We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Trang Huynh a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Trang thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I have held corporate office jobs at companies like Chase and Countrywide Home Loans throughout my career. So no, I don’t miss that life. In fact, I felt very unfulfilled by the structured cookie cutter environment. BUT, I’m thankful it has brought financial stability while on my pursuit of growth as an artist. I can honestly say a thousand percent I wouldn’t trade my life as a tattoo artist and entrepreneur for anything in the world. I love what I do! I wake up everyday knowing I have full autonomy over my work, flexible scheduling, and the endless possibilities in the type of art I’m able to create.
Trang, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Art has always been my passion for as long as I can remember. I graduated from culinary school with a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts in 2006. Upon graduation, I became an Executive Pastry Chef at sophisticated restaurants in San Diego. Being a Chef can be a highly rewarding career; you get to make people happy through food. On the flip side, it’s often far less glamorous than what you see on Food TV. You work long, odd hours, underwhelming pay yet an overwhelming work load. It’s really a high stress chaotic environment that’s made for the thick skin, laser focused mind, and unwavering work ethic. Seeking a change from the demands of the kitchen, I am currently the Cake Artist and Sales Consultant for a local restaurant and catering company-The French Gourmet. In 2019, I had a cosmetic brow tattoo procedure done. It changed my life given how self conscience it made me feel for years. After I picked my artist’s brain about her profession, I thought to myself, “I have artistic hands, I can tattoo people too.” Funny thing is the beauty industry was never a place I pictured my career, not to mention owning a business. Truthfully, the outcomes of the pandemic prompted uncertainty with where my job would lead me. Therefore in 2021, I took a huge leap of faith and enrolled in a training program to be certified in ombré powder brows. From there it eventually lead to me to another certification in fine line tattoos. So here I am, artist and owner of Revel in Artistry.
In hindsight, my decision to pursue a new career makes sense to me now. Art can be expressed in so many different forms. In some ways, there are technical aspects to each craft that are transferable-just translated through different mediums. Whether it’s through food or people, it’s also the joy that art brings me when I’m able to channel my creativity into celebrating people and moments that are special to them. The transformations are life changers and my client’s reactions are priceless.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I spent many years bogged down by fear and worry of how others perceived my artistry. I now want to show the world that nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself. Never give up on things you’re passionate about. It’s amazing how being open to the discomfort of new experiences has lead me to a place I never thought existed. I believe opportunities keep knocking if you continue to embrace change.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
There’s now a shift in how we view success. Growing up in dual cultures (Vietnamese-American), my parents emphasized the American dream. That by definition was a college degree, owning a home, and having a noble profession as a Doctor or Lawyer. Nowadays, young adults have limitless ways to be creative and to showcase their talent. Social platforms like TikTok and YouTube being larger outlets. Not to mention, the adoption of smartphones enables easy access to E-commerce businesses on Amazon and Etsy for specialty goods and services. Artists and creatives face far less struggle in how they are able to represent themselves.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @revel_in_artistry_pmu
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/revelinartistry
- Other: Fine Line Tattoos on Instagram @revel_in_artistry_ink