Meet Carrie J. Liu | Production Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carrie J. Liu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carrie J., what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up, I had the privilege of traveling across the globe with my parents and friends, which exposed me to a multitude of cultures and diverse individuals that left a lasting impression on me. Witnessing the wide array of architectural styles, savoring delectable cuisines, and immersing myself in various aspects of humanity were incredibly inspiring experiences. These encounters solidified my passion for art and design, making it a clear and natural career path for me.

Opting for a career after college graduation in design is a valuable long-term investment that knows no age limits, particularly in the film and television industry. With each passing year in the industry, we accumulate invaluable wisdom and experience. The promising longevity of this career path is a testament to its enduring appeal.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I consider myself fortunate to have entered the film and TV industry, collaborating with incredibly talented individuals. While the industry is exciting, it’s the people involved who captivate me the most. I had the pleasure of working with artists like Snoop Dogg, Debbie Gibson, and others, and enjoyed production designing a Christmas movie for streaming Tubi and other compelling narratives.

The most profound lesson I’ve learned is the importance of the right crew. A team with great character, skills, and work ethic makes the job enjoyable and keeps projects on track. Despite challenges, the collaboration of the right people ensures success and a fun atmosphere on set. ‘Teamwork makes the dream work’ holds true.

In the film industry, taking initiatives and sending portfolios to different projects daily is crucial. Developing resilience aka. “Thick Skins” helps navigate challenges and uncertainties.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If you have half a day to spare, one of my favorite spots to visit is Orange County’s Old Town. Strolling through the charming streets and browsing the antique stores there is a therapeutic experience. Make sure to try the pastries and a rose matcha latte at Urth’s Cafe.

For a short and enjoyable trip, I highly recommend heading to Bopomofo Cafe, where you can grab a quick bite and savor fresh and authentic boba drinks. Another gem worth visiting is the Grano Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar in Duarte. With its rustic ambiance, it transports you straight to the countryside of Italy

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a big shout-out and appreciation to my friend and mentor, Cyrum A. Ramirez. She’s the one who showed me the ropes in this art department and gave me amazing chances to work on different projects. Cyrum herself is a talented and passionate designer, and I can’t thank her enough for being there for me and guiding me along the way.

Website: https://www.carriejliu.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrie.j.liu/?hl=en

Image Credits
Photographer credit: Angus Cheung