Today we’d like to introduce you to Najing Cen.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m Najing Cen, a scene designer and production designer from Ningbo, China. I graduated from the China Academy of Art with a major in Drama and Film Art in 2020 and was admitted to the California Institute of the Arts with a major in Scene Design in 2022. I am currently a MFA3 student at that school. So far, I have participated in many film and theater projects and have gained experience in installation art design and graphic design.
Before high school, I had never been exposed to art or drawing, and my academic performance was always average. Finding theory studies uninteresting, I decided to become an art student. Initially, my father did not support my choice; he believed that painting had no future and could not provide financial stability. He also worried that my passion for drawing was merely a fleeting interest and that I would give up soon. However, I was determined to pursue what I wanted to do. During my painting studies, my teacher recognized my talent and recommended that I apply to the China Academy of Art, the top art institution in China. Through my relentless efforts, I succeeded in gaining admission, which significantly changed my father’s view of me and my artistic ambitions; he became very proud.
During my university years, I was involved in several large-scale film productions and film festival planning, realizing that the role of an art director should not be limited to film and television. After graduation, I began self-studying stage design and was eventually accepted into the California Institute of the Arts. Over these years, I have collaborated with artists from various fields and participated in many theater and film projects, preparing myself for my future career.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was not a smooth journey. Since high school, my father disapproved of my painting career, believing that it had no future, while my friends thought that I was just having fun and wasting time. After entering college, I was also deliberately harassed by my colleagues during internships, who questioned me because of my young age, which made me very frustrated.
However, the biggest challenge for me often came from myself. I often fell into self-doubt, especially when preparing my portfolio to apply to CalArts. I often felt that my work was not good enough, and even questioned whether everything I did was really meaningful and whether I was wasting time and money. This negative self-talk made me feel guilty towards my parents because they invested a lot of money in my studies and even sacrificed many other opportunities.
Fortunately, my parents’ support was always there for me, especially when I felt the most confused. Their encouragement gradually restored my confidence. At the same time, my work received more and more positive feedback, which made me realize that my efforts were not in vain. Eventually, I became more determined on this path, walked further and further, and gradually began to find my own artistic voice.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a scene designer and production designer, with additional experience in installation art design and graphic design. My work spans multiple fields, including film, television, theatrical stages, model making, installation design, as well as graphic design, and magazine shoots.
What sets my designs apart is my penchant for combining different objects, spaces, materials, cultures, and media in unexpected ways to create visual and spiritual impact. This approach not only aims to astonish the audience but also encourages them to engage in deeper reflection on social issues.
One of my most memorable works is “Fefu and Her Friends,” a feminist play. I transformed the entire theater into Fefu’s home, dividing it into four distinct spaces. In the second part of the play, the audience is split into four groups, entering the different spaces sequentially, each with its own function and viewing style. This immersive experience received widespread acclaim, with many audience members expressing that the varying spaces and modes of engagement felt both curious and refreshingly new. Such feedback has made me realize the profound significance of my work. (More information about this piece can be found on my website.)
Additionally, I have accumulated a diverse portfolio of theater, film, and other projects, details of which can also be accessed on my website. Notably, I excel in creating miniature models, skillfully using various materials to achieve realistic effects. Furthermore, I am proficient in sketching and color painting, skills that add greater possibilities to my design work.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
One of the most influential resources in my journey as a scene designer has been the book The Empty Space by Peter Brook. This book served as my introduction to theater design and has profoundly shaped my understanding.
In addition to reading, I frequently use Pinterest to gather references and ignite my creative inspiration.
Moreover, I make it a point to regularly see theater plays. This not only broadens my artistic perspective but also allows me to observe how different elements come together in live productions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://najingcen.cargo.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naking_ya/
