We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Allison Hanley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Allison, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents did a lot of things right. For starters, they had three daughters.  My sisters are inspiring educators, who help keep me humble and grounded.

My dad had me running football patterns as soon as I could walk.  I became a three sport high school hall of fame athlete because of how my dad encouraged and supported me – not too much but just enough. He always knew the best way to motivate me. My parents both worked full time and somehow managed to attend every single one of my sporting events. Swimming, basketball, and softball. They would always be there right on time with my orange Gatorade and bubble gum. Eternally grateful for that.

My parents instilled honesty, integrity and most of all hard work in me. They have the best sense of humor so I have to give them credit for my unique comedic sensibility.

My father’s side of the family is Italian so obviously they did pasta right. Food is love and love is food.  We always had family meals together no matter what. And wow can they both cook!

My mom is also a talented painter.  She is where I get my artistic skills from.  My parents are incredible people. I could go on forever about them and what they did right.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a Production Designer for movies, TV shows, commercials and brands. I will also sideline as an interior designer when it’s a partnership that’s fulfilling.

I started my college journey as a freshman on the swim team at George Mason University. I was forced to quit due to an injury.  From there, I transferred to Binghamton University in NY where I graduated with honors and as a member of Golden Key International Honor Society with a degree in Mixed Media Design.  I then worked at Pier 59 Studios in New York City and from there I started set designing for the fashion world. A friend threw my resume in the mix on a show called It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I got the job and moved back across the country. I worked in the art department on Season 7 of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and then hustled up a spot in the art department of a show called New Girl. I started as an assistant in the art department and a couple of seasons in, one of our producers wrote a letter on my behalf, to help get me into The Art Directors Guild. From there I started Art Directing and then Production Designing. I was volunteering at a charity event for New Girl coworkers and was approached by an agent who wanted to rep me. That’s how that happened.

The way I approach my work is that I’m essentially a vessel. I help the director (or client) realize his or her vision for the film or project. And then execute the vision of course. I think what sets me apart from others is my experience in working from the bottom up and my knowledge of design and art from an artist’s perspective. Also, although I take my job seriously, I make sure to have fun while in the process. My job is high stress but you will find me laughing through the pain…a lot!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

When I first walked onto the Fox lot in 2011, I had just moved back to LA from Fort Greene Brooklyn. Fort Greene was, at the time, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the world. The Fox lot appeared white and male. It was kind of shocking to me and made me think deeply about how I could help change that someday. I knew I had a long way to go to be in a position to help change that landscape but I made a promise to myself to do my best to help diversify the entertainment industry pool. I have the ability to do that now and I don’t take it lightly.  In every project I do I am trying my best to even the playing field. I have had to step to many producers to convince them to LET me hire the folks I want to hire that maybe didn’t have the resume they were looking for, but people who I believed in, and knew could be amazing at these particular roles. And these folks are now out in the entertainment industry crushing it. This brings me great joy!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The pandemic completely shut down my business. The writers and actors strikes almost completely shut down my business. Didn’t see that one coming. Total unexpected life curveball. But, I’m still kickin’! And more excited than ever to get back on set. Mostly because I miss my crew so much! They are some of the best people I know.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.allisonhanlyart.com
• Instagram: allison_hanley
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonhanley/