Conversations with Angellena White

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angellena White.

Hi Angellena, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Oregon and moved to California with my mom and three brothers when I was four years old. I grew up in a family where creativity was basically the family business—there was always something being made, painted, designed, or dreamed up. Naturally, I was right there in the middle of it, entering art competitions, trying every creative hobby I could find, and having absolutely no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up.

At one point, I wanted to be a model. Then a fashion designer. Then, plot twist, I decided I wanted to be a social worker—which, as you can probably tell, I never actually became.

Fast forward to college: I went to California State University, Northridge, where I got my B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies. I started working in my field before I even graduated and eventually found myself working across three nonprofits by the age of twenty-four—working with people experiencing homelessness and addiction, as well as youth in a short-term therapeutic residential program.

For a while, I thought I had figured it out. I even considered going back to school for my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. But that meant taking on a lot more time and financial responsibility right after the pandemic, and I wasn’t sure I was willing to make that investment without knowing if it was truly what I wanted. So I stayed in the nonprofit world, continued working, and kept building the career I had started.

On paper, I was doing exactly what I thought I was supposed to be doing. I had the degree. I had the experience. I was building a career.

But somewhere along the way, I started thinking, “Is this really it?”

I had moments where I loved my work, moments where I hated it, and moments where I felt completely fulfilled. But there was always this little feeling in the background that something was missing.

And then, like many people in their twenties, I started asking myself the inevitable questions: “Do I want to do this line of work for the rest of my life?” and “Do I even have time to change my career path?”

I eventually left my housing case management job in September 2024. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I was at a good stopping point and had already started building some production experience on the side.

And then came the part nobody really prepares you for: figuring out how to freelance.

I was scared. I had spent years building a career in one direction, and suddenly I was starting over in an industry where I didn’t have a clear roadmap—or even know if I could make it work.

I think the hardest part was accepting that I didn’t need to have everything figured out before making the change. A lot of the obstacles I faced when I first started freelancing were actually obstacles I had created in my own head. I remember thinking I had so little production experience that creating a portfolio would be impossible. But once I finally put one together, I felt accomplished—not because of how much work was in it, but because I had actually done it.

Looking back, I think taking those big leaps, figuring things out as I went, and giving myself the space to discover what I was actually passionate about were some of the bravest things I’ve ever done.

And somehow, after spending my entire life trying to figure out what I wanted to be, I finally started learning how to enjoy the ride. Maybe that’s the real answer to being in your twenties—you’re not supposed to have it all figured out yet.

Today, I work as a Creative Director, Photographer, Stylist, Producer, AD, Director and honestly… a little bit of everything. But I definitely didn’t start there.

I started by doing lighting setups, assisting stylists, and taking on any opportunity that gave me a chance to learn. I owe so much gratitude to the people who gave me those opportunities early on—and to the ones who continue to do so.

Learning the ropes was not exactly glamorous, and honestly, it’s still a wild experience. But every set, every new person, and every opportunity has taught me something—and that experience is what keeps fueling the fire to create and produce my own work.

I’m constantly making connections, putting myself in new environments, and saying yes to things that scare me a little. I’ve never been the best with change, but I’ve learned to get more comfortable with being uncomfortable.

And honestly, I think that’s a big part of being a creative. You’re constantly trying something you’ve never done before, figuring it out as you go, and hoping it turns into something good.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth ride. But once you find your people, everything else starts to fall into place. Connection is huge in the creative space, and my work wouldn’t be where it is today without the people who continue to support me and be part of each project. Collaboration is a huge part of what I do, and I love that every project gives me the chance to learn from the people I work with.

Going freelance also came with a LOT of overthinking. I was nervous about creating a portfolio, not having enough production work to be taken seriously, not having a specific enough “look,” not making enough money, and eventually having to crawl back to my old career. Basically, my brain had already planned for my failure before I even started.

A lot of that pressure also came from people who had been in the industry longer than me asking, “What do you want to do?” “What’s the end goal?” As if I had a magical five-year plan ready to go. I have goals, of course, but I’m also along for the ride.

I think creatives put so much pressure on themselves to constantly produce, post, network, and somehow turn every idea into a business. Social media makes it even worse—you can feel like you’re never doing enough, while forgetting that you’re literally a human being and making good work takes time.

The biggest thing I’ve learned is that I don’t need to have the entire picture figured out before I start creating. Some things are meant to be figured out along the way, and some of the messy parts are better kept close to you until they become something you’re ready to show.

So, yes, it’s been scary. I’ve cried about it more than once. But I’m learning that being brave doesn’t mean knowing exactly where you’re going—it means being willing to find out.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work as a Creative Director, Photographer, Stylist, Producer, AD, Director, and honestly… a little bit of everything. But I would say that I am most known for my Creative Direction. The easiest way to describe my work is that it changes constantly, which is one of the things I love most about freelancing.

For example, this August I worked on a T-Mobile commercial and All’s Fair S2 in the styling/costume department. The month before, I was working on a pilot and a few smaller productions throughout the month. A lot of my work comes through word of mouth and connections, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people who continue to put my name in the room.

Freelancing gives me the freedom to move between different projects, departments, and creative roles, but that freedom also comes with the uncertainty of not knowing exactly what each month will look like. I’ve learned to embrace that part of it.

I think what sets me apart is the range of experience I’ve been able to build. I’ve learned different sides of production by starting at the bottom and continuing to learn from every position I step into. I also come from a family where several of my siblings work in the industry, so I’ve had a pretty unique introduction to the world of production and a built-in network of people who can tell me when I’m doing something completely wrong—which is honestly pretty useful.

More than anything, that experience has helped me figure out what I actually want to do long term. I’m still exploring, but I know I love being involved in the process of bringing an idea to life.

The work I’m most proud of isn’t necessarily the biggest project or the most recognizable name. It’s the work where you can feel that the entire team is excited to be there. I think the best projects have an energy you can actually see in the final product, and through Creative Direction, Directing, Assistant Directing, and producing, I’ve learned how much the process behind the camera can shape what ultimately gets delivered.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The industry is constantly shifting, and I think a big part of being a creative is learning how to adapt with it. Right now, AI is probably one of the biggest changes happening, and I only see that continuing over the next 5–10 years.

I think it will also make art more subjective. As technology continues to change how we create, I think personal taste, perspective, and human connection will become even more important. For me, I’m interested to see how creatives find ways to use new tools while still keeping the work personal and intentional.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://angellenawhite.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angellena.w
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angellena-white

Image Credits
Photo #1 – “Somewhere In-between”
Photographer: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Lighting Tech: @ralphyvalley [Ralph Valle]
MUA: @natalielangfordartistry [Natalie Langford]
Hairstylist: @hairbyadrig [Adriana Gomez]
Stylist: @abbyalvarezz [Abby Alvarez]
Designer: @abbyalvarezz [Adriana Gomez]
Producer Assist: @kittenkillish [Krista Ford]
Producer: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Creative Director: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Model: @plutosvoidd [Jackie Barr]
Production: @w3stisgone [West Is Gone]

Photo #2 – “Passing The Hours”
Photographer: @yzabellaaz [Yzabella Symone] & @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Lighting Director: @kwesimarkphoto [Kwesi Mark]
Creative Director: @angellena.w [Angellena White] & @yzabellaaz [Yzabella Symone]
Editor: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Stylist @etpstyle [Bree Gomez]
MUA: @peanutbutterpanther [Valarie Langford]
Hairstylist: @hairbyadrig [Adriana Gomez]
Production Design: @g0d.zilah [Zilah DeBoard]
Producer: @angellena.w [Angellena White] & @yzabellaaz [Yzabella Symone]
Producer’s Assist: @jaacob.data [Jacob Ruiz]
Model: @haileyreynn [Hailey Reynn]
Production: @w3stisgone [West Is Gone]

Photo #3 – “Passing The Hours”
Photographer: @yzabellaaz [Yzabella Symone] & @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Lighting Director: @kwesimarkphoto [Kwesi Mark]
Creative Director: @angellena.w [Angellena White] & @yzabellaaz [Yzabella Symone]
Editor: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Stylist @etpstyle [Bree Gomez]
MUA: @peanutbutterpanther [Valarie Langford]
Hairstylist: @hairbyadrig [Adriana Gomez]
Production Design: @g0d.zilah [Zilah DeBoard]
Producer: @angellena.w [Angellena White] & @yzabellaaz [Yzabella Symone]
Producer’s Assist: @jaacob.data [Jacob Ruiz]
Model: @haileyreynn [Hailey Reynn]
Production: @w3stisgone [West Is Gone]

Photo #4 – “Quiet Hours”
Creative Director: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Stylist: @eeeeee.peng [Jiaqi Peng]
Stylist Assist: @maozhicheng9 [Maoz]
Garments: @thehound.club [The Hound.Club]
MUA: @sunamyles_mua [Suna Myles]
HMUA: @facesbyfaithhhh [Faith Jaramillo]
Productions: @w3stisgone [West Is Gone]
Producer Assist & BTS: @kittenkillish [Krista Ford]
Producer: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Models: @isabellaelei [Isabella] & @marcelakuara [Marcela]
Photo assist: @lindahsiungphoto [Linda Siung
Photo: @lilyjayphotos [Lily]

Photo #5 – “Runway”
Photographer: @austindeats [Austin Deats]
Creative director: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
1st AD: @ava__grimes [Ava Grimes]
Producer: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Production: @w3stisgone [West Is Gone]
Brand: @__ava____________________ [Ava]
Studio: @flatfactorystudio [Flat Factory]
EQ: @litbydrip [Lit By Drip]
Digi: @xtra.jpg [Scarlett Fullbright]
Lighting tech: @wavyxangel [Wavy Angel] & @kuliojulio [Julio Tena]
Gaffer: @egillcole [Cole Egilsson]
BTS Film: @preston35mm [Preston]
Set Dresser: @delicadaaaaaa [Mya]
Set Dresser Assist: @giiissseelle [Giselle]
HMUAs: @asiaparkmakeup [Asia Park] & @natalielangfordartistry [Natalie Langford]
MUA assist: @makeupbyellenrollins [Ellen Rollins]
Production Design: @kadedolly [Kade Doll]
Production Design Assist: @sonyasavych [Sonya]
Production Assists:
@hannnahkeaton [Hannah Keaton]
@ari_vozaitis_ [Ari]
@specia1some1 [Daisy]
Model: @zacknelsonn [Zach Nelson]

Photo #6 – “Gone West”
Photographer: @raf_west_ [Rafael]
Photo assist: @ktkissler [Katie Kissler]
Lighting Tech: @kuliojulio [Julio Tena] & @ralphyvalley [Ralph Valle]
BTS film: @preston35mm [Preston]
Creative Director: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Producer: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Production: @w3stisgone [West Is Gone]
MUA: @angieulquiango [Angie Ulquiango]
Hairstylist: @sammcastrohairstylist [Samm Castro]
Stylist: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Garments: https://thegoodsooup.com / WENDY DEATS
Production Design/ Props: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Model: @avataghioff [Ava Taghioff]

Photo #7 – “Hands & Knees”
Photographer: @kwesimarkphoto [Kwesi Mark]
Creative Director: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Lighting Director: @kwesimarkphoto [Kwesi Mark]
Producer: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Stylist: @goatprincesse [Eliza Veta]
Stylist Assist: @declanfine [Decline Fine]
Garments: @leboudoirlosangeles & @blondita.shop
HMUA: @clairewmakeup [Claire Weatherly]
PD: @_p_lott [Penny]
PD Assist: @i_miss_my_game_cube [Makiah]
Talent: @lila.doliner [Lila Doliner]
Production: @w3stisgone [West Is Gone]
Production Assist: @jaacob.data [Jacob Ruiz]

Photo #8 – “Researcher 001 — Excav Index”
Photographer: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Creative Director: @jaacob.data [Jacob Ruiz]
Brand: @excav.index [Excav Index]
Model: @jordan.winans [Jordan Winans]

Photo #9 – “Raw x West Is Gone”
Photographer: @raf_west_ [Rafael]
Creative Director: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Producer: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Productions: @w3stisgone [West Is Gone]
Photo assist: @ralphyvalley [Ralph Valle]
Lighting assist: @kuliojulio [Julio Tena]
BTS Film: @preston35mm [Preston]
BTS video: @missdeis
Stylist: @______delicada [Mya]
Stylist assist: ANDEE
MUA: @natalielangfordartistry [Natalie Langford]
Hairstylist: @kslisnkolour [Kalia Darling]
Model: @presleyraeemig [Presley Emig]

Photo #10 – “After Angel x West Is Gone — After Angel”
Photographer: @raf_west_ [Rafael]
Lighting Tech: @preston35mm [Preston]
Creative Director: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Production: @w3stisgone [West Is Gone]
Brand: @shopafterangel [After Angel]
Brand owner: @oliviavergnetti [Olivia Vergnetti]
Stylist: @venicewintour [Venice Wintour] & @leobreitenstein [Leo Breitenstein]
Model: @alycattt [Aly]

Photo #11 – “Somewhere In-between”
Photographer: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Lighting Tech: @ralphyvalley [Ralph Valle]
MUA: @natalielangfordartistry [Natalie Langford]
Hairstylist: @hairbyadrig [Adriana Gomez]
Stylist: @abbyalvarezz [Abby Alvarez]
Designer: @abbyalvarezz [Adriana Gomez]
Producer Assist: @kittenkillish [Krista Ford]
Producer: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Creative Director: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Model: @plutosvoidd [Jackie Barr]
Production: @w3stisgone [West Is Gone]

Photo #12 – “Raw — Iheaped”
Photographer: @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Creative directors: @1ubbz [Anothy Tabarez] & @angellena.w [Angellena White]
Brand: @iheaped [Iheaped]
Production design: @pabypixie [Pixie Guerrero]
Gaffer: @fabiannotsebastian [Fabian Sebastian]
Hairstylist: @hairbyadrig [Adriana Gomez]
Stylist: @333333magic & @_onyxshop_
MUA: @natalielangfordartistry [Natalie Langford]
PA + grip | @micaheleydp [Micah Eley]
Production @w3stisgone [West Is Gone]
Talent | @mamiehirshx [Nanue Hirsh]