Meet Em Nguyen

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Em Nguyen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Em, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

I chose this question because it resonates deeply with me, and I believe it’s a challenge many artists face. I’ve been a self-taught painter for 14 years, and throughout that time, I’ve constantly struggled with balancing the vision of what I want my work to look like versus the reality of what my skill and style can achieve. Early on, I often abandoned pieces because I would compare my work to others or fixate on how I wanted it to look rather than embracing where I was in my journey.

Over time, I’ve learned to trust my process and let go of the idea that my creation had to match someone else’s work that I admired. Once I stopped trying to meet those external standards, I began to truly enjoy my paintings. Now, I focus on doing what feels meditative and right, without being too hard on myself. There really are no mistakes—only the path your brushstrokes take you on.

This ties into the message of this platform, which highlights that every problem or dilemma we face has been experienced by countless others. The challenges of creativity—like imposter syndrome, self-criticism, or the fear of failure—are all part of a much bigger human experience. As artists, we often take risks, exposing ourselves to judgment and vulnerability. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison or self-doubt, but, like this platform suggests, there’s so much we can learn from each other’s stories and experiences.

I’ve spoken with other beginner artists who feel similarly frustrated, struggling to push through when they’re unhappy with a piece. But, much like living boldly, creating boldly means accepting these challenges and trusting the process. Creativity thrives when we stop striving for perfection and start embracing what makes us unique. It’s about feeling joy in the process and peace with the final piece, no matter how different it may be from what we first imagined.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a self-taught painter based in Sioux Falls, where I moved when I was two. Growing up, I struggled in school and lacked direction, but I always found joy in doodling. After graduating high school, I studied English at university for three years before realizing I needed to pursue my passion for art. I started my journey with large-scale realistic animal portraits in charcoal, and my first show at Touch of Europe—a charming basement restaurant in downtown Sioux Falls—was a pivotal moment for me. The positive feedback I received from strangers and friends motivated me to invest more in my artistic journey.

Over the past 14 years, I’ve explored various mediums, primarily focusing on watercolor, acrylic, and pen. My work often features animals with imaginary cities hidden inside them, reflecting my love for blending reality with fantasy. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my artwork adorns people’s homes and is cherished enough for them to invest in it.

I’ve been a full-time freelance artist for the past two years, balancing a mix of commission work and passion projects. For commissioned pieces, I enjoy collaborating closely with clients, allowing them to choose color palettes and incorporate personal elements like symbols or favorite songs into their artwork. This collaborative process brings a unique aspect to each piece and makes the final work truly special.

In addition to my studio work, I created The Art Collective that I have been running for 13 years. This inclusive showcase features 71 local artists and is designed to support new and emerging talents in our community. I’m passionate about fostering connections among artists and helping them gain exposure.

I also enjoy live painting for nonprofit galas, and I take great pride in being the live painter for the Pride Gala for five years. Creating inclusive art for the Pride community has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

Overall, painting has brought immense joy and fulfillment to my life, and I’m grateful for the journey that started with that first solo show. My goal is to keep creating meaningful art that resonates with people while encouraging others to trust their creative processes.

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?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been particularly impactful: confidence in pricing my work, the importance of making prints and archiving my art, and the value of traveling to showcase my work outside of my hometown.

First, confidence in pricing is crucial. Never sell yourself short—if consumers genuinely want your work, they will pay what you believe it’s worth. Stand firm in your value as an artist.

Second, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of creating prints and archiving your work. By doing this, you not only expand your audience but also create ongoing revenue streams from your art. This approach allows you to make your pieces accessible to a broader range of clients while still financially supporting your creative career.

Lastly, I encourage artists to seek opportunities outside their hometowns. Traveling and participating in shows in different locations can expose you to new audiences and networks, enhancing your growth as an artist.

Above all, remember to enjoy the journey! Art is a beautiful adventure that can evolve into a fulfilling career. Embrace every moment, learn from each experience, and allow your passion to guide you.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My community has been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills I needed for success. Meeting other artists has been one of the most uplifting experiences of my journey. The support and camaraderie we share are invaluable.

It’s always an honor when someone chooses my painting to be part of their home; it reinforces the significance of what we create. Along the way, I’ve formed deep friendships with fellow artists as we navigate this journey together, consistently lifting each other up whenever we can. This sense of community not only fosters creativity but also provides a network of encouragement that is essential for personal and professional growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artbyemnguyen.wixsite.com/artbyem?fbclid=IwAR0elHOTeG6otzv6Kj9GNeqCCna_fEVuZiiI3H0lHmCulSEiEO-gXjQeiWQ
• Instagram: Art By Em Nguyen
• Facebook: Art By Em Nguyen

Image Credits