We recently connected with Yu Zhang and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Yu, 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?
Whether in work or in life, I believe that finding a purpose is about discovering a state of fulfillment and meaning. It’s a personal journey, a continuous dance of exploration and self-reflection. At all times, avoid setting rigid boundaries for yourself. Always hold on to the courage and confidence to try new things, and don’t be afraid to step into the unknown.
I am fortunate because I discovered my true interests and passions early on—theater and the arts. Working in the arts excites and fulfills me, offering a sense of freedom, joy, and endless possibilities beyond the mundane aspects of life. It makes me feel that both my work and my life are truly meaningful.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a costume designer, my life is closely intertwined with the stage. Theater is an art of human connection, and every production is a journey of personal growth for me. Before a project begins, I always consider the direction and intention from the director’s perspective. I imagine the audience’s viewpoint, pondering why this story is worth sharing and what emotions and reflections it might evoke. This process helps me define the purpose and direction of my designs.
In designing for the musical “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” I deliberately fused 19th-century Russian classical elements with modern touches. For example, I envisioned Natasha’s love interest, Anatole, as a rock star, while Balaga’s costume combined the aesthetics of a Russian hunter with modern street style. This approach created an illusion of blending past and present, using the old to reflect the new, much like the musical itself, which explores timeless themes of life, love, and self-worth that resonate across any era.
In the design concept for “Macbeth”, I aimed to create a style that transcends the constraints of time and place, focusing on how ambition and power, desire and obsession, corrode the protagonists’ minds and spirits. Isn’t this a timeless dilemma faced by humanity through the ages? I drew inspiration from ancient Greek pottery, which, with its simple and serene tones, narrates the eternal themes of human existence across the centuries on those ancient, unadorned vessels.
Though the story of “Billy Elliot” is set against a relatively realistic and concrete backdrop, I used color and material to create a striking visual contrast, highlighting the value conflicts among characters arising from their different backgrounds and perspectives. This sense of conflict elevates the artistic experience beyond mere realism.
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?
Be true to yourself. Seek the answers to the most essential questions that define who you are. Find what truly excites you, and what you are genuinely good at.
Stay perseverant. Dedicate yourself to what you believe in, and relentlessly strive in that direction without giving up easily.
Be kind. All good things stem from this.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Take a break. Get some fresh air in nature, read an unrelated book or watch a movie, or savor a piece of cheesecake. Do whatever calms you down. Don’t get grumpy, as it won’t reduce your stress. Remember, even the most intricate and beautiful garment is sewn together one stitch at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zhangyudesigns.com
- Instagram: @zhangyudesigns
Image Credits
1. Costume Design for “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”
2. Costume Design for Ensemble Members in “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”
3. Costume Design for Anatole (left) and Balaga (right) in “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”.jpg
4. A Theoretical Costume Design for “Macbeth”-Lineup for Act I
5. A Theoretical Costume Design for “Macbeth”
6. A Theoretical Costume Design for “Macbeth”
7. A Theoretical Costume Design for “Billy Elliot” – Police and Protester Ensembles
8.A Theoretical Costume Design for “Billy Elliot” – The Main Characters
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