allows your daily experiences, your environment and your research to bond within your subconscious and infuse your storytelling instincts with meaning. The longer the rumination, the deeper the bonds and the more impactful meaning.”
—Sarah Cogan
She has been designing for over 16 years
She has a Masters in Fine Arts from UC San Diego in Costume and Lighting Design
She designed STC Global’s commercial which received the Silver Lion from Cannes 2021
She’s been the assistant costume designer for shows like Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO), Helpsters (AppleTV), Blindspot (NBC).
She trained as a performer from the age 6 until loosing her voice at 17. This training is the backbone to how she approaches her work as a costume designer.
She has taken directing classes and directed her own commercials
She trained horses, boxed, and did mix marshal arts (careful, she does know how to use a sword)
She has created a course on Worldbuilding and Visual Storytelling for Filmmakers to help filmmakers talk about film design, budget more accurately for their films, and ultimately thrive.
She is in the process of writing the book on Worldbuilding and Visual Storytelling for Filmmakers based on her course.