Beijing Radio and Television Newspaper Weibo
Article by Bang Shi on Weibo
Whether or not Sheng Yang is a role that mirrors Xiao Zhan himself is a topic for debate. What is beyond doubt, however, is his profound understanding of design and rich professional experience. During his university days, Xiao Zhan majored in design. In his sophomore year, he set up a studio with friends, where he served as a photographer and also took on some advertising design projects. After graduating, he continued to work in a design studio opened by a media teacher. Even after his meteoric rise in the entertainment industry, he occasionally showcases his hand-drawn art; his passion for design remains palpable.
Serene, focused, sensitive, and unadulterated—his imagination knows no bounds. Xiao Zhan, this “designer heartthrob,” has expanded the traditional borders that confine an actor. Much like Sheng Yang, who is pure without being overly intense, Xiao Zhan’s perspective on design prioritizes creativity, meticulousness, and attention to detail.
This is one of Xiao Zhan’s hand-drawn illustrations for the Lantern Festival. Full of intricate details, clever ideas, and childlike whimsy, it’s not just a standard creative design but also a warm, moonlit scene that speaks in a playful Chongqing dialect. Just look at the lantern-carrying rabbit, exuberantly joyful; the two below it, visibly struggling; and the one at the very bottom, eyes tightly shut, clearly overwhelmed—the filling is revealed to be black sesame, undoubtedly Xiao Zhan’s favorite. The drawing holds another secret: the phrase “Lantern Festival Joy” is written in the Chongqing dialect, revealing a natural love for his hometown. A bamboo stick used for carrying the lantern undeniably signifies another sentimental element, displaying just how much Xiao Zhan loves his hometown.
Whether one aspires to be a good actor or an excellent designer, imagination, focus, and life experience are indispensable. When “Sunshine by My Side” premiered, Xiao Zhan posted a Weibo message dedicated to his beloved Sheng Yang: “In September, there is Sheng Yang, twinkling stars, and a warm moon, painting eternal emotions across the fleeting years.”
The profession of a designer is laborious, competitive, and stressful; the most excruciating part is dealing with incessantly nitpicking clients. Xiao Zhan’s resilience is evident to all. The purer the heart, the higher its resilience. In 2017, the members of “X Nine” didn’t immediately shoot to fame after changing contracts. Two years later, four members joined a new group. It was during this low period that Xiao Zhan gradually pivoted to acting, attending classes and auditions as part of his daily routine. These were Xiao Zhan’s years as a twinkling star, during which he learned about himself, the world, and the loneliness that each star endures. We all need each other’s warmth. Subsequently, his portrayal of Wei Wuxian in “The Untamed” drew him so deeply into the role that he found it hard to extricate himself. Initially, he simply hoped that the show would air successfully. The explosion of popularity was something he would have liked to avoid but couldn’t.
Understanding Xiao Zhan’s drawings means understanding the man himself. What could the inner world of a person obsessed with artistic purity look like? His lingering attachment to his designer identity means that while his works and personality may be down-to-earth, his dedication to “purity” is beyond most people’s imagination. Clearly, the role of a designer in “Sunshine by My Side” provided Xiao Zhan an opportunity for “a nostalgic return.” He still instinctively looks to see if the fonts are those he likes, or if they are center-aligned. When a character is a natural fit, it resonates. Perhaps, Sheng Yang, the twinkling stars, and the warm moon are all different facets of Xiao Zhan, inseparable and harmoniously coexisting.
Read the Original article in Chinese on Weibo: https://t.ly/cYZ5n
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