Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1531774
1 8 P E R S P E C T I V E | J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5 N E W S Art Direction Craft Winner: J. Dennis Washington J. Dennis Washington was born in Santa Monica, California, and grew up on the west side of Los Angeles, surrounded by family in Culver City, with his mother's side all living close by. His family tree on his father's side can be traced all the way back to George Washington—his sixth great-granduncle. His father was a contractor who built custom homes for many of the stars of Old Hollywood, and Dennis had the privilege of working alongside him through high school. It was there that he developed a deep appreciation for fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. Washington went onto study architecture in college. During that time, a friend who worked as a mail boy at 20th Century Studios and knew how much he loved drawing and sketching suggested he consider working in the film industry, particularly in the Art Department. With no connection to the industry, Dennis interviewed at the major studios and MGM (then based in Culver City) called during a busy time and he was hired right off the street. Starting as a Junior Set Designer, he knew from the moment he began that was exactly where he wanted to be. Working in large Art Departments gave him the invaluable opportunity to work with seasoned professionals, learning styles, proportions and designing for film. Over the years, he worked A. J. DENNIS WASHINGTON. B. HOUSE MODEL FROM LIFE AS A HOUSE (2001). C. PRODUCTION STILL FROM LIFE AS A HOUSE (2001). D. SET SKETCH OF A WAR-TORN STREET FROM TO BE OR NOT TO BE (1983). A B C D A D G L I F E T I M E A C H I E V E M E N T AWA R D J . D E N N I S WA S H I N G T O N