Can you do any better?

Darrell explains how Sunday supper led to a coveted job in the film industry

Darrell’s career changed dramatically in 2000. A family friend, costume designer Penny Rose, joined him for supper one Sunday night. Normally, they never discussed work. But on this night Penny asked Darrell his opinion on some costume designs.

“I didn’t get it,” Darrell says, “How did the illustrations relate to the final costumes? Surely you wanted to see much more detail and for the illustrations to be in proportion. The illustrations I saw being so ephemeral, I posed those questions. I was then asked if I might do better. I answered without thinking: ‘Yes. Of course.’ Because it could be done much better.”

A month later Penny contacted Darrell and asked him to meet her at the famous Pinewood Studios. “Film has changed my practice entirely. It affords me more time in my own studio to develop and do my own thing – simply because it’s pretty well paid and I’m not trying to chase down work all the time.

“Recognise that you’re a commodity and create within it. Don’t be afraid to talk about money. It’s what being a professional is. Research, observe all other forms of art, create your own brand and enjoy it.”