Meet Jennifer Eschbach of Jen Eschbach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Eschbach.

Jennifer, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started at Scottsdale Community College with an Associate in Dance Technology.

During the degree, my interests started to melt into film. Thankfully the dance technology program had a lot of classes in common with film. So I began my Associates in Motion Picture Television and Production. My second to last semester at S.C.C. one of my beloved instructors, and a fellow classmate, now friend, asked me if I could interview for a costume design position in a student film shoot.

They both saw potential in me and saw me as the best fit. I agreed, interviewed and got the job! I ended up dressing about 30-40 extras, and around 5-7 principle actors with occasional assistance from an amazing PA. I absolutely fell in love! I had been bouncing around with degrees and still not fully sure of what I wanted to do. After I graduated from S.C.C. with two Associates and 2 certificates, I enrolled at Mesa Community College and got my Associate in Fashion Design and Merchandising.

I decided I wanted full immersion in the field and didn’t want to focus on just costume for theater or film. It seemed like the best option at the time. So now, I sew as much as I can! I take anything that comes my way. I particularly love costume for film and historical pieces. At the moment, I’m working on a civil war ensemble, very involved but extremely fun!

Has it been a smooth road?
There are definitely challenges, I think with any passion there will always be something that challenges you, but overcoming that challenge allows you to grow.

First, I am a perfectionist. In my mind, I can see something work but if the process doesn’t go as planned I throw a fit and stop working on it. Unless of course, it’s a clients project. I still throw fits but bring myself back to the real world and finish the project. This “perfectionism” is definitely something I’m working hard to get over.

Second challenge has been my workspace. Because I threw myself into this world head first, I am finding I outgrow my workrooms very quickly. For the past few years, my wonderful husband has endured multiple moves, purchases and never-ending discussions over how my workspace should function. Up until recently, I have been working out of two rooms: a very cramped sewing room and a slightly less cramped cutting room.

My husband had the genius idea to move my entire workspace into the living room, put the living room in the dining room, (we never used it anyway) and use the other two rooms for much-needed storage and a reptile room. (I have a bearded dragon, Tim, an albino corn snake, Lestate, and crested gecko, Pip.) Now I have an incredibly massive, and more importantly, flexible space to work in. I’m still putting in the last elements, but so far I love the space!

Last struggle is finding enough work. I haven’t quite advertised myself as a seamstress or costume designer, I think I’m nervous, of what I’m not sure. So far I just tell people by word of mouth. The work will come, I know it will. I just need to go for it.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a costume designer and a seamstress. I don’t quite specialize in anything, yet, except sewing whatever I can get my hands on. I’ve done a few sci-fi sets and just finished my very first feature film ‘Monsoon’. That movie was a blast to work on! I am slowly getting to cosplay and historical pieces. I’m also looking to start leather armor, especially for film pieces. I think leatherworking would be a very useful skill set to have as a costume designer.

I’m most proud of the couture gown that I made a few years ago. It’s a micro velvet black dress, inspired by Christian Dior and Alexander McQueen. It’s incredible! And better yet, it has pockets!

I think what sets me apart is I am willing to do the impossible. Whatever crazy idea you have, I’m willing to take it on!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
For normal sewing jobs, I think Phoenix is a fine place to have a business. There are all sorts of groups you can get your hands on for business. However, for film, it’s extremely hard to find consistent work as a costume designer. At least work that pays. Most films out here on a very limited budget and costume designers are usually the last to be thought of. I think if Arizona brought back the film incentives, work might find its way out here. There are a lot of film people out here and we would love to see more films being shot in our location.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 480-772-8299
• Email: jen.eschbach@gmail.com

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