Meet Trasy Huang | Art Director in Film

We had the good fortune of connecting with Trasy Huang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Trasy, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
As an art director in the film industry, one of my biggest inspirations is my dad, who is an interior designer. Growing up, I watched him design rooms and meticulously arrange furniture, which sparked my early interest in creativity and design. I’ve always been artistic, enjoying hands-on projects like crafting, building models, creating props, and even making resin jewelry. Taking art lessons as a child, I quickly discovered that I love creating something entirely new far more than observational art or working from references.

Travel has also been a major source of inspiration for me. Experiencing new places, learning about local customs, and immersing myself in different atmospheres and environments feels euphoric and enchanting. It’s a feeling I also get when working on set as an art director—bringing a set to life and contributing to meaningful storytelling through design.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
There is a Chinese proverb that I think encapsulates my mindset and craft: 海纳百川 有容乃大.

To break it down, 海纳百川 (hǎi nà bǎi chuān), symbolizes how the vastness of the ocean comes from its ability to accept countless rivers, no matter its size or origin flowing into it. It translates literally to “the ocean accepts a hundred rivers” which represents openness and willingness to welcome diverse influences.

The next part, 有容乃大 (yǒu róng nǎi dà), translates to “having capacity makes it great,” highlighting how greatness comes from having an open mind and the ability to tolerate or accommodate differences. It suggests that strength and greatness are rooted in humility, adaptability, and tolerance.

This proverb embodies my belief that creativity knows no bounds—just as the ocean embraces countless rivers, I strive to embrace endless possibilities in my work. There are no limits to what I can imagine or create, and I thrive when boundaries are pushed. I don’t like limits; I like to explore, experiment, and adapt.

In my role, I can accept and incorporate many things—whether it’s a complex, layered vision or a simple, elegant concept. I don’t believe in singular forms or rigid styles; instead, I focus on what matches the world we need to bring to life. Whether it’s a futuristic dystopia, a historical period piece, or a whimsical fantasy, I approach each project with an open mind and a willingness to dive into its unique demands.

This philosophy also helps me collaborate seamlessly with directors. By being open and adaptable, I can easily understand and interpret their vision, no matter how varied or unconventional. I embrace multiple fashions, cultures, and personalities, drawing inspiration from the diversity of ideas and perspectives around me. For me, there’s nothing I can’t do—because, like the ocean, I believe in the power of acceptance, adaptability, and the boundless potential of creativity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I wanted to show my friend an unforgettable time, I’d take them on a journey through the mountains and campsites that surround Los Angeles—both in the city’s outskirts and beyond. LA is often seen as a sprawling urban jungle, but its proximity to nature is one of its most underrated treasures. We’d explore various mountains, from the rugged peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains to the serene trails of the Santa Monica Mountains and even venture further out to places like Big Bear or Joshua Tree for a change of scenery.

Camping overnight would be a must. There’s something magical about setting up camp as the sun dips below the horizon, watching the sky transform into a canvas of colors. At night, we’d be treated to incredible views—whether it’s the twinkling lights of the city below, the quiet glow of a small town, or the vast, open darkness of the desert. The air is clearer up in the mountains, and away from the city’s light pollution, the stars come alive. It’s in these moments that I’m reminded why LA is called the “city of stars”—not just for its Hollywood glamour, but for the literal stars that shine above when you escape the urban sprawl.

This kind of trip isn’t just about the places—it’s about the experience. It’s about trading the noise of the city for the quiet rustle of leaves, the glow of streetlights for the brilliance of the Milky Way, and the hustle of daily life for the simplicity of a campfire under the stars. To me, that’s the best way to show someone the true magic of this area.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to take this opportunity to give a shoutout to my friend Freddy Wang. Freddy and I were both film majors at Emerson College, and our paths crossed in a meaningful way when he approached me about working on a short film called Doll Kind. At the time, I was learning to be a prop master on set, but Freddy, who was producing Doll Kind, saw something in me that I hadn’t fully recognized myself. He suggested I step into the role of art director, believing it would be a better fit for my skills and creative vision.
Intrigued by his suggestion, I looked into what being an art director entailed, and it immediately resonated with me. While my original dream was to become a film director, I realized that art direction aligned more closely with my passions. Instead of shaping characters, I found joy in crafting and molding the world those characters inhabit—the world as seen through their eyes. It felt like the perfect balance of creativity and storytelling.
So, thank you, Freddy, for seeing something in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself. I’m grateful for your insight and support, and I can’t wait to see the day you become a world-renowned producer. Here’s to your future success!

Website: https://trasy.my.canva.site/

Other: email:
trasy.hwz@gmail.com