We were lucky to catch up with Annie Nguyen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Annie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

As an artist, I can’t help but feel special and grateful when someone compliments my work and supports my creative journey. However, it’s not easy to always maintain a positive mindset, especially when my mental health is unstable. During long periods of lacking art jobs, doubts about my abilities as an artist start to creep in. It’s a nagging feeling that I’m not good enough, that I don’t deserve to be called an artist.

At times, I find myself contemplating if life would be easier with an office job, where I wouldn’t have to face the constant challenges of securing art jobs and generating creative content. This constant comparison of my work to that of other artists has made it difficult for me to find enjoyment in anything, and I become self-critical if my work isn’t flawless. Embracing myself as an artist and fully loving my artistic identity has been an ongoing struggle. Nevertheless, there’s an indomitable spirit within me that refuses to give up, and I’m determined to push through this self-doubt.

Creating art brings me immense joy. It serves as a means of self-expression, allowing me to pour my heart and soul onto the canvas. I refuse to let anything take that away from me. I am capable of conquering my imposter syndrome and truly loving myself as an artist. It’s a journey, but one that I am wholeheartedly willing to undertake.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am an illustration artist from Vietnam on a profound journey to discover my unique artistic voice and share my experiences with healing my inner child. Art has always been my sanctuary, a way to express and navigate the complex emotions that accompany my personal struggles. While many popular artists are recognized for their distinctive art styles, I find myself drawn to the realm of experimentation. Rather than confining myself to a specific category, I embrace the opportunity to explore various approaches to illustration. This freedom allows me to continually evolve and push the boundaries of my creativity.

At the core of my aspirations lies the dream to craft artworks that deeply resonate with people’s hearts and minds. By weaving narratives that explore the human experience, I hope to leave a lasting impact and empower individuals to embark on their own transformative journeys of self-discovery and fulfillment. This is likely why my previous clients entrusted me with their commissions, even when their desire was to faithfully capture the realistic likeness of their loved ones. While honoring their requests, I infused each piece with tender loving care, striving to cultivate a genuine sense of emotion and creativity.

The one project that I’m proud of is my online shop, which is on my official website annie1studio.com, my collection of prints is a gateway to the enchanted dreamscape, where ethereal visions, celestial themes, and pop cultures collide in a tapestry of captivating illustrations. I’ve been finalizing some stickers and paper doll sets that embody a unique sense of humor and whimsical illustrations. The designs feature adorable pets and characters engaging in hilarious antics bursting with vibrant hues. My hope when creating these stickers is to add a dose of joy and color to anyone’s everyday objects.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I remember feeling grateful for the privilege of attending an international university, although I used to envy those who had the opportunity to study art at an art university. Instead, I pursued a degree in Professional Communication to please my parents. That said, I understand my parents’ perspective, I have been struggling with inconsistent attention, which made them perceive me as unreliable, despite my strong focus on what I considered important. In short, my parents didn’t think art was a realistic choice for me.

After graduating, I acquired various skills beyond Communication. Nevertheless, my main goal was to find a job related to art, even if it meant handling minor design tasks. Luckily, I was accepted into an NGO called Sanart, where I met inspiring artists from all over the world, which fueled my desire to pursue a career in art more seriously. Following the internship, I took a break to attend writing classes and create an illustrated book. Unfortunately, I had limited time as my parents urged me to find a more “proper job,” forcing me to put everything on hold.

Subsequently, I joined a greeting cards company and worked there for two and a half years before embarking on a journey to study 3D Animation in Melbourne. However, I soon realized that this degree wasn’t aligned with my true passion. I found greater fulfillment in crafting stories and illustrations rather than constructing models. Although I felt scared and like a failure, I didn’t want to waste any more time, so I had no choice but to request to withdraw from the program.

Upon returning to my home country, I stumbled upon a project manager position at a small production house. Unfortunately, I experienced misunderstandings that made me realize I was underappreciated and exploited. Consequently, I made the decision to quit. Through these experiences, I learned that if I don’t fight for my dreams and advocate for myself, no one else will. After discussing it with my parents, they finally understood that I couldn’t progress in my career without pursuing art. They agreed to support me in studying for a Master of Illustration in San Francisco.

During my master’s degree, I found myself surrounded by exceptionally talented and experienced individuals, which made me question my own purpose among them. I felt intimidated and insecure, but I knew I had come too far to give up. Despite the inconveniences of learning art through video calls during the pandemic, I made the most of the resources available to me and pushed myself to complete my degree.

Even after graduation, the lingering pandemic led to numerous rejections from art agencies. Realizing the need to take matters into my own hands, I decided to start my own business and work from there, determined to pave my own path.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

In my personal experience, one of the most fulfilling aspects of being an artist is the completion of a project. And when I say completion, I’m referring to a significant, lengthy endeavor that required substantial investment. It doesn’t necessarily depend on how well-received the project is by the audience or critics. For someone who is always bustling with internal hyperactivity, the act of finishing a piece and witnessing it come to life through printing or craftsmanship, and ultimately holding it in my hand, has consistently filled me with an indescribable sense of joy, accomplishment, and pride.

When the final piece is complete, it becomes more than just a creation—it becomes a physical representation of my artistic journey. Holding it in my hands and witnessing its existence in the world, I feel an overwhelming surge of emotions. It’s a sense of fulfillment, knowing that I brought an idea to life and persevered through the inevitable challenges along the way. The act of completing a project instills a deep sense of confidence within me and serves as a reminder that I have the ability to see things through, even when doubts and uncertainties arise.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://annie1studio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annie1.art/
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annie1studio