30 Under 30: Ethan Hartman, Art Assistant/Set Designer

Jul 30, 2018 5:06pm

In celebration of LDI’s 30^th anniversary—1988-2018—Live Design gives a shout out to 30 Under 30: thirty young movers and shakers who are changing paradigms, looking at things from new angles, and rapidly rising to the forefront of their field. From scenic, lighting, projection, and costume designers to technicians and programmers, as well as those who work for manufacturers, production companies, or rental shops, our 30 Under 30 are the harbingers of tomorrow.

Artist and designer, Ethan Hartman earned his B.F.A. in Scenic Design from the University of Oklahoma before receiving his Masters in Applied Design from the California Institute of the Arts. He has since worked in set design for theatre, film, and television, working for notable networks including Fox, Warner Bros., HBO, and Dreamworks. Currently working on back-lot designs for Blue Cloud Movie Ranch, Hartman is next on Live Design's 30 Under 30 list.

Name: Ethan Hartman

Age: 26

City, State of residence: Santa Clarita, California

Position/Title: Art Assistant/Asst. Art Director/Set Designer

Employer: Freelance

Current project: Back-lot designs for Blue Cloud Movie Ranch

Most notable achievements: Working on multiple award-winning TV shows and working with actors, directors, and designers that I grew up watching in movies and on TV.

When I started in this industry: February 2015

Influences: Ray Harryhaussen, Guillermo Del Toro, Stuart Craig, Rick Carter, and Nelson Lowry, just to name a few.

Worst advice I’ve ever heard: "It’s not your department, so you don’t need to think about it."

Best advice I’ve ever heard: "Always have a good attitude, always be flexible, and always be confident in what you do."

My favorite thing about the production industry: The best thing about the film industry is that we get to create new worlds and realities in the most complete way.

Favorite trick: Pepper’s Ghost

Plans for the future: My plan is to get into the Art Directors Union in Los Angeles and continue toward my goal of production design.

Other interests/side gigs: Clay sculpting and model building

Awards: KCACTF Set Design Award, USITT Set Design Award

Website: www.ehdstudio.com

Check out Live Design/LDI's other 30 Under 30:

LDI's 30th Anniversary