​ Hello! My name is Eel Black and I am a costume designer located in Chicago.

I started my journey into
theater from a fine arts perspective. The experience I have in drawing and painting is the heart
beat behind my work in costumery.
This knowledge in character design morphed into a love of costume renderings which led me to
the theater. My background has allowed me to follow my goals within my work...detail, immersion, and representation.
Behind each piece of clothing I put on stage there are always piles of research behind it. I take
as much time as I can to find a deep understanding and unique perspective into the history
behind characters in a show. The first show I designed in college I had an actor say my
renderings were the first time she saw herself in the character she played because they were
her skin color. From that point on it’s become a core value of mine to make sure I can give a
space for those who need it. I look for those who are under-represented not only on stage but in
history.
I have a passion for the details of costumery. Experimenting with beading, fabric painting,
practical effects, and embroidery. Every show I work on I try to bring new skills to the project. My
work isn't just about the product but about the journey and what I am able to pick up along the
way. I never want to stay stagnant in my work but always keep growing.