The Team Behind Our Favorite Shoots, Production Designer Claudia Simoes and Photographer Dru Erin

An unstoppable team, production designer Claudia Simoes and photographer Dru Erin gear up for another series of upcoming photo shoots.

Online PR News � 02-June-2015 – Production designer and wardrobe stylist Claudia Simoes and photographer Dru Erin will be combining forces on a series of exciting photo shoots for clothing companies that include Ruby Starling, Seiba Jewelry, Flea Market Girl, Understated Leather and others.

Simoes and Erin have already proven through past productions that when their vast talents are combined, they create jaw-dropping work capable of captivating the masses.

With the recently released “Sisters of Mayhem” editorial photo shoot led by Simoes and Erin gaining astonishing attention and being featured in NIF Magazine, it comes as no surprise that these two creative luminaries are combining forces once again.

Over the next year Simoes will be production designing editorial photo shoots for Ruby Starling and Pride Clothing, as well as lookbooks for Ruby Starling and Gypsy Soul Designs, all of which will be shot by Dru Erin.

“When I met Claudia I was in a transition period and on the hunt for a new creative team. I have had good experiences and bad experiences working with new creatives, but the minute I met her all nervousness vanished,” admits photographer Dru Erin.

“From beginning to end and everything in between Claudia is always on her ‘A’ game She is the missing puzzle piece I have been searching for!”

Simoes has had a varied career as a sought after creative in both film and fashion. In the realm of production design Simoes has been a valuable contributor to several films including the multi-award winning film “Preggoland,” “Always Midnight,” “Sh*t Winos Say,” and the fashion film “27 Club.” She was also a critical counterpart in the creation of the set for the music video for singer/songwriter Mackenzie Porter’s single “Wish Id Known,” which was released in 2012.

With skills spanning the gamut, Simoes explains, “Production Design is what I chose because it lets me show every aspect of my creative talent – I can build things, paint, sew fabrics and help design layouts. Usually people find one thing and find a career just for that but I wanted to go above and beyond and be able to use every talent I have. “

Simoes has been working consistently as a production designer on projects for Ruby Starling for several years now, and the company’s international presence has only grown since Simoes signed on.

In the beginning, Simoes says, “I started doing their product shots for their website as well as production designing their promotional videos and campaigns. Ive had a lot of success working for them and will continue to do so wherever I am.”

Simoes production designed the company’s “This Time Tomorrow” campaign, which was released last year; and she also writes a rock and roll inspired blog for the company.

What sets Simoes apart from other production designers is the impressive range of her expertise. Her specialty in photography and lighting has been imperative to her success as a production designer because it has provided her with the necessary awareness of how things will appear in the final shot.

When it comes to film Simoes explains, “It makes creating the layouts way easier! Knowing where the lights are going to be and the actors are going to be doing the scene helps me create an atmosphere that best fits the director and writer’s vision.”

Naturally, her knowledge of lighting and placement comes in handy when working as a production designer on photo shoots as well. For the upcoming photo shoots with Dru Erin, Simoes has ambitious and unique plans for the production design for each project that will undoubtedly deliver the attitude and core personality of each brand.

She says, “Every shoot I do always depends on the brand of the clothing or the client in the shoot. Each shoot will always have a different vibe and its my job to create the right mood for the style of clothing/jewelry or how the client wants to be portrayed.”

For the Gypsy Soul Design’s project Simoes says she is taking the production design in the direction of a fairy wonderland that will be set in the forest; and for the Ruby Starling project she plans to create a rugged, leather clad biker look set in the desert.

Simoes’ personal style and affinity towards unique fashion definitely shows in her work; but it is her understanding of each client’s individual needs that makes her the best at what she does.

Although she is originally from Canada, Claudia Simoes has travelled the world picking up cultural tidbits at every turn, something that has given her a broad spectrum of inspiration to pull from when it comes to her work.

Dru Erin sums it up best with: “Claudia is always traveling and finding new adventures to combine with her work, constantly being on the road gives her the opportunity to stay inspired at all times. This along with her Vancouver sensibilities gives her an outlook on production design that transcends many production designers and stylists. Her raw passion and strong work ethic ensure that she will always bring a fresh and exciting perspective to the world of fashion and film.”