Today we’d like to introduce you to Tran Nguyen.
Hi Tran, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a kid in the 90s, I grew up watching the classic Anime shows such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, Bubblegum Crisis, and Serial Experiments Lain. Surrounded by all of this magical art, I decided to pursue art after high school and enrolled at Savannah College of Art & Design.
After graduation, I took my first steps into the fine art scene and slowly paved my way through the gallery industry. I started showcasing in small group exhibitions at Thinkspace Projects in California, which escalated to larger shows then ultimately to having my own solo opening.
While painting for galleries, I found my footing in commercial illustration and began creating visuals for published media including books, magazine, advertisement companies, and television. One of my most treasured projects is the #3890Tigers campaign, launched by Tiger Beer and the World Wildlife Fund. The objective of the campaign was to bring together art and technology to fight illegal tiger trade and spread awareness to the decimated number of wild tigers left in the world.
Currently, I’m working as a freelance artist, doing a mixture of gallery, illustration, and mural projects.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There’s definitely been a lot of speed bumps along the way. My family isn’t well off, so the first speed bump was affording SCAD, which was made possible by working part-time, scholarships, and a ton of student loans.
The first years of my professional career were the most difficult. I learned what I know now mostly through trial and error. Starting out, I didn’t possess a solid portfolio, nor was I established enough to be noticed by art directors. These early years were dedicated to clocking in at the day job and then honing my art technique in the after-hours. Dedication and thick skin are what helped me push through hard times before I was able to stand on my own feet as a full-time freelance artist.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a freelance artist most known for my softly rendered paintings of whimsical women and their melancholic dreamscapes. My paintings are made with delicate strokes of acrylic and colored pencil on paper and often possess an air of fantasy and surrealism.
I’ve worked in the industry for over 12 years, illustrating for published media, creating book and magazine covers, as well as brand packaging. My client list includes Marvel, DC Comics, Toyota, Netflix, Disney, Penguin Random House, Wizards of the Coast, Amazon, and the Smithsonian magazine. I’ve also exhibited with galleries across the world, creating original works of art for purchase. Recently, I’ve ventured into the street art scene and have painted large-scale murals in Hawaii, China, and California.
What matters most to you?
These days, living a fulfilling life that I can look back on my deathbed and be proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mynameistran.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mynameistran
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mynameistran
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/my_name_is_tran
