DAVID ANAXAGORAS

Award-winning TV writer and SFF author

Designing Gortimer

If you’ve seen even a single frame of Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street​, you know that our Production Designer, Kristan Andrews, is some kind of genius. She has  imbued the show with a unique warmth and glow that flies in the face of every other loud, brash, obnoxious kid TV show out there.

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The heart and spirit of Normal Street is felt and reflected in Kristan’s every set, every design. I’ve been watching Kristan at work for two years, and I still find myself completely enraptured with each new episode. From the insanity of Ranger’s cheeseburger bed to the glorious jewel-tones and dramatic flourishes of a pirate play, our show owes so much of its inventive signature look to Kristan.

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Please check out the in-depth article “Nostalgic Television in a Digital World” in the November-December 2015 issue of the Art Directors Guild magazine Perspective, all about Kristan’s approach to designing our show.

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  1. Barbara kroner Avatar
    Barbara kroner

    Sloane MorganSiegelwas the real lead in this fantastic series!He deserves the award!

    Reply
    1. David Anaxagoras Avatar
      David Anaxagoras

      I’m not sure to what you are referring. This is a post about our production designer and her article in her guild’s magazine. Was someone suggesting Sloane was not deserving of some award or not an important part of the show? I don’t follow.

      Reply
    2. Elizabeth Avatar
      Elizabeth

      Sloane is a fine actor. Kristan is the person who brings the environment alive for the script to occur. Kristan is able to create a timeless environment for the entire family to enjoy. She is able to envision text into a living image, and that is a true talent.

      Reply
  2. e.m. carinci Avatar
    e.m. carinci

    I’ve been searching in vain for the great cat/fish wallpaper from ranger’s old room – can you help a girl out?

    Reply
    1. David Anaxagoras Avatar
      David Anaxagoras

      Happy to! The pattern is called “Fishy Felines” and is available from spoonflower.com.

      Fishy_felines

      Reply
  3. Kristan Avatar
    Kristan

    Dave-
    I just came across this thread. Tearing up in my American Girl office over your sweet words. Gortimer will forever be among the shows I am most proud. I wish we could go back to visit Normal Street.
    Hope you are well. Love, Kristan

    Reply
    1. David Anaxagoras Avatar
      David Anaxagoras

      Kristan! I can’t believe I didn’t share this post with you! I’m glad you saw it. You’re the best. Normal Street is nothing without you.

      Reply
  4. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    My 11 year old daughter and I just discovered Gortimer, and we absolutely love it… the actors, stories, costumes!- and at LEAST once per episode, we gasp in delight over the magical environment in which the stories take place.

    I’ve been hunting and hunting for the kitty-fish wallpaper since I saw it, btw- thrilled to have a link! Great article… Really excited to read about Kristan’s work. It means the world to have something truly lovely to watch together with my girl!

    Reply