New Artist: Duc Nguyen
12 February 2024
We are super excited to welcome Vietnamese artist Duc Nguyen to the Hive! Duc has a wealth of experience and an inspiring portfolio that will capture any child's imagination.
Let's find out a little more about what has influenced and inspired Duc, as well as any future hopes and goals.
Please can you tell us where you are from and where do you currently live and work? Has this effected your work?
I was born in a big city in Vietnam, called Ho Chi Minh City or another name is Saigon (I prefer to call it this name as the name sounds familiar and nostalgic to me). There are many high-rise buildings, vehicles, dust,... so sometimes I need to look for new and interesting things for my painting, I will go to the countryside to look for ideas.
Who or what inspired you to be an illustrator?
When I was young, social networks were very strange to me. I didn't have the tools to search for information, nor did I know many artists. My childhood only had toys, colouring pencils, etc. I remember I started drawing pictures when I saw my cousin drawing, I imitated her as I liked the colours.
How long have you been working as an illustrator?
I started drawing for local magazines in 2010 when I was a second year student in university. I now have 14 years of work experience, and have had the opportunity to participate in many interesting projects, which I have learnt a great deal from.
How would describe your illustration style?
I like to try new things to find out what is right for me. Currently in my illustrations, I often use many patterns and motifs (I especially like the patterns in Vietnamese national costumes and Mongolian costumes).
Do you have a favourite piece in your portfolio, if so could you share it and talk about it?
I put a lot of effort into my paintings, for me to choose my favourite painting would be very difficult. But I've always been interested in stories about animals and the sea.
What type of projects, clients, or illustration markets would you like to work in?
I want to have the opportunity to experience many different projects, topics, and stories. Through these new stories, I can research more things that I don't know. I also want to know my capabilities. But there is one topic that I especially want to experience, I still haven't had the opportunity to come into contact with it, which is drawing mysterious, magical things like Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland.
What do you like doing when you are not illustrating?
I have a big love for animals and the environment. If I didn't draw illustrations, I would become an animal trainer or a zoologist.
