We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful TONY Tran. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with TONY below.

Hi TONY, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I ever undertook occurred during the pandemic, a time when I felt the weight of various emotions stemming from the rise in anti-Asian sentiment. This period of turmoil served as inspiration for me to create something deeply personal. After attending an event where individuals openly shared their feelings, I realized my tendency to internalize emotions and express them through illustration. Witnessing the courage of those who spoke out against injustice motivated me to illustrate a poignant image: a boy standing defiantly with a tiger behind him, accompanied by the powerful message, ‘I was raised to be silent. Today you’ll hear me!’ When I shared this artwork online, I did not anticipate the overwhelming response it received. To see so many people resonating with my creation brought tears to my eyes, as I had never imagined that my art could have such a profound impact.

TONY, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi there, I’m Tony. As an aspiring artist, I’ve had the privilege of working on numerous projects with esteemed companies like Sega, Megaman, and Mortal Kombat, where I serve as a designer full-time. In my spare moments, I indulge in sculpting, a passion that has been with me since childhood when I played with Play-Doh. Growing up with limited toys, clay became my outlet. I crafted Power Rangers, and when they broke during play, I’d remake them, honing my skills along the way.

Creativity fuels me, and my latest endeavor, ‘I’m in my feelings,’ is a testament to that. Born during the pandemic, this project is a personal reflection of my journey in art, which I’m eager to share with others. Collaborating with my wife, we’ve established our brand and forged partnerships with entities like Hot Topic and Mental Health America. Through conventions across the country, we’ve not only showcased our work but also built lasting connections and friendships.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I believe one of the most fulfilling aspects of being an artist, though it may sound cliché, is the sense of accomplishment in bringing a project to life. Whether it’s shared on social media or kept as a personal endeavor, completing a project is immensely rewarding. It’s the transformation of a mere idea into a tangible creation, and that sense of achievement is truly gratifying.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’ve always known I wanted to be an artist, whether in design or entrepreneurship. But getting started was tough—I couldn’t land the full-time gig I wanted. So, I took on a bunch of odd design jobs. The funny thing is, each one taught me something crucial. From layout design to typography to photo retouching, everything I did back then paved the way for where I am now.

Contact Info:

• Website: iminmyfeelings.com, tranimated.com
• Instagram: iminmyfeeling , tranimated