We recently had the chance to connect with Justin Tran and have shared our conversation below.
Justin, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A movie in the morning and also a movie at night, with maybe some work and a bike ride in between.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Greetings reader. I’m Justin, an illustrator in New York. Until last year I was an in-house illustrator at Dropbox but have spent most of the past year recharging and relaxing after an eight-year stint in the tech industry, and working on independent projects when I can. Currently I’m designing some brand elements for a forthcoming restaurant in my home state of Virginia that will be opening very soon.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Moving away for college and living on my own in Richmond was definitely a creatively-empowering moment. The physical flexibility of illustration as a practice — being able to create images anywhere and anytime using any tools available to you — allowed me to pursue a freelance career while being enrolled at VCU’s art school. Attending classes as an art student and then going home to work on a paid gig felt like a flex.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t go to art school if you don’t need to.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think there is a general consensus among illustrators that AI sucks but those in the higher echelons of the design industry and other creative fields at large — folks who are not illustrators — seem adamant that it will replace illustration completely. Fortunately I think some of the higher-ups are starting to realize that AI is not making them any money.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Working.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://justintran.work
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/justintran
- Twitter: https://x.com/_justintran
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