We recently connected with Brandon Hake and have shared our conversation below.
Brandon, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever had any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
Working in a creative environment with many other creative professionals has immensely helped me overcome creativity block. When I can’t figure out how to make a set work for what the script requires, I know I have a team of creative art directors and set designers I can lean on to help me. I believe that being a collaborative designer makes myself as well as the whole team have drawings and sets that everyone can be proud of.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a local 800 Set Designer with an education in Architecture and Film Production Design.
I have experience working and learning in creative environments and a whole lifetime of studying the built environment.
As a set designer, I believe that my role within the art department is to support both the art department and the construction team. Having an understanding of materials and construction fabrication as well as an eye for design helps me accurately communicate information to both departments on one 24×36 piece of paper. Whether a simple location modification or 20 sheets of a large stage build, I will work efficiently to create a drawing that communicates effectively while remaining of the highest aesthetic standard.
Much like film, my life began in Rochester, NY. Since elementary school, I’ve been drawing floor plans on graph paper and memorizing how to get around town by using buildings as landmarks. (That did come in handy during the countless snow and ice storms.) After many classes in art, architecture and technology, I found myself working for an architecture firm that moved me out to Southern California. I continued to work in architecture while I received my graduate degree in Film Production Design. Shortly after completion of my graduate degree, I was invited to join the ADG’s Production Design Initiative. This gave me the opportunity to work with talented designers and art directors and would eventually lead me to becoming a set designer. Since then, I have been continually lucky to work on projects that challenge me and excite me. Some of my credits include A24/Netflix’s BEEF starring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, Netflix’s Unstable starring Rob Lowe, Hulu’s Little Fires Everywhere starring Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon as well as Bullet Train, a Sony pictures feature starring Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock.
I’ve lived in Rochester, NY, Buffalo, NY, Santa Ana, CA, Los Angeles, CA and I’ve traveled everywhere in between. My passion for the built and natural world has influenced a hobby for travel. I’ve been fortunate to have visited 43 of the 50 States and aim to hit all 50 soon! When not traveling, I’m watching TV, enjoying an IPA at a brewery or walking around the Fairfax neighborhood in Los Angeles with my Rottweiler-Pitt Mix, Moose.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1.) Knowledge of Architecture and Construction. Having a background in architecture has given me confidence to effectively communicate design ideas while remaining cognizant of how the design is going to be built using typical and affordable construction materials.
2.) Efficiency. I pride myself in being an efficient person in both my personal and professional life. I find that being organized, clear and honest as a set designer is crucial to efficiency.
3.) Passion. I have always had a passion for drawing, design, architecture and television. Exploring my passion has been the most rewarding experience.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
If I knew I only had a decade of life left, I would spend my remaining time continuing to strive for better career opportunities, traveling, spending more time with my loved ones and taking time for myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: brandonhakessetdesign.com
Image Credits
All photos are taken by me or for crew use and all drawings and models (hand and digital) were created by me.
