My path in scenic art began in high school, where my passion for bringing immersive worlds to life was ignited. I honed my craft working on productions like Little Shop of Horrors, Pippin, and The Wiz, building and painting sets that transformed the stage.
This early experience laid the foundation for a diverse career. I’ve contributed to a wide range of productions, from classic plays like The Mikado and The Importance of Being Earnest to exciting freelance projects.
My passion for detail and a deep understanding of artistic expression led me into the dynamic world of themed entertainment. As an artist, fill-in lead, and ultimately a technical trainer for a team of 50 at Universal Studios’ Figure Finish Department, I played a crucial role in maintaining the magic across three theme parks. My expertise was frequently sought after in the captivating Harry Potter lands, where meticulous attention to detail is paramount.
While pursuing my M.S. in Themed Experience from the University of Central Florida, I had the privilege of joining the Themed Finishes team at Universal Creative. This unique opportunity allowed me to contribute to the development of Universal Studios’ groundbreaking Epic Universe theme park. Working closely with art directors across various departments, I actively participated in planning and prototyping innovative scenic finishes for rides, vehicles, and immersive environments. My responsibilities included assisting in perfecting scenic treatments that seamlessly integrate with the overall park vision; painting meticulously detailed samples and scale models to serve as references for final execution; collaborating on the creation of digital concept renderings and comprehensive documentation to accurately convey the design intent of art directors and intellectual property holders.
My Skillset:
- Painting Prowess: Rockwork, woodgrain, faux finishing, aging, murals, scrims. Expertise in water-based, solvent-based, silicone paint systems, blacklight paint, spray gun, and airbrush techniques.
- Fabrication Expertise: Foam carving, laser-cutting, basic molding, casting and layup of various materials (latex, urethane rubbers, plastics, silicone, epoxy, fiberglass). Proficient in basic carpentry and comfortable with power tools and working at heights.
- Safety & Compliance: Certified in operating various heavy equipment (high reaches, scissor lifts, forklifts, telehandlers). Experienced in confined space work, hot work, and respiratory protection. Former Universal Orlando Tech Services safety representative with in-depth knowledge of OSHA standards.
