PROJECTS I FIND EXCITING

Anything with a good narrative, especially one that’s peculiar or misunderstood. I welcome challenge and light up for the silly and unconventional.
I love shooting videos, fashion editorials, still life, and film.

MY CREATIVE PROCESS:

I pour myself into everything I do, and I hope people can feel that.
 
I constantly draw inspiration from the world: nature, relationships, animals, shapes, feelings, sound, and movement. What excites me most about props and prop styling is the stories I get to tell through objects and their forms. While sourcing, I consider a character’s personality and what colors or patterns they might be drawn to. I consider how they might be feeling and what items to include in their car or nightstand, for example, to convey that experience authentically. 

I draw inspiration from the people I love. It took me years to recognize my “signature.” Many creatives have a signature element that they consistently incorporate into their work. I have come to realize that my signature is including bits of the people I love in every project. For many shoots, I forage through my grandmother’s house (with her permission of course) for precious pieces that fit the narrative of a project. My nieces are three of the most important people in my life. Their joy, imagination, and fresh perspective are rejuvenating. I like to involve them sometimes in my process by telling them about a shoot and what sorts of props I might need. They sometimes offer their teddy bears and drawings for me to bring to set. I like to think this brings life and love to my sets. I include childhood photographs of myself, my partner, and friends in office shoots to fill out desks and make them feel more realistic. I even welcome clients and collaborators to include some of their own personal objects whenever applicable. 
       
A makeup artist once said, “If you notice the makeup, I failed at my job.” The same applies to set design. A set should be an extension of whatever message we’re trying to convey. One shouldn’t recognize the set as a set…it should be believable, realistic, striking, or provoking. I always approach design with this understanding.

ARTISTS WHO INSPIRE ME:

My great-grandfather was a painter and printmaker. I didn’t get the chance to know him well but his work and reputation surrounded me growing up. He was said to be kind and funny and clearly so brilliant and talented.
 
Guillermo del Torro’s work was eye-opening for me growing up. His grotesque fantasy worlds continue to be a source of inspiration as well as Tim Burton, Frida Kahlo, and French romance films like Amelie, Mood Indigo, and so many more.

BORN AND RAISED

I was raised and attended school in Arlington, Texas, and spent most holidays and summers in New York. An essay question I had once that got me into The University of Texas asked about an experience that changed my life. My answer: I am grateful for my parents’ separation. I am grateful that my dad raised me in the suburban south and that my mom raised me in one of the best, most dynamic cities in the world. Texas raised me to be patient and curious about nature and science. New York raised me to hustle and opened my mind.