We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ariyela Wald-Cohain. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ariyela below.
Ariyela, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
After completing my BA in Costume Design at Tel Aviv University, I was about to start a master’s program that would secure a stable future as a costume designer in Israel. As newlyweds, my husband and I had flirted with the idea of moving to the USA for a year. Then, the night before my interview for the MA program, my husband turned to me and said, “Let’s just do it.” Fueled by a mix of spontaneity and ambition, we decided to take a risk and move to the US to embark on a new adventure and to chase my dream of working in the entertainment industry. My husband told his boss that I had already secured a job in the USA, while I informed my professors that he had a job offer—neither of which was true. We left behind our families and our familiar life, arriving in New York with nothing but our dreams and our luggage. For the first few months, we depended on the kindness of relatives as we navigated this uncharted territory. This bold risk, driven by our naive optimism, fundamentally changed the course of our lives. Had we not made that leap, we wouldn’t have achieved the careers we have today.
We are blessed to have raised three incredible children and to enjoy the luxuries and lifestyle of the American dream, all while pursuing my passion in the entertainment industry.
Ariyela, 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?
I was born in South Africa and moved to Israel with my family when I was 9 years old, growing up on a kibbutz. As a teenager, I struggled to find clothes that felt unique enough, so I began altering and making my own outfits, crafting costumes for holidays and local theater productions. This early passion led me to pursue a degree in Costume Design at Tel Aviv University after completing my military service. After moving to the United States to pursue a career in the Entertainment industry. I started working on small productions in New York before moving to Los Angeles, where I’ve been fortunate to design costumes for film, TV, and commercials over the years. As a Costume Designer, I not only bring my artistic vision as a story teller but also serve as a department head, overseeing the entire costume department. While there’s nothing quite like seeing our work on the big screen at a premiere, I find the journey of preparation, production, and collaboration to be the most fulfilling part of the process. I thrive on the research, the creative development, and the dynamic interactions with my crew, the director, and other department heads, making the collaborative journey the true highlight of my career.
Our work is incredibly demanding, I make it a point to bring a positive attitude to every project. I believe it’s crucial to treat each other with respect and foster a supportive environment.
I now also teach a class at Tel Aviv University, where I provide an honest view of the realities of the job as the industry changes. My goal is to not only inform my students about the demands of a career in costume design but also to inspire them by highlighting the value we bring to productions and the passion required to succeed in this field.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I feel fortunate to make a living as a creative professional, but it comes with a demanding and unpredictable lifestyle. The work involves long, intense hours filled with pressure, and in between projects, there can be a stressful uncertainty about when the next project will arise. People outside of our creative field may find it hard to understand the choice of a career with so much uncertainty and so many ups and downs. However, my passion for what I do fuels me through each project and everything in between. To thrive in this field and make the necessary sacrifices, it can’t just be a job—it has to be a true passion.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
As a Costume Designer, the most rewarding aspect of my work is the collaboration with other artists towards the shared goal of telling a compelling story. I find great satisfaction in knowing that our collective efforts can touch, move, entertain and even inspire audiences. My favorite projects are those where I work with talented, creative individuals and witness our combined visions and hard work coming together to create something truly special. I believe in the value of hard work and seizing opportunities, even when the road gets rough. Life is precious, and we should pursue our dreams with unwavering passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ariyelawald-cohain.com
- Instagram: ariyelawaldcohain
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariyela.waldcohain
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariyela-wald-cohain-070778b/
Image Credits
Photographer for main picture of me sitting at my desk: Shani Barel