We were lucky to catch up with Nghi Duong recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nghi , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

From what I’ve seen, a project that matters is one that gives a lot to both the people who watch it and the people who make it. One of the coolest projects I’ve ever worked on was Pixar, Inside Out 2. This movie followed Riley, a teenager, as she tried to make friends at school, deal with puberty, and a bunch of new emotions. It really hit home for me when I was a teenager, and it still does for a lot of teens today. Whenever I hear someone say they can relate to Riley, it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside because it means that the message we wanted to get across—that all those emotions are normal and everyone goes through them—is getting through.

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

My name is Nghi Duong, and I’m originally from Vietnam. I moved to the US at the age of 17 and discovered my passion for animation during my senior year of high school. Today, I’m a 3D animator working on Meta’s VR projects. My work involves studying movements in detail and translating them into 3D software to ensure characters move in a natural, believable, and entertaining way. I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the most renowned studios, including Disney, Pixar, and Electronic Arts. My experience in both gaming and cinematic animation has deepened my understanding of how to convey movement that prioritizes storytelling and purpose.
As an animator, I love the challenge of troubleshooting and creating visually captivating movements. I’m passionate about the fusion of art and technology and enjoy seeing them come together to create something extraordinary. Being part of the artist and tech communities has reinforced my belief that art, technology, and science will continue to harmonize beautifully in future products. I’m excited and eager to dive deeper into the AR and VR projects that lie ahead.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

When I first started, I didn’t have a specific vision of who I wanted to become or what I aimed to achieve. I was drawn to animation because of my deep appreciation for various art forms—paintings, comics, movies, and more. In my final year of high school, I realized the opportunity to study in the US was a unique privilege. I decided to pursue animation, something that wasn’t available in my home country.

As I immersed myself in the animation community, I met many talented artists who shaped my understanding of the art world. I discovered that creating art is not only enjoyable but also a powerful way to express yourself, share your thoughts, and inspire others. I became passionate about helping people feel understood and less alone through the stories and emotions conveyed in my work.

Over time, I also recognized the incredible potential of technology to expand the ways we create and experience art. My mission now is to leverage technologies like AR and VR to enhance people’s lives, offering them new ways to connect and engage with the world around them. I believe this is the next innovative platform with the potential to bring transformative experiences globally, and I’m excited to be a part of that journey.
When I first started, I didn’t have a specific vision of who I wanted to become or what I aimed to achieve. I was drawn to animation because of my deep appreciation for various art forms—paintings, comics, movies, and more. In my final year of high school, I realized the opportunity to study in the US was a unique privilege. I decided to pursue animation, something that wasn’t available in my home country.

As I immersed myself in the animation community, I met many talented artists who shaped my understanding of the art world. I discovered that creating art is not only enjoyable but also a powerful way to express yourself, share your thoughts, and inspire others. I became passionate about helping people feel understood and less alone through the stories and emotions conveyed in my work.

Over time, I also recognized the incredible potential of technology to expand the ways we create and experience art. My mission now is to leverage technologies like AR and VR to enhance people’s lives, offering them new ways to connect and engage with the world around them. I believe this is the next innovative platform with the potential to bring transformative experiences globally, and I’m excited to be a part of that journey.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being an artist can have many rewarding aspects such as you can choose to be part of any community. You can bring significant emotional, aesthetic value to thousand products and inspire million people while still enjoying the creative process. But beside that, the most rewarding aspect of being a VR animator is the ability to create experiences that make people feel truly present and connected in a virtual world. Unlike traditional animation, VR allows me to craft immersive environments where viewers aren’t just passive observers; they become active participants in the story. Seeing someone interact with a character I’ve brought to life or explore a world I’ve helped build and knowing they’re experiencing genuine emotions, whether it’s awe, joy, or empathy, is incredibly fulfilling. It’s rewarding to use my skills to push the boundaries of storytelling and to help create experiences that feel real and meaningful, bridging the gap between technology and human connection.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vimeo.com/nghiduong