Interview with Vivian Lu

As a stage designer, I am constantly trying to find ways to strengthen connections between audiences and my set design. Recently i have been attempting to bring in new technology and innovations to traditional theatre. Although nothing can replace traditional stage, i truly believe in utilising more technology as a medium to further elevate a stage allowing more interaction and immersion for the audience. Since i was a kid, I always knew that my passion lay in visual communication. I was known to be the "crafty kid" in school, involving myself in painting props or sets for our school plays. Thus I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the design industry. However it wasn't until my foundation course where I got to try out different art mediums that I was so sure that 3d Art Installation was my calling

I usually start with very little research and roughly sketch my initial ideas out. Then I would make prototypes and models to get a sense of space sizing in the space. Rough Model that doesn't require any accuracy in regards of materials and texture. I usually use foam boards or paper to get the flexibility to change things quickly. I'll continue this process of drawing and modelling until I come up with my first design. I usually use AutoCAD as I do modelling to get a more accurate sense of size.

The most exciting phase is when you first came up with your first initial idea for the design, as it creates so much different possibility on how you can create space and how you can tell the story visually. Its always very fulfilling and great to hear different interpretation from the audiences and to see what they have gotten out of my set design.

I was raised in Macao, a city in China that was previously colonised by Portugal. The multiculralism, specifically the influence of East meets West became a strong influence in my designs.

I always believed that staying curious will get me to places. I firmly believe in experimenting, trial and error and being brave when it comes to the production in design. I remember spending days sending out my portfolio to different theatres and companies that i looked up to, trying to get my name and designs out there. My dream project would be to be part of the design team for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Bejing.

As Alec Soth once said, “Find your eyes", I would encourage new designers to learn everything and anything even if it does not seem to be relavant or useful. This will open your horizons to new possibilities and potentials that you might not have dreamt about. Let your mind run free and be as wild as you wish. Stay curious and experiment with different mediums, as that will guide you in defining who you are as a designer.

There are many interpretation of "success". There are always going to be designers that have worked more jobs or have worked in more famous theatres than you. However, the key to really enjoy your work and be "successful" in your own work, is to have your own opinions in matters; your own way to tell a story and share what truly matters to you.

Coffee is the first thing i think about when i get up. I like to head to the coffee shop i always go to and get my "thinking" tasks done before heading back to my studio to draw & sketch. I like to write my to-do lists for the week in the beginning of the week as i'm normally tending to a few projects at the same time.

I watch at least one theatre show a week (online right now due to COVID-19) to familiarize myself with different stage designs out there. Although it is important to stay up to date with the design industry, it is just as important to tell stories that matter to you even when it seems irrelevant to others.

A good design is able to capture people’s imagination and encourage thoughts or spark conversations that may not have existed before.

I dont, theres always things that you would like to change when you see your work at the opening of performance.

"Absinthe" is one of my favourite pieces I've done because it truly embodies my transformtion from a designer to an artist. With Absinthe, I tried to merge different forms of senses together (sound and sight) and to magnify them to create a lasting visceral experiences for the audience.

Es Devlin! I have seen all of her interviews, and sometimes watch it over and over again while I'm working. It motivates me so much when I'm doubting myself or when I am having one of those "design blocks".

I'm lucky enough to be able to travel the world and experience different cultures which has a huge impact on my designs. I am currently in Dortmund doing a research program with The Academy of Theatre and Digital in Dortmund.

I work alone as a set designer, but I have a company with my best friend working in commercial art installations. I am very lucky that I am compatible with a partner that shares the same passion as I do. I think the biggest challenge in my profession is not the design itself but to be able to put something out there that represents you the way you want to be seen.

I think attending the award is certainly a great way to promote myself as a designer worldwide, and by answering all these really long and painful question has helped me reflected on my design career. Find out more o my instagram page: vlu.designs

As a stage designer, I am constantly trying to find ways to strengthen connections between audiences and my set design. Recently i have been attempting to bring in new technology and innovations to traditional theatre. Although nothing can replace traditional stage, i truly believe in utilising more technology as a medium to further elevate a stage allowing more interaction and immersion for the audience.

Since i was a kid, I always knew that my passion lay in visual communication. I was known to be the "crafty kid" in school, involving myself in painting props or sets for our school plays. Thus I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the design industry. However it wasn't until my foundation course where I got to try out different art mediums that I was so sure that 3d Art Installation was my calling

I design set for theatres and work on visual art production for commercial events and brands. I am currently designing the architecture of a new hotel in Macao. My dream project would be to be part of the design team for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Bejing.

There are many interpretation of "success". There are always going to be designers that have worked more jobs or have worked in more famous theatres than you. However, the key to really enjoy your work and be "successful" in your own work, is to have your own opinions in matters; your own way to tell a story and share what truly matters to you.

"Good design sends the same message to everyone, A great designer sends a different message to everyone."

A good design is able to capture people’s imagination and encourage thoughts or spark conversations that may not have existed before.

I would love to design for the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in 2022.

I would like to be part of the design team of the Opening of the Winter Olympics 2022 in Beijing

Just stay curious.

Es Devlin! I have seen all of her interviews, and sometimes watch it over and over again while I'm working. It motivates me so much when I'm doubting myself or when I am having one of those "design blocks".

Anything from Es Devlin, love her for her braveness in designs.

"Absinthe" is one of my favourite pieces I've done because it truly embodies my transformtion from a designer to an artist. With Absinthe, I tried to merge different forms of senses together (sound and sight) and to magnify them to create a lasting visceral experiences for the audience.

I always believed that staying curious will get me to places. I firmly believe in experimenting, trial and error and being brave when it comes to the production in design.

Design should create and solve chaos at the same time.

My Mother.

I think the biggest challenge in my profession is not the design itself but to be able to put something out there that represents you the way you want to be seen. I remember spending days sending out my portfolio to different theatres and companies that i looked up to, trying to get my name and designs out there.

However represents them well, but most importantly, with confidence.

I am working with Dortmund's Academy of theatre and digital, and hopefully I can bring my new work around the world in 2021.

As a designer, our main job is to fulfill and provide a solution to a problem or need, and to ensure the solution provided has a positive impact on society. So to achieve that we must understand and study about the social, cultural and environmental implications our designs and finish outcome has on all factors of society. As a designer, I think it is no longer about creating beautiful aesthetics, but have a beautiful visual whilst having all the consequences carefully studied and considered. As a designer, I follow and agree with the term, form follows function, but for me the term "function" expands beyond the intended purpose of a design, and now includes the environmental implications and social responsibilities, its not only only to consider about the immediate environmental impact of our designs, but also the method of manufacturing, the use of material, the disposal of a design after it's life span, the elements in a production that can be reused in other design etc. For the social responsibilities, it is to ensure I make myself aware of the impact my design has on the community and society, whether or not there are cultural and political implications, whether of not my design serves as a catalyst to spark conversation on important issues and stimulate change, whether my designs improves the quality of the community. As a designer, we have the power and ability to shape the society and environment around us, we have the creativity, vision and ideas to shape a better society, we have the ability to come up with creative solutions beyond the limitation that are set for us and so I think it is our responsibility to best utilize this skill of ours to change our society for the better.

I am currently in Dortmund doing a research program with The Academy of Theatre and Digital in Dortmund.

Better design fees.

I think we are all very curious about how digitally can be involve int theatre, and the world is now training digitally for the theatre and finding potential outcome with what it can become. There is a lot of interweaving into virtual reality as well and people are seeking new ways of telling a story through digital methods.

"An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means its going to launch you into something great. So just focus, and keep aiming"

Design sets the trends

Technology should be a new medium in assisting in a design, but not to overpower the main concept.

Autocad, Adobe softwares, Sketch Up & Unity

all from the above creates space and depth.

Wish people can see the boldness and try to create different interpretation my work.

That will be me one day.

I believe in Co-design. My design Partner is also my best friend.

I read everything.

trial & errors.

Es Devlin

Its definitely a challenge to get yourself out there, because theres so many great designers out there. Think it is also a work of art to learn how to brand yourself.

Black is my favourite Color, Toronto is my favourite place,Japanese is my favourite cuisine, and Spring is my favourite Season.

I fell of the grand theatre during strike in.

Nope, I just love to paint, and create different weird stories around the household. But it wasn't until I get to experiment with different art forms in uni that sparked my full interest in Stage Design.

You can see more of my work on my instagram : vlu.designs

Our companyis an award-winning creative agency specialising in all things events related. We interject a spark of magic in all we do. The perfect equilibrium between bold imagination that tugs on emotions and rational practicality where every detail is meticulously considered, we sweat the small stuff. With our background in both the design and art industry, we build the bridge between the art world and commercial setting, tackling corporate events with art-tainted lens, hence creating long lasting and impactful experiences through the environments we create.

As a designer, I like to explore bold & daring concepts, paying attention to shapes & experimenting with different mediums. I strive to pull on the audiences heart & evoke emotional connection, with my main aim to break the mould of traditional theatre. I think that design and art is very subjective and how people react and connect to different works are very much based on their personal upbringing and surroundings. Hence for my designs, it is my interpretations of events in my life, things I have seen and emotions I have experienced. It is my way of telling my story and shedding a light on topics that are important to me, in a way that is visual engrossing for audiences.

Theatre Set

Anything from Es Devlin

I did Costume Design and production for a stage production

Doing modelling with foam board and creating forms with paper

I feel most creative when im surrounded in a new environment, and i get inspiration from things around me.

Shapes and forms

The most exciting phase is when you first came up with your first initial idea for the design, as it creates so much different possibility on how you can create space and how you can tell the story visually.

Its always very fulfilling and great to hear different interpretation from the audiences and to see what they have gotten out of my set design.

A good design is able to capture people’s imagination and encourage thoughts or spark conversations that may not have existed before.

Plagiarism

As a designer, our main job is to fulfill and provide a solution to a problem or need, and to ensure the solution provided has a positive impact on society. So to achieve that we must understand and study about the social, cultural and environmental implications our designs and finish outcome has on all factors of society. As a designer, I think it is no longer about creating beautiful aesthetics, but have a beautiful visual whilst having all the consequences carefully studied and considered. As a designer, I follow and agree with the term, form follows function, but for me the term "function" expands beyond the intended purpose of a design, and now includes the environmental implications and social responsibilities, its not only only to consider about the immediate environmental impact of our designs, but also the method of manufacturing, the use of material, the disposal of a design after it's life span, the elements in a production that can be reused in other design etc. For the social responsibilities, it is to ensure I make myself aware of the impact my design has on the community and society, whether or not there are cultural and political implications, whether of not my design serves as a catalyst to spark conversation on important issues and stimulate change, whether my designs improves the quality of the community. As a designer, we have the power and ability to shape the society and environment around us, we have the creativity, vision and ideas to shape a better society, we have the ability to come up with creative solutions beyond the limitation that are set for us and so I think it is our responsibility to best utilize this skill of ours to change our society for the better.

I think we are all very curious about how digitally can be involve int theatre, and the world is now training digitally for the theatre and finding potential outcome with what it can become. There is a lot of interweaving into virtual reality as well and people are seeking new ways of telling a story through digital methods.

Last work was Absinthe touring in Shanghai 2020 January before the Pandemic. Releasing my new work from my Dortmund research once this chaos is over.

Anywhere. I can get inspired by small little details in daily life to experience or things I see when I go on vacations. I then journal it in my brainstorming notebook and to try to develop it into something when im back to my studio. I have been reading a lot about neuroscience lately and found a lot of similarities between neuroscience and theatre.

As a designer, I like to explore bold & daring concepts, paying attention to shapes & experimenting with different mediums. I strive to pull on the audiences heart & evoke emotional connection, with my main aim to break the mould of traditional theatre.

I was raised in Macao, a city in China that was previously colonised by Portugal. The multiculralism, specifically the influence of East meets West became a strong influence in my designs. Macao is Asia's Las Vegas, therefore a lot of art performance opportunity are given.

Communication and transparency is key.

When working with a designer I think it is important for the companies to have a clear outline and understanding of what they are looking for, they should outline a detailed brief of what they want achieved, who their target audiences are, the objectives they are trying to reach and what are the exact final outcomes they expect delivered. The more detailed information given, the clearer visual imagery the designer has to achieve the best and most seamless results. When selecting a good and compatible designer for the job, I would advise companies to not only look at portfolios, but have the designers explain and talk through their portfolio, so there is a better understanding of why they decide to showcase these specific works. Asking about what and whom the designers draw inspiration from, so companies can have a better understanding of a designer's style, aesthetics and creative process. I would suggest companies to have a face to face interview or video interview with the designers if possible, so they have a better understanding of how they express themselves and their ideas, how the present themselves and a clearer understanding of their personality and if you think that this designer and the company would work well together.

I usually start with very little research and roughly sketch my initial ideas out. Then I would make prototypes and models to get a sense of space sizing in the space. Rough Model that doesn't require any accuracy in regards of materials and texture. I usually use foam boards or paper to get the flexibility to change things quickly. I'll continue this process of drawing and modelling until I come up with my first design. I usually use AutoCAD as I do modelling to get a more accurate sense of size.

My plants, My bed, My Cutting Board, My Notebook & My Coffee

Coffee is the first thing i think about when i get up. I like to head to the coffee shop i always go to and get my "thinking" tasks done before heading back to my studio to draw & sketch. I like to write my to-do lists for the week in the beginning of the week as i'm normally tending to a few projects at the same time.

There are many interpretation of "success". There are always going to be designers that have worked more jobs or have worked in more famous theatres than you. However, the key to really enjoy your work and be "successful" in your own work, is to have your own opinions in matters; your own way to tell a story and share what truly matters to you.

I love my job.

Dont over research

To have your own voice in your story telling.

Adobe Software, Moleskine notebook. Books, Podcast. Sketchups, Unity, AutoCAD

I dont. Its still chaotic

Around 3 months.

What software do you use?

"Absinthe" because it truly embodies my transformtion from a designer to an artist. With Absinthe, I tried to merge different forms of senses together (sound and sight) and to magnify them to create a lasting visceral experiences for the audience.

Banks, Government Shows, Stage production, Commercial Companies etc.

Theatre Set Design for Plays,

I am working on a research program in The Academy of Theatre and Digital trying to explore different digital methods to magnify senses in the theatre.

I work alone in theatre stage designs, but I work with my partner on all commercial work.

Check out my instagram vlu.designs

People can see my work from Instagram: vlu.designs. They can also email me at vivian@wecreateint.com