Meet Yvette Zhang | Film Art Director/ Production Designer

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

Hi Yvette, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I came from a background of fine art and interior design. When decided to change path of my career, people ask me why I chose Film, even to nowadays, that still is a question often asked. I did not choose art, it kind just happened. Drawing, painting or crafting are the only things that I can fully focus on. I never feel tired or stressed when I create art and craft. When I started working in film industry. I was not sure if that is right think to do. I love adventures and challenges, so I was looking for a profession that I can live different lives even I only live once. But after working on few productions, I feel comfortable and confident working in this field, and the film people kind just speak the same language as mine, that made me happy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I guess I am more of a Swiss Army Knife Artist, Being able to know/ do a little bit of everything is a handy feature in film art department. I thank all the teachers and mentors I had helped me become who I am today. Fortunately there is always needs of people like me in film industry. The most challenging part of being a Production Designer, for me, is not creating nor all the down to earth work. It is actually to communicate with people. I always have problem to present concepts. Though I have been working on that for a while, there still a long way to go. I am lucky to be able to live on what I love.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my friend come to visit me in LA, Little Tokyo will be our first stop. There is a tea shop next to Little Tokyo Market Place. They have the best Matcha Ice Cream. After ice cream, we are going to the little porcelain shop in Little Tokyo Market Place. You will be guided to the store by the wind chimes hanging on their door. After tea pot shopping, we probable will go to Japanese village and have an authentic meal. If they are outdoor people, we can go hiking in Runyon Canyon dog park with my dog, Frankie. On the top of the hill, it has the best view of the whole LA. Though LA could be hot during day time, if they still want some city view, I will take them to Griffith park at night.

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?
Cesar Reyes Sandra Monty

Website: filmartyvettezhang.com

Instagram: yvettezhangfilmart