We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anne Nguyen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anne below.
Anne, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
Overcoming creative blocks has been a crucial aspect of my journey as a designer. It took me some time to realize that my mind tends to be analytical under pressure but becomes more creative when I’m in a relaxed state. So, when I hit a block, I step away from my work and engage in activities that ease my mind, such as taking walks, listening to music, or meditating. These moments of relaxation often pave the way for a flood of creative thoughts. However, it’s not always a quick fix; sometimes, it takes days or even weeks for inspiration to strike.
In instances where I need to find a creative solution quickly, I turn to my surroundings for inspiration or immerse myself in viewing art and design work. Allowing my mind to freely associate and interpret what I see helps me generate new ideas. Being creative is both rewarding and challenging, but these methods have helped me navigate through periods of creative blocks so that I always find my way back to being inspired.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an Art Director & Designer, formally trained in graphic design/visual communication. I love my work because it allows me to use both the analytical and creative sides of my mind. While I am naturally a problem-solver, I also have a creative instinct. Often, people mistakenly label my work as purely ‘art,’ but for me, ‘design’ is a fusion of art and science. It involves leveraging subjectivity alongside other tools to address problems creatively. I see it as a balance between objectivity and creativity, which works perfectly to my character.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
By far, the most important quality that I possess is my continual willingness to learn. Especially since design is an ever-changing, ever-evolving industry, it’s important to grow alongside it. I can honestly say that it’s my love of learning that has contributed most to the successes in my journey. It has allowed me to grow and refine my skill set over the years, and I look forward to continuing this for the rest of my career.
Another impactful quality, I must say, is my integrity. I often joke that I abide by a samurai code of honor, consistently delivering on my promises, no matter how big or small. I believe it fosters trust among my colleagues and convinces people of my reliability.
Lastly, as a creative, I must emphasize the importance of embracing weirdness. Seriously, just embrace it. It’s a fantastic quality for creatives because that’s where your best ideas originate. In fact, it’s the key to all of my unconventional marketing concepts, and I think it helps build on your original thinking.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful decision my parents made was granting me the freedom to follow my creative passion. However, this wasn’t always the case. As immigrants from Vietnam, they sought a better life in the United States, prioritizing success and stability. Initially, they wanted me to pursue a career in medicine or law. Though I did pursue a path in medicine during high school and early college, it never felt like my true calling. Design, which had started as a hobby, gradually became my true passion. Recognizing its potential as a career, I made the pivotal decision to pursue it, with my parents’ support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ancreative.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/an_crtv
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/an-creative
Image Credits
STEEZC (Chris Ho)
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