If you’ve ever imagined working as a set designer or special effects makeup artist in Hollywood, you’ll want to learn more about FIDM’s 3rd year Advanced Study Program in Visual Communications. The exciting program has successful alumni like Krista who are now working in all areas of the entertainment industry.

“I am working with and learning from incredibly talented people,” explains Krista, who goes to work each day at the famed Warner Bros. Burbank studios. “I also recently became a member of the Local 871 union. My job is incredibly exhausting, but at the same time completely fulfilling!” It’s a dream come true for the Santa Clarita, California native, who used to dream of working on sets while visiting places like Universal Studios. “I loved going on the back lot tour and watching the stunt shows,” she explains. “That’s when I knew I wanted to work in the movies; I wanted to help create exciting fake worlds.”

Without a Trace is a fast-paced drama about the Missing Persons Squad of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Krista’s job lets her work not only in the art department, but also in set decoration, property, production, accounting and construction. “It is the perfect position for me to learn from the inside,” she says. “It’s hard to say specifically what I do in a normal day because each day is different.”

After receiving her degree at FIDM in Visual Communications, Krista wanted to further her passion for art and the entertainment industry so she applied to the 3rd year program. “My favorite part of both programs was that I studied in a variety of areas,” she explains. “I don’t necessarily use makeup artistry or fashion merchandising in the position I’m in today, but knowing the different aspects of the related fields gives me a unique perspective.”

Krista also interned at Fox’s hit variety show MADtv, in the makeup and set decoration departments, while still a student at FIDM. This valuable training helped prepare Krista for her current job. “It gave me the opportunity to learn that set decoration and the art department fit with my personality,” she says. “Everyone there was as excited to teach me as I was to learn.” Krista learned how a set is built, dressed and wrapped and she had a chance to interact with cast members.

Krista hopes to work as a set decorator in the future and plans to stay in Hollywood for good. “To work in the entertainment industry you have to do a lot of juggling with your personal life, but in the end it's possible,” Krista explains. “And I know it's well worth it when I 'm standing looking at the sets knowing that I'm in the middle of where I've always wanted to be.”