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

Hi Milky, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Transitioning out of my full-time job as a creative producer/director and fully betting on myself to be a freelance artist has been daunting. I felt the anxiety and thought of applying to a new full-time job – but, I know this is the path I need to take in order to live the life I want! When I think about how I envision my life to be in 5 years, it’s freely writing and directing what I want, while picking up a few branded or music video projects. Truly investing in myself and giving all my time to develop more as an artist is new to me. And it’s fun, energizing, creative and freeing! I love it! Of course, I’ll need to take some gigs, but I’m more certain than I have been ever that I can handle whatever happens next.

It’s all a challenge of trusting myself – trusting I know I work hard, I know I make good work, I know I can do this!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Originally from the suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA, I moved to LA to pursue a life full of creating art. I’ve always been a creative through-and-through. It took more courage to consider myself an artist, and I enjoy how freeing that label is because I love to explore/create in all different types of mediums of art! As a multi-hyphenate, I am a writer, director, creative director + producer, editor, film composer and singer-songwriter. Through my career, I have been a commercial director doing branded content for Google, Warby Parker and Hello Fresh, a producer/director creating unscripted content for Jubilee Media, a digital company that explores provocative conversation and human connection with 8M+ subscribers, and independently, a writer/director that tells grounded stories of girlhood, womanhood, relationships, family dynamics, life purpose and the Asian Diaspora.

Growing up as a Vietnamese-American in a very white neighborhood, if there was another Asian person in school – they were probably my cousin. I was othered and grew quiet in my adolescence, becoming an observer in my life. I have always been deeply sensitive and to cope with this invisibility, I created a complex, rich inner world where I nurtured myself and my creativity where I felt seen.

I’m proud of my art because I’m proud of who I am, and I think your work should express who you are. I operate in life by observing, thinking sentimentally about the small moments that affect our lives and who we are, seeking connection through curiosity, looking for the best in people and laughing a lot.

I believe there’s no one like you but at the same time, we are more similar than we think. My work reflects how I love people and love understanding who they are through the everyday moments of life. By working with me or viewing my art, I can highlight originality while sharing the truth of your story in a soft, genuine and thoughtful way.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

My parents are immigrants from Vietnam that now own a nail salon. They would would 60+ hour work weeks and skip their lunch breaks. Knowing how hardworking they have been to provide me with a stronger future, I’ve carried this anxiety to be largely successful if I were to pursue art. Even on my birthdays as a child, every year I would wish to be successful. Before, I viewed success as an end goal with tangible results – whether that mean having a successful premiere of a feature film or a prestigious award. It was something always to chase.

Now, I see success as being proud of where you are and what you’re doing. I don’t have to be successful in 10 years. My journey in living life as an artist and all the wins I have so far – I am successful now! Redefining success can make you give yourself the love you might’ve needed when you were striving for it so badly.

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

Connecting with people. Last year, I did a keynote and screening for my short “Oink” that is about Asian-American femininity, pressures and generational trauma. After the screening, I saw the faces of the audience members – many were Asian-American women. I talked to so many after and first felt validated and seen in my expression of my experience (which touched my heart) and because they related to it, then was able to validate and see their experiences. Having this specific Asian-American experience that I’ve never really have seen articulated through art acknowledged was meaningful. Having it felt by others too was special.

Contact Info:

• Website: milkytran.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milkytran/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milky-tran-63ba9b116/