We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yijun Yang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Yijun, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
As a set designer, I’ve found that keeping creativity alive is all about staying open to inspiration from diverse sources. I love exploring different artistic mediums and attending theater productions and art exhibitions to spark new ideas. Research is key too—I dive into books, films, and online resources to gather inspiration from various cultures and historical periods. But it’s not just about gathering ideas; it’s about experimenting and taking risks. Collaborating with other artists is another big one for me—I find that working with others always brings fresh perspectives and fuels my creativity. Feedback is crucial too—I’m always seeking critique to refine my work and grow as a designer. And of course, self-care is important; taking breaks and allowing myself time to recharge ensures that I can maintain my creative energy. I always keep a sketchbook handy to jot down ideas as they come, and I make sure to stay adaptable and open-minded, ready to embrace change and new approaches in my work.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
In late 2022, I returned to New York City to refocus my career in the United States. During my absence, I established connections with Chinese producers, showcasing my skills and work. Consequently, in 2023, I assumed the role of associate set designer for prominent West End musicals, including “The Last Five Years” and “Titanic”, during their Asia tour. These experiences afforded me a broader spectrum of opportunities to collaborate and learn from esteemed designers in the UK, These encounters culminated in the creation of the West End Musical Star concert: “Reunion”, featuring esteemed performers such as Samantha Barks, Earl Carpenter, Hadley Fraser, Holly-Anne Hull, Natalie May Paris, and Ramin Karimloo this Janurary. I was very lucky and proud to be a part of this world’s premier production. For this concert, I melded iconic elements from classic musicals with an elegant aesthetic in my designs. In this concert, I seamlessly merged iconic elements from classic musicals with an elegant contemporary aesthetic in my design. I aimed to elicit emotions through the set, immersing the audience in a world characterized by chic contemporary sophistication.
Regarding my endeavors in the United States, I’ve commenced collaborations with esteemed award-winning set designers Mimi Lien and Tim Mackabee. Working within their studios has provided me with valuable insights into the intricate behind-the-scenes workings involved in crafting large-scale productions within the industry. Excitingly, I am going to make my Broadway debut in “Uncle Vanya” at Lincoln Center this coming April. As for my future work, I am looking forward to working with the Women In Theater Festival again.
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?
first and foremost, it’s all about creativity and imagination. As a set designer, you have to have the ability to envision and bring to life the world of the production, capturing its mood, tone, and themes. Starting from that foundation, technical proficiency is crucial. You’ve got to have a solid grasp of technical skills things. It’s about turning those creative ideas into practical designs that can be built within the constraints of the theater space and budget. In the meantime, you have to be flexible in thinking about the choices to execute the design idea when the budget is low. This brings us to communication skills. As a set designer, we are working closely with directors, producers, and fellow designers. Being able to understand and integrate different creative visions, and effectively communicate your ideas, is essential to bringing it all together.
To the rising designers, starting from the low-budget or small-scale production would benefit you to get to know the strengths and limits meanwhile don’t hesitate to reach out to all the established designers you know to grab the opportunity to work and learn from them.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, my approach is to step away from the stressful situation and consciously quiet my mind to prevent excessive overthinking. I firmly believe that making sound decisions is nearly impossible under intense pressure. Given that my work often requires collaboration within a team, I recognize that my decisions affect more than just myself. Therefore, I take a moment to pause, take a deep breath, and go for a walk. If time allows, I might immerse myself in a novel or attend a concert to regain my inner peace. Once I’ve recentered myself, I’m able to refocus on the task at hand and address any challenges with a clearer perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yijuny.com
- Instagram: yijun_design
Image Credits
Photo courtesy of Project Y Theatre Yijun Yang
