Meet Andrea Van Landingham | Set Dresser, Author, Hollywood Historian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Van Landingham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I decided to pursue a creative career because there simply was no other option. I just knew that I had to pursue a life in the arts because that’s who I am. I’m a creative being – and I am at my best when I can nurture and channel that energy.

Expressing that creativity has, for me, undergone a steady metamorphosis over time. From my roots in the beauty industry, to film school and a new career in creating spaces for television, to researching and writing my first book, I am constantly growing and seeking inspiration. Over the years, I’ve picked up new creative skills to throw into the mix, where they intermingle and coexist with my other passions in an ever-widening rotation.

My life has given me so many things. Boredom, thankfully, is not one of them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My artistic expression has definitely undergone a metamorphosis over time. From my professional roots in the beauty industry, to film school and a new career in set design for television, to writing my first book, I am constantly growing and seeking inspiration. Over the years, I’ve picked up new creative skills to throw into the mix, where they intermingle and coexist with my other passions in an ever-widening rotation.

I’m fortunate that that creative rotation changes and mixes up for me now on a near-daily basis. Sometimes it looks like glitter crafting, prop shopping, or reupholstering, or maybe it’s painting a set. Other days it can be nail art or jewelry making. Sometimes it’s storytelling.

My life has given me so many things. Boredom, thankfully, is not one of them.

Currently I am most excited about the recent release of Hollywood Horrors: Murders, Scandals and Cover-Ups from Tinseltown – my anthology of short stories about Hollywood during the studio era. My eternal love of old things and nostalgia for 20th century movies and pop culture led me to research and write these stories – my effort to shed some light on the shadier origins of pop culture as we know it today.

One thing I have learned along the way is that life itself is an act of creation. Everyone has some sort of creative power, even those who might not characterize themselves as ‘creative’ in the traditional sense. We are all creating our lives, each and every day. Might as well have fun with it, right? Find out what lights your soul on fire and do the hell out of that. Step into that creative power – and use it for good.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To celebrate their arrival, we’d have to stop at Clifton’s downtown for a cocktail in the amazingly detailed, historic venue.

A beach day would be a high priority – I love to drive up the coast a bit into Malibu, in search of the perfect lounging spot under the cliffs.

A picnic on the lawn at the Observatory would also be in order, followed by a movie screening in one of the historic theaters downtown.

Olvera Street is the place to go to feel the origins of the city – and no trip to Olvera Street can be complete without 1. tacos and 2. a tour through the iconic Adobe house.

A hike to the top of the Hollywood sign is always a must, and grabbing a bite in Franklin Village feels very necessary afterwards.

And finally, taking in the views over dinner at the Art Deco Sunset Tower on the Strip would be a perfect way to wrap out our week of fun!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Steve Lopez at the LA Times was instrumental in encouraging me to share my love of Los Angeles through my stories, in getting me published and in generally blessing my life and the lives of so many others.

Website: www.andreavanelle.com

Instagram: @andreavanelle

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-van-landingham-a9285b8b/

Image Credits
Hilda Centeno