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DAN CAMPTON
Firstly, introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
Hi hi! I'm Dan, I'm 22, and I'm a costume designer, illustrator, and fabricator.
How would you describe your art and the subjects you explore within it?
I would say my art is a form of escapism, both for me and the audience. It's meant to be playful and capture sincerity in silly - none of it is meant to be taken too seriously. I enjoy playing with colour and silhouette to create pieces which blur the lines between the body and adornment.
Would you say your art and creative pursuit's have served a purpose for your own self-expression?
I think all creatives use their work as an outlet to some extent - it's nourishing to embellish and create with the self at the core, however costume is quintessentially an audience-first medium. Yes, my handwriting and slutty queerness is smeared over every seam, stone, and stroke, but it's the challenge of considering the outsider's eye that yields more reflective and iterative and ultimately better work, at least in my own practise. My illustration work is more self-serving, it has the blessing of being uselessly ornamental, so it really is guided only by me, but even still I'm exploring characters - it's more of an exercise in empathy than expression.
photography by Arthur Finch.
Click HERE to be taken to Arthur's Instagram.
Sorry to ask the dreaded question, but what are your plans for after graduating?
My plans right now are to cling to as many jobs as I can whilst I'm young and have the energy - anything to keep me from having to move back to the midlands! Costume is very fast paced, frequently you'll have a job for only a few days, looking for the next one whilst you're at your current one. It' definitely scary and uncertain, but it's all very last minute so I'm trying not to stress too much.
Who would be your dream collaborator – dead or alive?
My dream collaborator would be Aubrey Beardsley or Erté - they're both very graphic, sensual designers and they've both had a huge impact on my personal handwriting. As for costume I'd have to choose Bob Mackie, I'm a camp old cow at heart! There's a reason he's dressed every diva and continues to be a legend - I know I'd have a lot to learn from him.
What are you currently working on? Or have just finished working on?
I've just finished a collaboration with the V&A for their Reimagining Musicals exhibition - for a performance at the museum myself and other designers reimagined and made costumes for musicals of our choices. I chose La Princesse from Peau D'Âne in her donkey outfit because it epitomises my design style. It's silly and light and fun; she's got a blue-eyelashed donkey on her head, sparkly dangling hooves, and an extravagant boa, all on top of a delicate Edwardian-inspired negligée complete with faux-lace I designed and printed.
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