Today we’d like to introduce you to Gretchen Fix.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I wasn’t initially planning art school at all. I spent my entire high school career on the mechanical engineering track. I loved working with my hands and I’m pretty good at math.
I had a class Junior year that made me completely rethink my choice, though. I took some time to consider what I wanted for the rest of my life. What did I love to do? What got me excited? I landed on movies and kind of broke it down from there.
Okay, movies: what can I do to be a part of that? I realized pretty quickly that I love world-building. I decided to start angling myself to become a Production Designer or an Art Director. I want to create new and beautiful worlds for people to escape into.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I have questioned myself a hundred times. I was really committed to engineering initially. I had been thinking about it and the path my life would take since grade school.
I used to be so certain about my next steps and losing that confidence really shook me. I love what I’m doing now. Every day, I learn something new and incredible that can really help my dreams come to light. Unfortunately, I still have moments of doubt. Am I making the right choice? I’m putting a lot into this, is it even worth it?
Every time I fall into those thoughts, another project will come up that just tosses me back into the field and reminds me I’m in the right place.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The goal is, of course, Production Design and Art Direction. I love the idea of creating an entirely immersive experience for others to enjoy.
I know when I’m stressed out, having another world to disappear into is a gift. After the break, my schedule kind of exploded as far as films go. I’ve gotten onto several really interesting sets as a set decorator or production designer. Working on set is so incredible because it’s truly the most collaborative creative experience one can have. Ideas are always flying around and it’s amazing to watch the story unfold right in front of you. These unforgettable experiences have only solidified my determination to become a part of this field. Don’t get me wrong – it’s often stressful and exhausting and I do still catch myself questioning my decision, but then I see the set and the costumes come together with the lighting and performances in the monitor and I know I’m heading in the right direction.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
The Film and TV industry involves a truly ridiculous amount of luck. Meeting the right person or standing in the right spot at the right moment can legitimately make or break your career. Finding out about SCAD was pure luck for me. They happened to have a table at a college fair my little town high school was hosting.
I had gone every year for four years and really considered not going that year because I thought I knew what I wanted. They had never had a table before, so that quick decision set me on a very unexpected path. At the beginning of this academic quarter, I opened my email to find a posting for a job in the industry nearby. Things lined up and I had the opportunity to apply and get my foot in the door early.
It’s interesting to look back and see what seemingly minor decisions or unfortunate situations were actually incredibly influential in getting me where I am now. I’m more excited every day to see what will happen next and where my decisions and my luck might take me.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
