Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelica Rivera.
Hi Angelica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Arizona and moved to Los Angeles in 2015 to pursue a career in TV and Film. I first started in production as a PA then coordinator on music videos and commercials. Then I went into post-production on TV shows like YOU and The Flight Attendant as a Post PA/Post Coordinator.
2020 hit and while posts were still going on my show at the time the studio paused us until production could restart in NY. That’s when I got into the department I’m in now, Art. When productions started back up I went back to being a PA on set but being one of them Art really was life-changing and that is how I’m lucky enough now to Production Designer and Art Direct. I felt happier and felt more on a path than ever being in Art and working on more projects where I get to design and create and I’m so grateful to the people who have helped me get there.
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?
Not at all. I feel like there are a lot of struggles I’ve dealt with. One is dealing with my mental health as I am diagnosed with clinical depression and chronic sadness. Then there are also a woman – Latinx women, and fat women. Being undermined and talked down to because I am those things. Dealing with sexism on set or in the office.
The “me too” moments that have happened and happen today.
Difficult talent and the even worse CEOs. The mental, physical, and finical toll of long set days with unfair pay. Struggling with comparing myself to others who started at the same time as me and seemed to have “made it” in their careers before me. I could go on and on but I know that I am very privileged to be here and I view all these struggles as a way to keep my empathy for others and make sure to stop these cycles of abuse in my industry.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a non-union Production Designer/ Art Director but getting my union days right now for Set Dec Buyer. I am also a prop maker and ceramist. I really love creating “lived-in” sets that help elevate the story. It’s what I’m good at both in my design and as a buyer. Recently known for creating some puppets for my friends over at Boomstick Theater for their show back in May, Space Captain: Captain of Space.
I am very proud of those puppets but I’ve also been really proud of my progression in ceramics. I’m not sure what sets me apart from others, other than that I do a lot of different things. I like to think it’s my thoughtfulness when it comes to creating a set, and that I really care about the story and getting the representation right.
We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
It’s something that isn’t consistent or going at an upward trajectory when you have it. Much like an emotion, it goes away but it’ll come back. For me, success is working on a project I’m proud of because it’s saying or representing something I agree with or want to see more of.
Contact Info:
- Website: Angelica-Rivera.com
- Instagram: @Angelica.ceramica.etcetera
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10965091/
Image Credits
Jason Mads of Tin Type Booth
