We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tony Tran. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tony below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Tony with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My strong work ethic is deeply rooted in the example set by my parents. Witnessing their unwavering commitment to hard work, particularly as immigrants overcoming numerous challenges to build a better life, has been a constant source of inspiration for me to persist and strive.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hey, I’m Tony. I wear a few hats – I’m an artist and the co-founder of ‘I’m in my feelings,’ where I collaborate with my incredible wife, Selena. My journey began in Boston, where my love for all things creative took root. I spent my childhood immersed in Saturday morning cartoons and anime.
One of my fondest memories is when my dad used to record episodes of The Simpsons on a VCR. I’d seize those brief moments on pause to sketch out scenes from the TV screen. It was both a challenge and a frustration because I always wanted to recreate entire scenes but had to work with a tight time frame.
I pursued a college education in graphic design, which has now become my full-time career. I’ve worked in various design roles and been part of projects I could only dream of. Presently, I’m a package designer at Jazwares, collaborating with brands like Squishmallows and Adopt Me, among others.
The ‘I’m in my feelings’ project was born during the pandemic. I reached a point in my life where I wanted to create something authentically me. With Selena’s support, ‘I’m in my feelings’ came to life. It started as daily sketches that conveyed my emotions, shared on Instagram. I didn’t have grand expectations, but after a few posts, it resonated with many. Fast forward to today, we’ve had successful experiences vending at conventions, connecting with people in person, and making new friends.
We also had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Hot Topic for Mental Health Awareness Month. I illustrated a special collection and it made its way to their stores, a surreal experience. We’re looking forward to what the future holds as we strive to create timeless pieces for everyone.
Currently, we’ve just launched our baby collection, now available online at boxlunch.com. This project is especially close to our hearts as new parents to our adorable son, Theo. Watching his growth has been an incredible journey, and we wanted to capture that in this collection. Having him be a part of this is a true blessing.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I get a real kick out of soaking up new knowledge and skills. It’s amazing how there’s always a fresh way to tackle things in today’s fast-paced world, and this can seriously supercharge your productivity. I’m all in on the idea that research pays off big when the right moment comes along.
My natural curiosity has played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. It’s like my secret sauce for creativity and letting my imagination run wild. I’m all about asking questions and digging into the “why” behind stuff, and that’s what keeps me constantly evolving.
For me, learning is all about embracing patience and hard work. I like to think of it as a video game – we all start at the beginning and level up, inching closer to that endgame. Each stage feels like a different chapter in life, each with its own set of challenges. There’s always a new “boss battle,” so staying ready and coming up with fresh strategies is key to keeping that consistency going strong.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
I’ve dedicated considerable time to my work and creative pursuits, fueled by a strong ambition for art and anything imaginative. However, with the awareness that I might have a decade left, my priority would shift towards creating cherished memories with my family, especially with our one-year-old son. These special moments would bring joy to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iminmyfeelings.com
- Instagram: tranimated, iminmyfeeling
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ordinaryt
Image Credits
Sophorn
