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

Laura, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I hope I can be remembered for helping design films that entertain, disrupt, and communicate ideas important to our society, and that inspire change. Through my designs and sets, I aim to set the tone for stories that can transcend the passage of time and impact new generations, the same way films have impacted me since I was little. I believe film is a very powerful tool for changing perspectives and can ultimately bring about positive change in our society and worldview.

Laura, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a production designer with a background in architecture. I have always been captivated by the world of film and TV, and my passion for storytelling led me to pursue a career in production design.

As a production designer, I am responsible for designing the sets and environments where scenes from movies, TV shows, commercials, music videos, and theater come to life. My role involves overseeing every visual aspect of the space, from the architecture and paint to the finishes, light fixtures, furniture, decorations, and props. Depending on the project’s scale, I may design and build sets from scratch or adapt existing locations through set decoration and props.

The main goal of production design is to set the tone and overall aesthetic of a story, elevating and complementing the narrative. I firmly believe that well-designed sets can enhance the audience’s emotional connection to the story and contribute significantly to the overall impact of the production.

I think that one of the things that sets me apart in this industry is my background in architecture. This gives me a unique understanding of how space plays a crucial role in human experiences, and I know how to use scale, materials, and interior design to create character and evoke emotions.

In my work, I aim to solve problems for my clients by listening to their vision and understanding the needs of the production. Whether it’s building a fantastical world from scratch or transforming an existing location, I work diligently to bring the director’s vision to reality while staying within budget and schedule constraints.

To potential clients, and filmmakers that are interested in collaborating, I want them to know that my passion for storytelling drives every aspect of my work. I am dedicated to delivering top-notch production design that enhances the audience’s experience and supports the overall creative vision of each project. And I also believe that as a Latina, my life experiences growing up in another country allow me to have different perspectives on every story, which ultimately enriches it.

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

There are so many things that are very rewarding about being creative.

The thematic nature of it, for example, allows me to fully immerse myself in the period, theme, and mood of each story. Researching and learning new things that I never thought I’d get to put to use is a delightful experience. Sometimes, I even go as deep as understanding the character’s feelings, personality, and context to create their world, essentially putting myself in their shoes.

Collaborating with other creative and technical professionals is a unique and enriching aspect of my work. I learn from them and observe their work on set, which allows me to see my own craft from different perspectives and do a better job.

When a project is completed and premieres, witnessing the audience’s reaction, their opinions, and their main take on the story is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a gratifying experience to look back on the whole design process, remember all the fun moments, and especially cherish the new collaborators and friends I made throughout each project.

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?

Non-creatives might not fully grasp the unpredictable nature of creativity and of the film industry. We might experience periods of intense work and productivity and then periods of time with no work. Pursuing a creative career often involves taking risks and making unconventional choices, which may not align with traditional notions of stability and success. It’s not easy to understand the drive to follow a path that may be uncertain but ultimately fulfilling.

Something else I believe people in non-creative careers sometimes don’t understand is the emotional investment and vulnerability that comes with being a creative. Our work is often an extension of ourselves, and we pour our hearts and souls into each project. Receiving feedback or criticism can be both exhilarating and daunting because it feels like a reflection of our thoughts and emotions.

Also, the level of dedication and commitment required to continuously improve and grow as a creative can be underestimated. It’s not just about the technical skills; it’s also about cultivating a mindset of constant curiosity, learning, and experimentation. being open to learning from the peope you collaborate with. It’s also sometimes more than 12 hour days, sometimes 6 days a week, for several weeks or months and completely pouring yourself into the project.

Finally, the deep sense of fulfillment and purpose that comes from creating something meaningful and impactful might be challenging for non-creatives to fully appreciate. The ability to evoke emotions, challenge perspectives, and connect with audiences on a profound level is what drives me as a creatuve, and it’s my ultimate goal.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lauravargasrc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraproductiondesign/