Rising Stars: Meet Kuei An Lin of Orange County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kuei An Lin.

Hi Kuei An, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi, my name is Kuei An Lin, but you can just call me Kuei. I’m from Taiwan and currently pursuing my MFA in Production Design at Chapman University. I studied theater design during my undergraduate years and later transitioned into film, where I discovered my passion for storytelling through space and environment.

From a young age, my family nurtured my love for the arts. I was eager to learn, actively participating in competitions and performances, which helped me realize how deeply I enjoy expressing emotions—whether through still images or dynamic visuals. These early experiences gave me a clear direction: to pursue a career in the arts.

Entering the art university of my dreams, I met many talented cohorts and quickly realized how ordinary I was by comparison. But instead of discouraging me, this motivated me to seek improvement and uniqueness through increased effort. I started striving to expand my knowledge and skills, hoping to grow into a thriving.

For me, every project is a chance to discover something new. I’m ambitious, curious, and always open to trying new things. My creative style is diverse, shaped by a constant desire to explore different aesthetics, tones, and approaches to storytelling.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is learning not to compare myself to others. During my undergraduate years, I felt ordinary and unsure of my own abilities—especially after hearing some discouraging words from professors. It made me doubt myself and question whether I truly belonged in this field.

Spending years chasing an invisible standard, I realize that comparison is endless and eventually lost sight of my own uniqueness in the process. Once I became aware of that, I chose to shift my focus inward—to grow at my own pace, put in the effort to learn new skills, and develop my very own color.

Now, studying in the US, I’ve encountered even more inspiring people from all over the world. But instead of feeling overwhelmed, this mindset has helped me stay grounded. I’ve learned that appreciating others doesn’t mean losing yourself. Staying true to who I am and embracing my own path allows me to go further. I believe that a person truly shines the most when they are confident and genuinely love their own work.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a production designer in the film industry with a background in theater. My work includes model-making, 3D digital modeling, storyboarding, and concept art. I don’t limit myself to one style—I enjoy exploring a wide range of aesthetics, from whimsical fantasy to gritty realism. I love building environments that not only serve the story, but also carry emotional weight and subtle visual storytelling.

I always begin my design process from the character’s point of view. I believe that spaces should speak for the characters who live in them. Before I build a world, I ask myself: What kind of environment would reflect this person’s inner world, history, or emotional state? I see each space as an extension of the character, and I aim to let the set quietly speak on their behalf.

During my undergrad, I had to learn everything—directing, scenic/costume design, lighting, and even acting. That experience gave me a well-rounded understanding of the creative process and allowed me to approach each project from multiple perspectives. It also taught me how to collaborate more thoughtfully with different departments and consider how every element works together to serve the story.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice is to be genuine and not afraid to reach out. For a long time, I was shy and hesitated to connect with people because I felt like I wasn’t “ready” or didn’t have enough to show. But waiting until you feel perfect is never going to happen. You won’t get a chance unless you try.

What has worked well for me is being proactive: I ask questions, show interest in others’ work. Whether it’s talking to a guest speaker after a lecture or reaching out to alumni for advice, I try to approach each conversation with respect and openness, rather than expecting immediate opportunities.

As an international student, I know I have to work even harder to build connections and find my place here. I don’t have a built-in network, so I’ve learned to take initiative, be present, and keep showing up. It takes time, but every small conversation adds up.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kuei_in_progress/