Making Movies (and Moves) at PLU: Ivan Wilson ’25

When Ivan Wilson (’25) first arrived at PLU, he was set on studying vocal performance. He soon realized it wasn’t for him. “It didn’t breathe life into me,” he shared. However, “[…] art did. But I was too scared to major in it. Not because I thought it was ‘cringe,’ but because I respected it too much.”

Fast forward to now: Ivan graduated as a studio arts major with minors in communication and French. He directed two short films, led design teams, and gained real-world experience.

At the center of it all was Rose Window Studios, PLU’s student-run film collection. Ivan co-directs the organization, which has already created four original films — including one that premiered at The Grand Cinema in Tacoma. “We do it the way the film industry does it,” Ivan said. “We hold workshops, assign roles, and run sets like real productions.” Students can even earn course credit through Rose Window Studios.

Ivan was also the art director for Impact, PLU’s student-run marketing agency. He helped design everything from farmer’s market stickers to fundraising videos — building up a portfolio and his personal brand.

Between classes, creative projects, and mentoring other students, Ivan stayed busy. When we spoke with him at the end of his senior year, he said, “Right now, I’m balancing both my director roles, finishing classes early, hiring my Impact replacement, and handling the marketing for the ‘Press Enter to Print’ premiere.”

His dream job? Becoming an art director in the film industry somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, and to help bring other people’s stories to life.

As Ivan puts it: “Creative industries can be complicated…but there are holes — places people haven’t touched yet. If you can find that niche, you can find the perfect job.”