Today we’d like to introduce you to Ella Van Haren
Hi Ella, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my journey as an artist majoring in fine art at the University of Minnesota looking for ways to apply my skills. I wandered into the theater department’s scene shop one day and, almost completely by accident, found myself working as a carpenter. At the time I had never picked up so much as a screwdriver, but the staff at the scene shop mentored me and helped me discover a love for set design and construction. I ended up working my way up through the shop and got a job at a professional theater after graduating from college. The exposure to designers and high-level craftsmanship I had at the theater was a real privilege, and it was through their expertise and generosity that I discovered the path into themed entertainment. My peers encouraged me to pursue this dream, and I enrolled at SCAD! As a student at SCAD, I’ve had some wonderful opportunities to meet other creatives and make connections that I’ll carry with me not only for the rest of my career but the rest of my life. Through SCAD I managed to connect with Plague Productions here in Savannah, where I get to use my skills in carpentry and scenic painting to design top-of-the-field themed attractions and haunted houses that are being implemented all over the country.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My career, both academic and professional, has never been a straightforward path. Transitioning from fine art, to carpentry, to design came with a huge learning curve and I still have new skills to learn every day. As technology evolves, themed entertainment designers have to be on the cutting edge of the industry at all times. At times, it can feel like you’re perpetually behind, and imposter syndrome can kick in. However, I’ve learned not to lean too heavily on comparison because everyone in this industry has their own talents that are needed. The best way to approach life as a creative is to never try to pigeon-hole yourself into one area or plan too far in advance, because the best opportunities I’ve had are always completely different and unexpected! Being a woman working in carpentry also comes with its own challenges due to it being a largely male-dominated field. That said, I had incredible female role models in this industry and now have a wonderful community of scenic carpenters and artists who have been my mentors and support system.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At this point in my career, I primarily work in two areas: concept for themed entertainment experiences, and construction of themed entertainment experiences. The two go hand in hand often, but require very different skills. Concept art is one of my favorite parts of design, and I love imagining what new attractions and worlds might look like. Drawing was my first love, so I will always label myself as a concept artist first. In my professional life, I’m a scenic carpenter and artist at Plague Productions! I’m tasked with building, texturing, painting, and installing set pieces for some of the premiere haunted houses and experiences in the country. We’ve done work for classic amusement parks like Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags, as well as higher profile clients like Jimmy Fallon and his debut haunted maze, “Tonightmares”. I get to work with an absolutely incredible team here in Savannah where we do everything from design through installation of these attractions. It’s truly the coolest job in the world, and there are very few people who get to be a part of the themed entertainment in such a niche way!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk taking has been a huge part of my journey. A lot of the best things that have happened to me have been a result of taking a leap of faith. Picking up a power tool for the first time at 19 was a risk. Picking up my life in the Midwest and moving to Savannah was a risk. Saying yes to as much as possible, even when I’m uncertain, has really forced me to grow and adapt.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ellavanharen.myportfolio.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellavanharen
