We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sam Lulloff. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sam below.

Sam, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Almost all of the knowledge I’ve gained in this field have been through trial and error so I’m deeply grateful for my colleagues and collaborators that had enough faith in me to allow me to fail before I could start designing projects that I’m proud of. You have to give yourself time to develop taste and learn the procedures of the art department.

Had I known then what I know now, I definitely would have learned how to get comfortable with tools and design software as soon as possible. I’m not as proficient as I’d like to be, but thankfully I have a network of other artists in my field that I can call on when the project calls for them.

If I were to give a crash course on the art department I’d advise getting on sets as much as possible and paying attention to how other designers problem solve. You’d be amazed at how quickly you can develop set decorating knowhow as well as an eye for what your client or director is looking for.

Even though my university didn’t have a particularly robust production design program, the vast majority of skills that are useful for this trade such as drafting, construction, and interior design can be learned online.
However, the self-discipline it takes to hold yourself accountable to further your skillset can definitely feel debilitating- especially when what you’re trying to learn doesn’t come naturally.

Sam, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Growing up in the suburbs of Phoenix, I realized pretty early on that I wanted to be involved in making movies to some degree. It wasn’t until after I graduated college that I realized I wanted my involvement to be in the art department. Thinking back on it, I’d say the moment I realized production design might be for me was when I derived such enjoyment out of conceiving what the characters in my thesis film would be interacting with and the space they would occupy.

Now, having moved out to Los Angeles a little less than two years ago, I’ve taken numerous jobs in the art department such as set decorating, building, art directing, and production design. Ever since I’ve worked on music videos, shorts, feature films, and commercials, I’ve garnered a significant amount of fulfilment helping to realize the visions of other creatives.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I’m still fairly new to this field, so right now I’m mainly just grateful to be able to work on projects and surround myself with creative people. It’s a privilege to have even a modicum of a decision in the things people watch for entertainment so I guess a goal of mine would be to keep doing it until I’m unable.

Creatively, my goals in design are to stay relatively unnoticed, funny enough. My idea of good production design is to not call attention to itself and serve the goals of the production. Every piece of the set would ideally look and feel so in place that audiences wouldn’t pay it any mind, but if it was missing would be noticed.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most rewarding feelings in my field for me comes from helping a director, writer, producer, or client further solidify their idea through the design of a space. Something as seemingly obsolete as what color wallpaper or what chair someone is siting in can really change the atmosphere of a space and solidify the idea we’re all trying to put out.

In a broader sense, it’s gratifying to be an artist because no matter what project you’re working on and whether you realize it or not, you’re imbedding it with pieces of yourself and your perspective on the world.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: SamLulloff