Emma Fairley on how to become a production designer

I’m very happy to finally share the long-awaited talk we had with an LA-based Emma Fairley, a production designer who has created sets for the music videos of Coldplay, Madonna, Lady Gaga, as well as commercials for the world-famous brands.
Emma has kindly agreed to share her story and experience with our creative community. If you are considering becoming a production designer or would like to catch some new creative winds, you will surely enjoy this talk.
We chatted about:
- What should you study to become a production designer? (starts at 0:16)
- How to perfect your composition skills? (starts at 2:58)
- How to refine your aesthetic taste? (starts at 3:34)
- How to bring out the character through set design? (4:16)
- What was it like to work with Madonna? (starts at 6:18)
- What was it like to work with Lady Gaga? (starts at 8:04)
- How to get into the film industry? (starts at 9:05)
Read the transcript here:
karalyte.com/emma-fairley-on-...

[@minavargas8943]

This was so helpful! Attention to detail like the hotel ashtray is exactly how my mind works, it got me into trouble in the commercial design world lol

[@aishalahfoster5527]

This was inspiring. She had such great stories to share!

[@bloomerang-game]

glad to hear you liked it as much as we did!

[@KaitlinGaspar]

the music is a bit distracting on this video but she has great things to say

[@myra8590]

So inspiring loved the video

[@keleniengaluafe2600]

❤❤❤❤

[@gianninif]

no way you are going to be a PD and she’s certainly not going to tell you!

[@vaslav030547]

Verbal salad!

[@DonovanPresents]

I went through an Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance degree in uni, which I think would help, but I haven't been able to apply what I've learned yet because I am stuck in a 9 to 5 right now 🙃🫠