Amy Berkowitz: From Star Wars to Runway
From crafting special effects on the original Star Wars to dressing celebrities in her globally distributed fashion line, Amy Berkowitz has never followed a traditional path. With roots in both the film and fashion industries, she’s built a dynamic career that spans decades, mediums, and continents. A true creative force, Amy’s journey weaves together Hollywood magic, artistic mastery, and a passion for mentoring the next generation of designers. Her story is not just about style—it’s about vision, versatility, and the fearless pursuit of creativity.
Having worked on iconic TV commercials like California Raisins and Levi Strauss, how do you see the evolution of animation and visual effects in advertising today?
Technology and AI have transformed the perception of the art form as I knew it. Understanding the process, it has become an alternative to many media transformations of ideas and creativity. I personally like to touch pen to paper and understand the movement. I also feel the emotional piece is absent.
You successfully launched Artgear and expanded it internationally. What inspired the brand, and what challenges did you face breaking into both the West and East Coast markets?
When Artgear was established, I did not know much about the depth and scope I could go after. I was extremely aggressive and had the fire in my belly to make it and share my creativity. I truly believed in the global scope of sharing my clothing line as an art form and communication in the movement of art. Hence, the name Artgear was born. “ Art in Motion “, I studied dance most of my life and was influenced by the movement of the human form.
With over 30 years of experience teaching fashion and design, what’s the most valuable lesson you aim to instill in your students?
Don’t give up!
Throughout your career, you’ve bridged commercial success with creative innovation. How do you maintain artistic authenticity while designing for mass-market appeal and corporate clients?
I continue to explore different mediums, learn new skills and constantly read. What I bring to my clients and the visual educational community are real-time time authentic explorations in the process of design, understanding the audience.
Your work has taken you around the world for fashion manufacturing and product development. What cultural influences have shaped your design perspective the most?
Always circling back to the art form and the human figure. Communication is key in any business, and to be articulate in your thoughts.
Your paintings have been acquired by major corporations like Airgas. How does your background in fashion and commercial art influence your fine art work? It is about storytelling and communication in a visual form. This has always been a trait which tells the audience in any medium the truth of art and storytelling.
Given your work in private label development and global branding, what trends do you foresee shaping the future of fashion entrepreneurship, especially for emerging designers entering the digital and direct-to-consumer space?
Given that the digital space and AI contribute an alternative essence to the “ fast track “ of consumer “ speed to market “
It is essential to understand the growth patterns of how fast we can get to market through the use of technology
New designers in whatever category need to adapt to the understanding of technology and how fast it moves.
You’ve worked across multiple creative industries—film, fashion, fine art, and education. What has been the most fulfilling aspect of your career, and why?
Giving back to young talent and to see how they absorb the knowledge and the fearless ( sometimes ) naivety attitude of learning new ways to look at things. I teach my students how to see, I am just their guide.
Looking back at your journey from special effects to fashion and education, what advice would you give to aspiring designers and artists navigating today’s competitive creative landscape? * Have a positive attitude
* Try new things
* Experiment
* Repeat…..
