Santa Barbara City College Alum Finds Success as Costume Designer

Jacob Kosarian discovered his passion for costume design at SBCC and is now bringing his work back to the city.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 9:18pm

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After moving from Sweden to Santa Barbara in 2012 to attend SBCC, Jacob Kosarian discovered his calling in costume design under the mentorship of professor Pamela Shaw. Kosarian went on to work on theater productions at SBCC and the Lobero Theatre before transitioning into film costume design in Los Angeles, where his career has steadily developed. He recently worked as the costume designer for the film "Bookends," which was shown at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, bringing his work full circle back to the city where he found his passion.

Why it matters

This story highlights the impact that one dedicated professor can have on a student's life and career trajectory. It also showcases how Santa Barbara City College can serve as a springboard for creative talents, helping them discover their calling and providing opportunities to hone their craft before moving on to successful careers.

The details

Kosarian initially chose to study at SBCC for its reputation and the support he received from the International Office, which helped him feel at home. It was a theater class and his professor, Pamela Shaw, who introduced him to the art of costume design as a storytelling tool. Kosarian worked on every theater production at SBCC over the next two years, receiving the costume design award upon graduation in 2015. After moving to Ventura and working at the Rubicon Theatre, he began transitioning into film costume design, often collaborating with SBCC film students on their projects in Los Angeles. His career in film costume design has steadily developed since then.

  • Kosarian moved from Sweden to Santa Barbara in 2012 to attend SBCC.
  • Kosarian worked on every theater production at SBCC over the two years he was a student, from 2013 to 2015.
  • Kosarian graduated from SBCC in 2015 and received the costume design award.
  • Kosarian moved to Ventura after graduating and worked at the Rubicon Theatre.
  • Kosarian began transitioning into film costume design in Los Angeles in 2018.

The players

Jacob Kosarian

A costume designer who discovered his passion for the craft while studying at Santa Barbara City College.

Pamela Shaw

An associate professor and director of costume and makeup at SBCC who mentored Kosarian and taught him to think like a costume designer.

Rubicon Theatre

A theater in Ventura, California, where Kosarian worked on stage productions after graduating from SBCC.

Lobero Theatre

A theater in Santa Barbara, California, where Kosarian returned to work on several shows after graduating from SBCC.

"Bookends"

An LGBTQ Jewish romantic comedy film for which Kosarian was the costume designer, and which was shown at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

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What they’re saying

“It just sort of made sense. I felt like I was where I was supposed to be at that moment, surrounded by the people that felt and saw the world like I did.”

— Jacob Kosarian

“Santa Barbara City College was one of the first ones that really stood out on the map.”

— Jacob Kosarian

“She taught me how to think like a costume designer. And everything sort of fell into place from there.”

— Jacob Kosarian

“That applause just brought this sense of euphoria. It made everything we'd worked so hard for make sense.”

— Jacob Kosarian

“She cares about what she teaches. She cares about how the student receives the information and that they can take it with them. I don't know if I would be doing this had I not met her.”

— Jacob Kosarian

What’s next

Kosarian plans to continue his work in film costume design, potentially collaborating with more SBCC alumni on future projects.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates the transformative power of education and the impact that a single dedicated mentor can have on a student's life and career. It highlights how Santa Barbara City College can serve as a springboard for creative talents, helping them discover their passions and providing opportunities to hone their craft before moving on to successful careers.