What has the reception been like for you?
It’s been amazing! I mean, I knew the power of Beyoncé, but I had no idea that working on this project would get me the attention that it has. BSA was over the moon that three of its alumni were a part of it [Winslow and Christian Siriano]. It’s pretty crazy. About a year ago I got into the Art Directors Guild, which enables you to take bigger jobs and work on bigger union stuff. Taking that step has really done a lot for my career. This job, in particular, has really gotten me a lot of exposure.
How did you learn that “Hold Up” was nominated for a VMA?
I saw it myself online the day it was announced. I was expecting and hoping it was going to be nominated so I just checked the MTV website. I was super excited. A VMA nomination is nothing to take lightly; it is such a great accomplishment. “Hold Up” actually ended up winning best female video, which is no small feat. In our industry, anything that wins an award is part of your body of work and résumé.
Did you know that Beyoncé actually broke the record for all time VMA wins at this year’s award show?
I saw that! It’s funny I was thinking about it and Beyoncé has 21 “Moon Men” and Michael Phelps has 22 gold medals. She is kind of the Michael Phelps of the VMAs.
What did it mean to you to be a part of a such a huge nominated project?
It felt really great, especially at this young point in my career. Film-making, art direction, and production design are all long careers that take awhile to reach the top so being so young and being recognized for my work makes me good and energizes me for the future and what I still have to give this industry. I feel really fortunate to be a part of such an amazing project.
Okay, last Beyoncé question. Do you know who Becky is?
I do not. I don’t and I haven’t met her, but I guarantee she lives in Los Angeles. There are a lot of them in Los Angeles.
And now you are working with American Horror Story?
Right now I am the assistant art director on American Horror Story season six. I’ve been a part of the entire season from day one. The theme this year is really secretive, which has been really fun to work on and I’m looking forward to the first episode premiering. It’s really fun to see everyone’s guesses.
What is your day-to-day like working on the show?
A lot of my day-to-day is interacting with the production designer and the art director to get the sets prepped for the next episode. As the assistant art director, I’m not so much involved in the day-to-day filming of the show. The art department always has to stay a step ahead, so I’m more involved in prepping for the next episode about a week or two in advance.
As far as art direction goes, I can’t think of a more fun show to be a part of. Were you always a fan of the show?
Before I even got the job, I was a huge fan of the show. I have seen all of the seasons since day one and I remember thinking, ‘Wow, this would be a great show to work on.’ So honestly it was really a dream job come true. And really you are fortunate to be on any Ryan Murphy show. All of his work is amazing and I feel lucky to be with such a great group of people.
What has been your favorite season of American Horror Story?
Well the first season is amazing because it set the tone and all aspects of it were just really well done. But being an art director, I think my favorite seasons in terms of design were Asylum and Hotel. Those sets were absolutely incredible. So I would say in terms of story, the first season is my favorite and in terms of visuals and art the second and fifth seasons. But, once everyone sees the sixth season, that will be the new favorite.
American Horror Story season 6 premieres on September 14th on FX.