Daily Inspiration: Meet Paola Herrera Moya

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paola Herrera Moya.

Hi Paola, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My family, friends, and education have been at the foundation of my success. Born and raised in Ecuador has given me a unique perspective, not just talking about family values and beliefs but also work ethic and the determination to strive and succeed. Studying Multimedia and Audiovisual Production lit the fuse in my passion for what I do now. I’ve been involved with charities, Galapagos cruises, hotels recognized by National Geographic, Ecuadorian tourism, and other jobs that have allowed me to interact with thousands of international people and cultures, which have helped me become a more well-rounded person. Once I felt that I had accomplished everything that my small country had to offer, I decided to tread into bigger waters and made the life-changing decision to study and live here in the United States, and now I call Savannah, GA my home.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The hardest part was adapting to a new culture, coming to a new country where I didn’t speak the language fluently and didn’t know anyone. The first few months were extremely difficult because all my classes were in English, and I needed help understanding even 60% of the course. My teachers and classmates were always providing unconditional support. They had the patience to explain it to me many times. To help cover the costs of schooling, I applied for a part-time job at the university. I started working as a waitress, and at first, I had to ask the client to teach me how to pronounce, spell or explain many things so I could get their orders perfectly. Through these hardships, however, I started losing the shame/fear of being wrong. Through struggles and perseverance, I succeeded, and I was promoted to restaurant manager within my first year.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In becoming a production designer, one of my main tasks is designing the set, choosing the perfect location for the film, and drafting. After this process, I make the 3D model, render the project and often convert it into a physical model. One of the projects that I am most proud of is the redesign of one of the “Thorne Miniature Rooms,” where I put my knowledge of Sketch Up into practice for the design and rendering with Photoshop. My edge is my knowledge in photography and photo manipulation, which allows me to give it an extra dimension when presenting my renders since I have more freedom to increase shadows and small details that cannot be handled in V-Ray.

Another Project that I am proud of is the redesign of the interior of the Cat-Bus from the movie “My Neighbor Totoro,” where I was able to explore a new field in which I am not an expert, but I am going to learn in the process. I was very aware of the small details, and I was able to test my patience. Creativity was my primary tool. In this project, in addition to presenting the graphics for its realization, I had to print the cat’s head in 3D and then cover it with dry dex so that it had a better texture. The body is designed with cardboard, and the surface is created with the same material. This project was trial and error over and over until I got the result I needed.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Being a very observant person, I have found many hidden gems which have caused me to fall in love with Savannah. Its historical architecture, being able to walk near the river, observe its picturesque landscapes; every day there is a new magical place to discover. However, there is one thing I would change: the climate. Coming from the Andes Mountains, I am used to colder weather, but everything in life is about adapting. I have learned to be happy wherever I plant myself.

Pricing:

• Cat-Bus Lamp $900

Contact Info:

• Website: https://paolaherreram.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paola_herrerapd/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolaherrera-productiondesigner/