Meet Sandra Monty | Visual Art I Production Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandra Monty and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandra, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking is thrilling! It’s been vital in my life and career, pushing me beyond limits, unlocking creativity, and broadening my horizons. Embracing risks has led me to unexpected successes and brought out talents I never knew I had. Taking that leap from Colombia to the U.S. was a bold move that has paid off beyond my wildest expectations. Challenges are just opportunities in disguise, and risks are the key to unlocking them!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is a blend of graphic design, prop making, set dressing, and hands-on creativity. What sets me apart is my resourcefulness and ability to work in multiple artistic fields. I particularly enjoy prop making; one day crafting a human ATM machine, the next creating a Book of the Dam for a horror scene. I take pride in projects like the Nike Signature Collection campaign where I had to make a basketball court in the middle of the desert from scratch, the Shoes so Fresh Commercial where I designed more than 50 packages to fill an entire convenience store, and the film Sophia’s Eclipse, a period piece where I poured my heart into every detail. Getting to where I am today was far from easy, as I navigated challenges from moving to a new country to balancing work with motherhood. Through it all, I’ve learned to trust my instincts, think creatively, and find joy in every task. I want the world to know that my passion and dedication drive me to create meaningful art that connects with emotions and tells powerful stories.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For a week-long adventure in Los Angeles with your best friend, here’s a fun itinerary! Start downtown at the iconic Last Bookstore, grab lunch at Grand Central Market, and explore The Broad Art Museum. Discover hidden gems and unique flavors in Little Tokyo. Experience Hollywood vibes on Sunset Boulevard and chill with ice cream or a drink at Abbot Kinney. End with a relaxing jazz afternoon at LACMA for harmonious vibes. However, if I wanted to share something personal, I’d take my best friend with me to all the major studios’ prop rental houses so they could feel the film magic from within.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to Pipe Delgado, the film director who kickstarted my journey in the art department, Billy Jet, my mentor who introduced me to the world of horror film and laid the foundation of my craft, and the incredible team at PSW (Prop Service West) for their unwavering support and friendship throughout each project. They all deserve a big round of applause and recognition in my story.

Website: artybymonty.com

Instagram: @art_by_monty

Image Credits
Principal photo by IG @pipedelgado_director. Nike photo by ONA Creative