Xinran Fu

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your current career

I am a visual designer, new media artist, and VJ. I mainly work in the entertainment, advertising, and fashion industries. I collaborated with many brands such as Cartier, Porsche, and Prada on various campaigns. I am currently based in Shanghai and work part-time as a creative consultant for an advertising agency while freelancing on visual production projects. My most recent project involved creating VJ visuals for the Bacardi China Conference.

 

What have you been up to since graduating from Leeds?

After graduating, I spent over half a year immersed in the vibrant creative scenes of London and Berlin. There were good events and opportunities to connect with other like-minded peers from around the world. My time at Leeds equipped me with versatile skills and the ability to work independently in cross-cultural environments. So, I co-work on experimental art projects with multidisciplinary artists and theater enthusiasts, which is really enjoyable.

How do you think the skills and knowledge you developed at Leeds helped with your career success?

The most developed in this program are critical thinking, understanding of the performance environment, and how to create a performance. Early in my career, I focused on how to make the artwork look cool, and stay on surface-level aesthetics, but the MA in Performance Design taught me to consider the stage and performance more deeply. Now, I can combine the knowledge of scenography I learned in class with analysis of the performance space, stage elements, and audience relationship to make it into a soulful and richer piece of work, that is very meaningful. Also, during the program peers can inspire each other to exchange and engage with a lot of good ideas, and these open-minded creative processes can also be taken into future work.

What made you want to apply to your course and Leeds?

Firstly, the course aligned with my undergraduate studies in digital display design and my professional background. Secondly, the School of Performance and Cultural Industries aligned with my career goals. I was able to access mentors and peers from the cultural industry, fostering career networks. Lastly, Leeds is an ideal student-friendly city that provides the resources of a world-class university.

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most? 

My favorite part of the program is how practice-led it was and the public performance aspect, which allows me to keep creating and practicing in the theatre with different materials and facilities, as well as the chance to perform to different audiences. I enjoyed becoming a performer and a director of a performance which I have not really done before.

What would you say about the learning and support facilities in your School and at the University in general?

Leeds is a city that safe, walkable, and brimming with energy. The campus’ central location meant I could explore museums, galleries, and clubs on foot. I enjoyed studying in the Harry Potter-style buildings, and eating lunch on the green grassy courtyards while watching rabbits hop by, which added charm to daily life. The staff is also exceptionally friendly, supportive, and helpful.

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to your course?

I would highly recommend this course to anyone who has a strong interest in theatre arts and performing arts, it is very inclusive and this can inspire your perspective on the performance space. The School of PCI and the programme welcome professionals from many field.