Neelie Hespen
Hinsdale,USA
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience as an Assistant Prop Master in television, excelling in prop fabrication and creative collaboration. Proven ability to lead teams and enhance production workflows while maintaining meticulous attention to detail. Skilled in multi-disciplinary artistry, effectively communicating with cast and crew to deliver innovative solutions that elevate project outcomes.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server
The Cellar Door
Downers Grove, Illinois
09.2025 - Current
- Delivered exceptional customer service to elevate dining experiences.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining areas and service stations.
- Executed opening and closing duties, including setup and supply restocking.
- Served high volume of daily customers with efficiency.
Visual Artist – Painting & Sculpture
Self
Los Angeles/Chicago, CA/IL
01.2000 - Current
- Specialized in resin, acrylic paint, clay, wood, wool, and airbrush media.
- Produced commissioned artwork and participated in gallery exhibitions.
- Most recent gallery shows in Chicago at The Other Art Fair, Side Show Gallery(Elgin),Jackson Junge Gallery. In Los Angeles, at The Hive, La Luz de Jesús, Raven’s Gallery.
- Created custom prop art and set pieces for film/TV as needed.
- Organized exhibitions to showcase artwork in local venues.
- Created sketches, paintings, sculptures, installations, and digital artworks using both traditional and modern techniques.
- Studied different techniques to apply to artistic endeavors.
Assistant Prop Master
Disney/various productions
Los Angeles, California
04.2004 - 07.2025
- Directed on-set prop management, ensuring compliance with safety standards and actor satisfaction.
- Supervised props and set decoration team to enhance production workflow and accountability.
- Collaborated with directors and designers to create accurate and innovative prop designs.
- Participated in brainstorming sessions, generating creative concepts for prop development.
- Communicated effectively with cast and crew to facilitate project success and information sharing.
- Operated various tools for prop fabrication, maintaining workspace organization for efficiency.
- Adapted designs based on feedback from directors, meeting changing prop requirements.
- Sourced materials for prop creation and repair, optimizing project timelines.
Owner / Baker
choc. a brownie company
Los Angeles, CA
01.2011 - 01.2018
- Founded and operated a gourmet brownie business, handling all aspects of production, marketing, and sales.
- Baked all products by hand; conducted in-store demos and operated a booth at local farmers markets.
- Designed branding and packaging
- Managed website content, vendor relationships, and customer service.
Education
NASM -
CPT
Chicago, IL02-2026
BFA - Film and Art, Clay Animation
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NYSkills
- Prop manufacturing
- Set design collaboration
- Prop repair
- Prop fabrication
- Creative brainstorming
- Effective communication
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Team leadership
- Creative thinking
- Multitasking capacity
- Professionalism
- Multi-disciplinary artistry
- Mediums: food, resin, acrylic, clay, miniatures, woodworking, airbrushing
- Adobe Photoshop proficiency
- Website and product design
- Actor and crew collaboration
- Small business operations
Certification
NASM-CPT
CPR/AED (Adult/Child/Infant)
CPR/AED (Adult/Child/Infant)
Timeline
Server
The Cellar Door
09.2025 - Current
Owner / Baker
choc. a brownie company
01.2011 - 01.2018
Assistant Prop Master
Disney/various productions
04.2004 - 07.2025
Visual Artist – Painting & Sculpture
Self
01.2000 - Current
NASM -
CPT
BFA - Film and Art, Clay Animation
Syracuse University