Job Summary:
We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Costume Seamstress/Designer to join our team. You'll build full-body faux-fur dog character suits based on provided specs and breed reference.
About Real Dog Studios:
Real Dog Studios is building a world where real dogs and fake humans collide. Our characters wear custom Wilfred-style dog suits, breed-based costume builds, mascot-grade pieces, and other practical wardrobe elements for short-form and long-form video.
We’re hiring a part-time seamstress / costume fabricator to produce these suits in-house. Someone hands-on, steady, and can turn a clear spec into a clean, finished costume. This isn’t a fashion role — it’s practical costume building for the camera and live performances.
What You’ll Do:
Costume Production
Build full-body faux-fur character suits based on provided specs and breed reference.
Draft, modify, and adjust patterns for repeatable Wilfred-style dog suits.
Operate industrial machines including:
Juki DDL-8100 or DDL-8700 lockstitch
Servo motor setups
Standard industrial sewing machines
Cut, sew, assemble, and finish fur-based garments, gloves, hoods, tails, and paw-feet.
Produce consistent 3-finger paw gloves.
Fabricate components like ears, tails, shoe covers, and hoods shaped to each breed.
Fit & Adjustments
Handle fittings with actors.
Make quick alterations before shoots.
Reinforce stress points to survive active movement and repeated wear.
Add breathable elements without compromising the suit structure.
Fabrication & Repeatability
Maintain clean, organized patterns for each breed and body size.
Keep build logs so any suit can be recreated later.
Manage small on-hand inventory: faux fur rolls, foam, zippers, thread, lining, etc.
On-Set Support (Occasional)
Be available during select shoot days for repairs, small fixes, or last-minute adjustments.
Who You Are
Confident using industrial sewing machines (Juki experience is great).
Comfortable sewing thick fabrics, faux fur, and padded sections.
Good at pattern drafting, adjustments, and clean finishing.
Organized, dependable, and steady with your hands.
You like building practical things.
Able to take a spec sheet and build the physical piece without hand-holding.
Comfortable in a small, fast-moving creative studio.
Bonus:
Experience with mascot suits, cosplay builds, theater costuming, or creature-fabrication.
Comfort using sergers, walking-foot machines, or foam-shaping tools.
Interest in character design or stylized wardrobe.
Role Details:
Part-time, on-site in San Diego. Equipment provided.
Standard work hours with occasional flex for shoot weeks.
Competitive pay with room to grow as production increases.
Reports to Turk (Co-Founder, Real Dog Studios)
How to Apply:
Send a message including your background and experience and why you're the perfect fit for this role.
Benefits:
401(k)
Flexible schedule
Paid time off
Work Location: In person