Meet Nuoyan Guan

We recently connected with Nuoyan Guan and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nuoyan, 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 my journey in costume design. At first, I was simply fascinated by clothes and how they can transform a person’s appearance. But when I started working as a costume assistant in film and theater productions, I realized costumes are not just about aesthetics—they are a way to build characters, to tell stories, and to connect audiences emotionally.

There were times when I questioned myself, especially when the work felt endless and detailed, or when I wasn’t in the spotlight. But in those moments, I discovered that my patience, attention to detail, and ability to collaborate were shaping me into someone who could support and eventually lead a creative vision.

My purpose came into focus when I saw an actor step on stage in a costume I had prepared, and suddenly the character felt alive. That was the moment I understood: my purpose is to use design as a language to help stories come alive. Today, I continue to pursue that purpose with every project I take on.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a costume designer and visual storyteller focused on bringing characters to life through clothing. My work emphasizes how costume can shape emotion, narrative, and atmosphere—turning fabric and detail into part of the storytelling itself.

What excites me most is the chance to transform a script into a living visual world. I enjoy experimenting with textures, silhouettes, and construction techniques to discover fresh ways to define character and support the narrative. Collaboration is at the heart of my process: working closely with directors, actors, and other designers to create a unified vision on stage or screen.

My hope is to keep exploring the boundaries of costume design, inspiring audiences and expanding how people see the role of clothing in performance and storytelling.

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?

1. Adaptability and problem-solving. In creative industries, things rarely go exactly as planned. Being able to stay flexible, think on my feet, and adjust designs or processes under time pressure has been essential. My advice for beginners is to embrace unexpected challenges as opportunities to learn rather than setbacks.

2. Collaboration and communication. Costume design—and any creative work—is never done in isolation. Learning how to clearly communicate ideas and also listen to directors, actors, and fellow designers has made my projects much stronger. For those starting out, I’d suggest practicing openness and clarity when working with others.

3. Attention to detail and craftsmanship. Small choices in material, silhouette, or finishing can completely change how a character is perceived. Developing technical skills and a sharp eye for detail is something that takes time, but it pays off. Early in your journey, focus on building strong foundational skills and always keep refining them.

Together, these qualities have helped me grow not only as a designer but also as a professional who can thrive in different environments.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is make sure I get proper rest. This line of work can be both physically and mentally demanding, and I’ve learned that trying to push through exhaustion often makes things worse. A clear mind is always more effective than a tired one.

I allow myself to step away, get enough sleep, and come back with fresh energy. Often, once I’ve had time to recharge, I can see the problem from a new perspective and find solutions much more easily.

My advice to others is not to underestimate the power of rest. Taking care of your health—through sleep, food, or even a short break—gives you the clarity to handle challenges with more patience and creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nuoyanguan.cargo.site
• Instagram: abbinuo
• Other: rednote：关