---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I begin with understanding the intentions…"
description: "\"I begin with understanding the intentions of the story. That helps me to zero in. Then I gather research for each individual character and analyze the ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/661/ruth-e-carter-49579_amount_i-begin-with-understanding-the-intention_2213574.jpg"
---

#  I begin with understanding the intentions of the story…

![“I begin with understanding the intentions of the story. That helps me to zero in. Then I gather research for each individual character and analyze the time period with comparisons to the figure and the facial structure. It helps to be comfortable with computers because the massive amount of…” quote by Ruth E. Carter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/661/ruth-e-carter-49579_amount_i-begin-with-understanding-the-intention_2213574.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/661/ruth-e-carter-49579_amount_i-begin-with-understanding-the-intention_2213574.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/661/ruth-e-carter-49579_amount_i-begin-with-understanding-the-intention_2213574.jpg)

> “I begin with understanding the intentions of the story. That helps me to zero in. Then I gather research for each individual character and analyze the time period with comparisons to the figure and the facial structure. It helps to be comfortable with computers because the massive amount of research is kept electronically and shared with my staff this way. Very little is printed out. I work with an illustrator to come up with the proper silhouettes and details of the clothing from the time period to time period. And on and on.”

[Ruth E. Carter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ruth-e-carter/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

She details a research‑driven, collaborative workflow that blends historical study, digital tools, and illustration to create authentic period costumes.

**In simple terms:** Research and teamwork shape authentic costume design.

Key Takeaway

Use research and collaboration for authentic design.

Themes

research collaboration authenticity

Mood

analytical creative

Type

educational professional

When to use this quote

- film production
- museum exhibitions
- educational workshops
- design studios

Key Concepts

costume design historical accuracy digital workflow illustration

Questions to Reflect On

- What balance is needed between authenticity and artistic license?

A Different Perspective

How can digital archives improve historical accuracy?

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## More by Ruth E. Carter

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Browse all 4,202 Amount quotes

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