Work Experience and Education

Education
Bachelor of Science degree in Set and Exhibit Design
The Art Institute of California- Hollywood
Graduated with honors in 2015
 
The Academy of Entertainment & Technology at Santa Monica College
Emphasis on Character Illustration, Figure Drawing, and Storyboards
2002-2005
 
 
Placemaking Coordinator 
Universal Studios Hollywood
July 2015 –  present
Prop installation, window dressing and set dressing for shop interiors, storefronts and ride queue attractions at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Set Dressing, prop fabrication and refurbishment, onsite prop installation and strike for Halloween Horror Nights mazes and tram attractions.
Set dressing, prop fabrication and refurbishment for all faux storefronts and photo op areas on the upper lot and key set areas on the Studio Tram Tour.
 
 
Lead Designer
Prairie Wind Chapel
Burning Man Festival, Black Rock City, NV
April 2014 – Present

Concept design, historical research, and fabrication of a stylized, interactive Native American and Gothic-inspired chapel, altar, and chandelier.

 
Creative Art Director
The Grand Hotel at Ashram Galactica
Burning Man Festival, Black Rock City, NV
August 2005 – September 2015

Production design, budget planning, buying and set decoration for a fully interactive art installation experience including four period-themed hotel suites, a Moroccan jazz lounge, and cabana-style outdoor seating.

 
Technical Crew
The Colony Theater
Burbank, CA
August 2014 – June 2015
Install and striking of props and set dressing. Light install and focusing. Also responsible for running special effects during the performance.

“Words by Ira Gershwin” – Director: David Ellenstein. Scenic Designer: David Potts
“Handle With Care” – Director: Karen Carpenter. Scenic Designer: David Potts
“What I Learned in Paris”- Director: Saundra McClain. Scenic Designer: Charles Erven

 
Production Designer
The Art Institute of California- Hollywood
 April 2013 – January 2015

Concept design, story and character development, budget planning, prop fabrication, and scenic painting for two separately themed window displays.

“Once Upon a Time… ” 3rd FL window display at the main campus. Objective: to showcase students’ prop fabrication skills by creating a fairy tale theme to display their tree stumps.

“Rosalie & The Sandman Triptych” on Magnolia Blvd and Lankershim. Objective: to create an original story and visual theme with a limited budget and time-frame.

 
Art Department Crew
Various Projects
2013
Music Video for Black Lodge’s Thankful– Director: Tanya Dahl. Production Designer: Shalome Pilon
Short Film, In This Life– Director: Tiffany Alexandria. Production Designer: Maggie Hairston
 
 
Project Manager
Jakks Pacific, Inc
Malibu, CA
February 2008 – December 2008

Executed the pet department’s projects and oversaw products from conception to completion. Directed freelancers and designers for artwork and sculpts needed on assigned projects. Communication hub for packaging, marketing, licensor and Hong Kong to ensure that needs are met per project and product samples mirrored the design. Provided Hong Kong and Nanjing offices with soft samples, product development forms and design information. Reviewed samples and sculpts for quality and brand accuracy before submitting to licensors for product approval. Worked closely with licensors such as Disney, Warner Bros, and Paul Frank. Reorganized the standards of development process in the department to extend licensor relations.