Tran Nguyen

  1. conceptual / narrative
  2. bio
  3. work process

Tran Nguyen is a Georgia-based gallery artist and freelance illustrator. Born in Vietnam and raised in the States, she is fascinated with creating visuals that can be used as a psycho-therapeutic support vehicle, exploring the mind’s landscape. Her paintings are created with a soft, delicate quality using colored pencil and acrylic on paper.

Nguyen has worked for clients such as VH1, Tor Books, Chateau St. Michelle Winery, and has showcased with galleries in California, New York, and Italy.

Client List

World Wildlife Fund
Tiger Beer
Tor Books
McDonald’s
Smithsonian Magazine
Bloomberg
Buzzfeed
VH1
Hachette Books
Chateau St. Michelle
Playboy
O,Oprah Magazine
Subterranean Press
Asset International
Sourcebooks
Amazon
Abrams Books
Penguin Random House

The goal of my imagery is to visually interpret a story in a way that dramatizes and conveys its vital essence.

When starting an assignment, I thoroughly research every aspect of the subject to determine what the image needs to say to the viewer. Several concerns are raised here such as its mood, focal points, and overall message. From the research proceeds the visual development. Several thumbnails are sketched out to explore the possible compositions, ideas, and symbolisms, to cultivate the best solution to the problem. I keep my thumbnails loose and gestural to maintain focus on the story that is being told.
Once a thumbnail harmonizes, in concept and aesthetics, a final sketch is derived from it — forms are resolved, lines are tightened, and values are laid where needed. While working on the final sketch, reference photos are collected to accompany the painting phase.
With the final sketch and reference photos as a guide, diluted glazes of acrylics and color pencil are applied to solidify the forms. In this particular painting, creating a dream-like undertone is critical. Care- ful attention is made on the figure’s facial expression and pose to capture its surreal moment within a tangible environment. An appropriate color palette is chosen and details are rendered to yield the end product – a refined visual that complements the particular story.

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