Meet Kieron Johnson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kieron Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kieron , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

“I found my purpose through a mix of passion, persistence, and creativity. It all started with my Instagram page, @Cinesetbuilder, where I began showcasing my set designs and recreations. At first, it was just a way to explore my love for design and share my work with others. Over time, as I consistently posted and grew my audience, I was approached by my first client to design and create a set for a medical podcast.

That project was a turning point. My ability to design and create 3D virtual sets in tools like SketchUp and render them in D5 Render not only cut down on pre-production planning time but also helped save the production budget. Since then, I’ve worked on four exciting projects, ranging from short films to studio spaces, and realized there’s a growing need for 3D visualization in pre-production planning.

When I’m not working on client projects, I enjoy recreating famous TV sets like Will & Grace and Friends. These personal projects fuel my creativity and help me refine my skills. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling, blending my love for design, technology, and storytelling.”

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

By day, I work in stage management within the world of opera—a dynamic and fast-paced environment that keeps me on my toes. However, on the side, I indulge in my passion for set design, which is a completely different creative outlet for me.

As someone who is dyslexic, I’m a very visual person. This has become one of my greatest strengths in design. I have an innate ability to look at a picture and recreate a 3D version without needing precise dimensions. It’s almost like solving a puzzle, and I find immense satisfaction in challenging myself to recreate sets with a high level of accuracy.

After long days in the theatre, designing has become a way for me to relax and recharge. It’s not just a hobby but a passion that allows me to combine creativity, problem-solving, and storytelling in a tangible way.

What excites me most about my work is seeing an idea take shape—from a visual concept to a fully rendered 3D space that feels real and immersive. Whether I’m working on recreations of famous TV sets or designing for clients, it’s rewarding to see how these creations can inspire and support storytelling in new and exciting ways.

For anyone curious about my work, you can find me on Instagram at @Cinesetbuilder, where I share my designs and recreations. It’s been incredible to connect with a community of like-minded creators and showcase the joy I find in this craft.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have been the most impactful in my journey: patience, adaptability, and diversity in skills.

Patience is essential because designing, especially in 3D, can be a time-consuming process. It’s important to embrace the time it takes to refine your work and achieve the results you envision. Great things don’t happen overnight.

Adaptability has been equally crucial, especially when working with clients. Their ideas can evolve—adding elements, changing concepts, or pivoting entirely. Being open and adaptable to those changes makes the process smoother and ensures the client’s vision is realized.

Diversity in skills has set me apart. I’ve made it a priority to immerse myself in a wide range of software and operating systems. Learning different tools has given me the flexibility to take on a variety of projects and adapt to industry needs.

For those just starting out, my advice is simple: practice, practice, practice. The more you work at it, the faster your workflow becomes, and the higher quality your results will be. Also, don’t hesitate to talk to people in the industry. Networking and soaking up information from those with experience can be invaluable. And finally, keep your skills fresh and relevant by consistently practicing and exploring new tools and techniques. It’s a journey, but one that’s incredibly rewarding if you stay curious and committed.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client would be a network television company, where I could create 3D renders for a sitcom show. There’s something so exciting about contributing to the visual foundation of a series that becomes part of people’s everyday lives. Sitcoms, in particular, have such iconic and beloved set designs, and helping bring those environments to life would be a dream.

Beyond that, I love working with clients who are passionate about their projects and who truly appreciate the process of creating these renders. When clients understand and value the time, creativity, and precision that go into every detail, it makes the collaboration even more fulfilling. Passionate clients bring energy to the project, and that inspires me to push my work even further to help bring their vision to life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Cinesetbuilder