Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Jelte.
Hi Katherine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Certainly, I’d be happy to walk you through my journey, from how I started to where I am today. I was deeply drawn to the world of cinema from a young age. My father and I often visited that theatre, bonding over the vicariously thrilling lives of fictional protagonists. Cinema has shaped how I view the world and guided the trajectory of my life. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to make movies.
As an ambitious teenager, I turned to Google with a simple query, “Film Schools Utah.” The search led me to East Hollywood High School, a public charter school dedicated to the art of film. It was 45 minutes away, and the commute was not mom-approved. So naturally, I took the train and enrolled myself while she was at work.
Boldly she left the paperwork in her room. When she reluctantly agreed that I could go, under the condition that I got myself to school, I couldn’t tell if she was impressed at my effort or too exhausted to debate. I took the win. During my time at East Hollywood High, I embraced various roles, and it was my teacher, Mark Davis, who pushed me to become the art director for one of the school’s annual projects. This experience cemented my desire to become a production designer.
After high school, I committed to attending college and began classes at Salt Lake Community College. This was a big step for me, as my family did not have the resources to help. Eventually, I wanted more advanced courses. I transferred to the University of Utah and began working nights to afford their tuition. By chance, an advisor suggested that I take costume design for theatre since a film design class wasn’t available. This happy accident snowballed into double-majoring in Film and Media Studies and Theatre Design with an emphasis on scenic and costume design.
My journey took an even more transformative turn when I applied to UCLA TFT, drawn by their MFA program tailored to Production and Scenic Design. UCLA became a turning point in my life, allowing me to learn from some of the industry’s finest designers, including luminaries like Mark Worthington, Rachel Rob Kondrath, Tony Fanning, and Nathan Schroeder. The faculty played a pivotal role in my life, and the program helped me develop not just technical skills but also my identity as a designer.
Since graduation, I’ve had the privilege of being chosen as a candidate for the Art Director’s Guild – Production Design Initiative. While the ongoing strike has undoubtedly impacted our work, and for justifiable reasons, the ADG has diligently strived to provide us candidates with opportunities to attend lectures, screenings, and networking events. These experiences enable us to continue our professional growth as we await a fair deal from the AMPTP for SAG.
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?
My journey has been marked by both remarkable achievements and profound challenges. While I’ve experienced tremendous growth and success in my pursuit of becoming a production designer, I encountered a significant personal struggle during my time in grad school.
Tragically, both of my parents passed away while I was in the midst of my graduate program. This devastating loss left me not only emotionally shattered but also physically and mentally exhausted. For a brief moment, I contemplated stepping away from the program, as I was unsure of how to navigate this deeply distressing period in my life.
However, it was during this difficult time that I found an incredible source of support and resilience within the faculty and fellow students in the program. They created a safe and welcoming space for me to come to terms with my grief and to find the strength to continue my studies. Their unwavering support allowed me to lean on them while I also focused on addressing the challenges and responsibilities I faced in my personal life back in Salt Lake.
While my journey has had its share of struggles, the collective strength and compassion of the faculty and my peers played a crucial role in helping me overcome those obstacles and continue to pursue my passion for production design. Their support not only allowed me to carry on but also deepened my commitment to this field and my appreciation for the people who make it such a meaningful part of my life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a production designer, my role revolves around crafting the visual narrative of a project, ensuring that every element, from set design to props, contributes to the storytelling. My expertise is multifaceted, with a particular emphasis on 3D rendering and illustration using Maya, allowing me to breathe life into imaginative concepts through stunning visual representations.
I’m also proficient in drafting, using Rhino to meticulously plan and design the physical space, ensuring that every detail aligns seamlessly with the creative vision. This expertise in drafting guarantees that the practical and aesthetic aspects of the set design are intricately coordinated. In addition, my graphic design skills, primarily in Illustrator, empower me to create visual elements that enhance the overall aesthetic and storytelling, thereby delivering a cohesive and immersive experience to the audience.
Beyond my technical proficiency, I’m exceptionally proud of completing my MFA at UCLA. I’ve also been recognized as a PDI Candidate at the Art Director’s Guild and received the prestigious DeMille Award in Production Design. This recognition fuels my passion for pushing the boundaries of design in the realm of film and television.
What sets me apart from others is my belief in the power of collaboration and my enthusiasm for exploring fresh perspectives. My agility in adopting new programs and techniques keeps my work innovative and relevant in an ever-evolving industry. The personal challenges I’ve faced have strengthened my resolve and deepened my empathy. This personal journey has become an integral part of what sets me apart and informs my work as a production designer.
I take great pride in my ability to not only create visually stunning worlds but also to connect audiences with the stories and characters within them. My work is a testament to my unwavering dedication to the art of visual storytelling, and I am excited to continue pushing the boundaries of design in collaboration with others who share my passion.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is the connection between design and storytelling and its impact on both the audience and the world. The ability to create immersive, captivating worlds and narratives through design is not only my passion but also my driving force.
This connection matters to me deeply because it goes beyond aesthetics. It enables people to transcend their own realities and immerse themselves in new perspectives and experiences. Visual storytelling has the power to foster empathy, understanding, and a deeper connection to the world and its inhabitants.
My personal journey has reinforced the importance of this connection. It has shown me that design is not just a profession but a means to enrich lives and create meaningful connections. It’s not just about creating beautiful visuals; it’s about making a difference through the stories we tell and how we tell them. That’s what matters most to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: katherinejelte.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/katherine_jelte
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-jelte
