Magic has always been part of my life. Both my parents immigrated from the Czech Republic, so the majority of my childhood revolved around castles, dragons, Baba Yaga, and casually malevolent pond spirits. While I figured out very early on that fantastical creatures are highly improbable, I fell in love with the storytelling and world building aspect of it all. 

I entered the University at Buffalo with the intention of getting English and Fine Arts degrees on a prelaw track, with the hopes of eventually entering entertainment law and writing and illustrating books on the side. Life took a different turn when I accidentally stumbled into the theatre department. 

I quickly realized that I'd much rather build tangible worlds than write about them. I was entranced by the idea that the moments that read as magic to the audience, are ruled by carefully calculated logic. After spending a semester as a frequent flyer of the scene shop, I changed my major. Now I spend everyday designing and building worlds in the entertainment industry. 

Photo Credit: Eric Tronolone