We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Teresa Nguyen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Teresa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I grew up fascinated with animation and cartoons. Even in high school, I continued to watch shows from Cartoon Network and Disney animated movies. Despite growing older, I was a child at heart and I embraced it. My passion for animation only grew more when I discovered CN’s Steven Universe during high school. Something was captivating about the beauty and storytelling in Rebecca Sugar’s work on the show that truly inspired me. I became completely absorbed in the world of animation and began creating my own. I would draw mini flip book animations in my textbooks and create .5-second animations on my school iPad. Seeing the joy on people’s faces when they viewed my creations sparked a passion in me that I hadn’t realized before. As I explored further into the behind-the-scenes world of animation, Disney’s Moana was released around the same time I had to make decisions about my future career. I was in awe of the visuals from that film. It was a defining moment for me; I knew right then and there that I wanted to pursue a future in animation.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

When I discovered my passion for animation, I immediately began self-teaching using available software and online resources. I produced two successful 2D animated films during a high school film course, both winning top awards at festivals. This led me to apply to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to pursue animation. While initially interested in character animation, I found my strengths were in visual effects, particularly in lighting/compositing and look development.

Though my specialization as a 3D artist is focused on lighting and look development I have experience within the entire 3D film pipeline. I’ve worked as a project coordinator, 3D modeler, 3D animator, texture/look dev artist, and lighting/compositing artist. I’ve applied and gained this experience through student films and personal projects. Because of my experience within the different facets of the pipeline, I’ve been able to take on collaborative projects that I’m given with efficiency and fluidity.

Through these tough times as a junior 3D artist I consistently find ways to expand my knowledge and to keep up with this ever-changing industry. One of my most notable experiences since graduating was receiving the opportunity to be a part of a mentorship with the Women In Animation (WIA) organization. I gained a mentor and lifelong connections with other women in the industry who are incredibly talented and inspiring.

To further my education I enrolled in the Academy of Animated Art to push my knowledge of lighting and compositing for animated films. Since then I’ve been working with industry professionals who push my work to the best it can be, and be a part of a passionate community that strives to see other artists succeed. Though my focus since university has been animated films, I would love just as much to work within the gaming industry as well.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I aim to create captivating art that I can be proud of. To produce art that I find personally fulfilling and brings joy to others. I want my creations to have an impact on people, whether it’s to immerse them into a world separate from ours or to motivate them to create and spread happiness. Art is incredible because it offers a temporary escape from reality and can even enrich our lives. Consider how stories are shared and how they promote cultural understanding. They have the power to alter perspectives, educate, and entertain, while also uniting people from diverse backgrounds. Who wouldn’t want to have such influence? The opportunity to contribute to something so impactful continues to drive my creative journey.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think there are many misconceptions about pursuing a career in the creative field. Many individuals who are not involved in creative professions may perceive my journey as a creative person filled with struggle, low income, inconsistency, high costs of education with minimal returns, and overall instability. While these challenges do exist in some cases, they don’t define the entire experience.

In response, people often question why continue pursuing a creative career. However, what often gets overlooked is the intrinsic value that creatives bring to their work. Our values and sense of purpose are deeply intertwined with our creative pursuits. The struggles and competition are integral parts of our journey.

Personally, I didn’t choose this path for monetary gain. I also sought formal education for the structure and networking opportunities it provides. The sense of fulfillment we experience and the potential rewards we envision in our future far outweigh the challenges we face as creatives. The connections and communities we form along the way are invaluable.

Dedicating our lives to our craft requires discipline and determination. For many of us, not pursuing a creative career would mean sacrificing an essential part of ourselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.teresawin.art/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-nguyen-96ab47191