Meet Ana Novacic

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ana Novacic a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ana, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.

I think my sense of generosity really comes from my family, and also from spending time in Serbia during parts of my childhood and pre-teen years. It’s a culture where family, relatives, and close friends are generous not just with material things, but with their time, patience, and emotional support. That kind of generosity really shaped me.

Generosity can often be tied to financial giving, which is valid – but for me, it’s so important to closely mentor my students, babysit lots for my sister, cook hearty meals for friends, or speak highly of people when they’re not in the room. That kind of generosity is powerful. It builds trust, community, and a potent positive energy that I really believe comes back around.

Being generous with my time and attention makes me feel connected to people, and that’s where creativity really thrives. I’ve noticed the phrase ‘building community’ being used a lot lately, especially in creative spaces, and to me, that means being present, supportive, and generous in the everyday moments. It’s the foundation of meaningful collaboration.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Ana Novačić, a production designer and educator based in LA and New York, with a diverse international background. Originally from Ex-Yugoslavia, I’ve also lived in China, Italy, Ireland, and Sweden. I trained in Scenography at Milan’s Brera Academy, and earned my MFA in Production Design from NYU Tisch.

I primarily work in film, TV, and live events as a Production Designer, Assistant Art Director, and Production Manager. What excites me most is blending genres and working with built scenery – especially in this evolving post-pandemic landscape. My multicultural experiences, along with my background as a painter and published poet, allow me to bring a unique, layered perspective to visual storytelling.

I’ve also taught Production Design at NYU’s Maurice Kanbar Institute, where mentoring emerging creatives became a true passion. Currently, I’m exploring the intersection of scenic design and installation art, connecting my poetic sensibility with my technical design expertise. I’m really excited to see where this personal creative journey leads!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Drafting was definitely the technical skill that opened the most doors for me – especially earning membership with IATSE Local 829. Becoming quick and confident at surveying and drawing up plans and elevations allowed me to work closely with construction teams in a meaningful way. That experience gave me a deep understanding of construction materials, procurement, and vendor relations – which set me up for success across many design roles in the entertainment industry.

Secondly, I learned that while technical skills are important, interpersonal and leadership skills are just as vital. Early on, I felt pressured to specialize in 3D softwares like Blender and Cinema 4D, but I just didn’t connect with them at all. Instead, I found that mastering delegation and crew management suited me much better. Being aware of my physical stance, eye contact, tone of voice, and clarity when giving instructions helped me step into bigger roles with confidence. Honestly, delegation is a skill anyone can learn – even the shyest of us!

Lastly, balancing work and personal life is a real skill in itself. Knowing when to push through a long day and when to rest, eat well, or take a mental health break is critical – especially in a creative field that’s often unpredictable and competitive.

My advice for folks starting out? Pick one technical skill to really master – don’t spread yourself too thin by trying to be good at everything, especially things you don’t enjoy. Don’t underestimate the power of soft skills. Learn people’s names, understand their jobs, and practice clear, confident communication. How you present yourself influences the trust and respect you earn.

When it comes to delegation, preparation is everything. Take time to learn your team’s priorities and workflows so you can “speak their language.” Think not just about what needs to get done, but how your instructions will be received and understood. This empathy and clarity will take you far – not to mention the ability to take good care of your physical and emotional well-being.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My parents did two equally impactful things for me, and I don’t think they can be separated. First, they were endlessly supportive of any job, school, or creative path I wanted to pursue. They never pushed me or my sister toward any particular direction, they just encouraged us to find our own paths in life. They showed up to every play I was in (I used to do a lot of acting when I was young), watched every film and TV show I designed, and always made time to talk when I needed advice or to vent. They’ve always been there for me, come rain or shine, in the most meaningful way.

The second thing they did was more subtle but just as powerful – they gave my sister and I full access to the family camcorder they bought when we were very young. It wasn’t treated as precious piece of equipment only the adults could hold – it was also ours to explore. My sister and I made music videos, cooking shows, fake commercials, short films, plays, and fashion shows. We never had video game consoles, and we didn’t spend much time glued to the TV. We were too busy making things. It’s no wonder we both ended up working in film.

I love that we never really had toys with rules or instructions – only open-ended things that invited imagination. My parents facilitated the kind of play that plants creative seeds quietly, the kind where you don’t realize you’re learning to think for yourself until much later, when those early sparks have grown into something lasting. A piece of jump rope, a camera, and frequent trips to the beach to swim with pretty fish and make castles in the sand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ananovacic.design/about
• Instagram: @ana_novacic_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-novacic-18189a225/