Civic Engagement Project - Hollywood Hills

 Phase 1: The site 


I chose to work on the Hollywood Hills sign because this art is known to be an experimental art piece rather than

a regular traditional piece. Knowing this art piece makes me know how this came to be, how it affects people around Los Angeles, and how it started to affect movies too which gives an identity to people of those connected to Hollywood. 



Another reason why I chose this was because when it came to be in 1923, it was made out of wood, sheet metal, and telephone poles. The sign was originally HOLLYWOODLAND and even had like thousands of light bulbs so it could glow at night in segments in which the whole idea was supposed to last around for a year or two but it quickly became Iconic.



Over time the sign fell into disrepair in 1949 in which the LAND portion was removed and the remaining HOLLYWOOD sign was restored by the city which turned it into a symbol of film industry rather than a real estate ad and by 1978 it was full rebuilt out of steel in which it was funded by celebrities.



Phase 2: Field work




The main person who created/behind the HOLLYWOOD sign was Thomas Fisk Goff who worked as an art director for the development project. Project was also commissioned by Harry Chandler a real developer in which by time was published by Los Angeles time to promote a new housing development in the hills. 


This gives a sense of it being created as a project  and also another interesting part is the cost which was around $21,000 in 1923 in which todays money is about 350,000 to 400,000 but again by 1949 it was now being funded by private group and by 1978 it was fully rebuilt again in which the total cost was $250,000 and by 2000s present time it still has funding costs and donations and also has security systems too now by how big and iconic this HOLLYWOOD sign is now. 


This timeline gives the process of costs and funding and donations and how it went from being a temporary ad investment to a valuable cultural landmark worth with ongoing funding.






Phase 3: Critical Analysis



The HOLLYWOOD sign represents people as dreamers, creators, and individuals searching hope for success and also how it symbolizes the hopes of those who come to the entertainment industry looking for fame and opportunity. The sign reflects how people often try to reinvent themselves building new identities and careers in a place known for creativity and ambition. At the same time it also represents the reality that success is not guaranteed but showing both the optimism and challenges people face. The Hollywood Sign stands as a powerful symbol of human ambition, imagination, and the desire to achieve something greater.



Today the HOLLYWOOD sign continues to shape identity by influencing how people see themselves and what they believe is possible. For many especially those drawn to HOLLYWOOD it reinforces the idea that success, fame, and recognition which are important goals. This can encourage people to build identities centered around creativity, performance, and public image. At the same time the sign is heavily shared on social media where it becomes a backdrop for personal branding and making people connect their identity to visibility and popularity.





Phase 4: Proposal


I also think when this sign comes to wanting to achieve this goal it also comes with it creating pressure as individuals comparing themselves to idealized versions of success associated with Hollywood. Overall the sign affects like identity today by shaping how people define ambition, success, and self image in a modern media-driven world. 

It now remains as one of the most recognizable symbols in the world instantly connected to HOLLYWOOD and the global entertainment industry. Because of this it continues to influence how people think about success, fame and opportunity. Even if someone has never been to Los Angeles the sign can shape their idea of what it means to “make it.”

Its power has actually grown in some ways through media and social platforms. Photos of the sign are constantly shared turning it into a global icon of ambition and lifestyle. It also plays a role in tourism and branding and the identity of Los Angeles as a whole.

Good to know now that this sign Represents Dream of success, the influence of the entertainment industry and the idea of fame within both and unrealistic rather than it being a advertisement of real estate.

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