Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jiayue Zang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jiayue, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
From my perspective, my journey to becoming a scene designer has been a deeply fulfilling exploration of creativity and collaboration. My time at CalArts provided me with a solid foundation in design principles and techniques, but it was the hands-on experiences that truly ignited my passion. Whether assisting established designers on large-scale productions or leading the charge on independent film projects, each opportunity allowed me to hone my skills and discover what truly excites me. I found immense satisfaction in translating abstract ideas into tangible environments, working alongside talented teams to bring stories to life. The recognition I’ve received along the way has been incredibly validating, reinforcing my belief that I’m on the right path. Ultimately, I’ve realized that my purpose as a scene designer lies in the power to create immersive and evocative spaces that enhance storytelling and captivate audiences.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a scene designer, I’m immersed in the captivating world of visual storytelling, crafting immersive environments that bring narratives to life across film and theatre. What I find most exciting is the collaborative nature of this art form—working closely with directors, actors, and fellow designers to translate abstract concepts into tangible realities. It’s incredibly rewarding to see my designs come to fruition, enhancing the audience’s experience and deepening their connection to the story. My focus is on pushing creative boundaries and exploring innovative approaches to set design, always striving to create spaces that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. Currently, I’m eager to collaborate on upcoming film projects that champion thought-provoking narratives, blending cutting-edge techniques with timeless storytelling.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge in my journey have been:
Technical Proficiency: My ability to utilize software like SketchUp, AutoCAD, and Vectorworks has been crucial for translating design ideas into precise and buildable plans.
Collaboration and Communication: Working effectively with directors, designers, and other crew members has been essential for successful project execution.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving: The ability to think on my feet, troubleshoot unexpected challenges, and adjust designs based on real-world constraints has been invaluable.
For those early in their journey, I advise:
Embrace technical training: Invest time in mastering industry-standard software and construction techniques.
Seek collaborative experiences: Actively participate in group projects, internships, or volunteer opportunities to develop communication and teamwork skills.
Cultivate a flexible mindset: Be open to feedback, learn from mistakes, and embrace change as an opportunity for growth.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m actively seeking opportunities to partner and collaborate with passionate individuals, particularly directors and those involved in the production side of theater and film. With my background in Experience Design and Production from CalArts, I’m eager to contribute my skills in scene design and technical proficiency in software like SketchUp, AutoCAD, and Vectorworks to bring compelling narratives to life. Having gained experience across diverse projects, from assisting seasoned designers to leading production design on short films, I’m particularly interested in theatrical scene design and film production design roles that allow me to push creative boundaries and immerse audiences in captivating environments. If you’re a director, producer, or fellow designer working on a project that aligns with my skills and passion, I’d love to connect! You can find my contact information and a portfolio of my work on my website, jiayuezang.com, or reach out via email at [email protected]. Let’s collaborate and create something memorable together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jiayuezang.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jz_scenedesign?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
See You, In The Promised Land: Director Wenjing Xie
Photo by Qi Liu
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
