Her Story
About Allie
Allie Pilcher is a freelance creative director and photographer based in Los Angeles, California. She specializes in editorial creative direction, campaign creative direction, and photography, with published work including editorial projects for Polyester. Pilcher earned her degree in 2025 from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FITM) in Los Angeles, where she studied communications, digital marketing, and creative industry studies. Since graduating, she has spent a couple of years establishing her practice by creating personal projects and assuming all roles on editorial teams to build hands-on expertise. She is part of the ASU FITM alumni network and has dedicated 11 to 12 years to the National Charity League, with a strong focus on sustainability and protecting the environment and creatives. Pilcher credits her success to her drive and the decision to give herself permission to call herself an artist and creative director before others did, emphasizing the importance of executing personal projects rather than waiting for formal opportunities. She advises others to trust their vision, taste, and ability to execute, especially in uncertain situations, and to build projects themselves instead of seeking permission. In her work, she values drive, determination, execution, and commitment while learning to balance these with forgiveness and enjoyment of life's smaller moments.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Allie
01What do you attribute your success to?
My drive and giving myself permission to call myself an artist and creative director before anyone else did. I put in the work doing personal projects and assumed the role by actually doing the work rather than waiting for someone to hand me the title or a paycheck.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't wait for permission or give yourself that permission to do what you want to do. Trust your vision trust your taste and trust your ability to execute especially in uncertainty. You don't need to have everything figured out.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You just have to do the thing. Don't wait for someone else to say here's an entry-level role. Set yourself up for success learn everything you can but put down the book and if you have a project in mind give it your best shot. Pick up a project and build it yourself rather than waiting for permission.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The job market is scary and it's extremely competitive with high demand but also AI is encroaching. However taste and vision come from life experiences which algorithms can't replicate. Trust that your unique experiences will distinguish you as an artist.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My art and career are of the utmost importance because they are so personal. Drive determination execution and committing to your word are key but I'm learning balance and approaching life with forgiveness to enjoy the little moments relationships and the process without rigidity.
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