Meet Ngan Huynh | Graphic Designer & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ngan Huynh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ngan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Ever since I was a baby, I was always more inclined towards the creative fields. I would always find myself excelling whenever any school project included activities that utilized more artistic directions. The sense of self fulfillment when I was able to complete something from my artistic visions made me realize that this is where I belonged and where I can thrive to my fullest.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As both a graphic designer and illustrator, at the beginning of my professional career it was difficult to reconcile both aspects of my two fields together. Graphic design has always been more about problem solving and simplifying the complicated or abstract to convey clear messages while illustration was a way for me to express myself freely depending on my inspirations and creative flow. Eventually, I learned to implement certain skill sets from each respective field to strengthen the other. The skills I honed in graphic design in regards to hierarchy, typography, and problem solving all helped to improve my composition and color palettes for my illustrations. I came to realize that my perspective was limited to what I could do in each separate career and unintentionally constricted myself into certain design or illustration styles that I was not always satisfied with.

Art is a never-ending learning journey, and I’m glad I was able to overcome the challenges of being dissatisfied with my own work and improve myself as an artist by realizing my strong points and breaking the mental box that was drawing me back from achieving more. The art style that I have come to establish for myself possesses a lot of intricate details that can now be translated into both illustrations and designs. I’m excited to further develop and hone my artistic skills in my professional and personal projects. I want others to know from my story that there really is no limit when it comes to art. It only takes effort and practice to evolve your skills and it is possible to translate your art from any medium to another. The frustrations you face in your art will eventually be resolved as long as you persevere and learn to look at the bigger picture.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
San Diego has such a diverse scene for food and sights and I’m excited whenever my friends visit so I can show them all the good spots in town. For a perfect trip, I would definitely recommend starting the day off heading downtown for coffee and pastries at Saigon Coffee or ASA Bakery. We can hit up the Central Library on the same day and cruise around the impressive 9 stories of book collections and even a free gallery on the 9th floor. Tourist areas such as Liberty Station and Balboa Park are also worth checking out and I would also recommend Barrio Logan for its culturally diverse scene. I personally love Libélula Books & Co that is located there, they have great secondhand book selections at very affordable prices along with brand new titles, and a bonus indoor cat that lazes around the shop sometimes.

Everybody knows about the Convention Center downtown, but my secret to a perfect sunset view in San Diego is located right behind the Convention Center, at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. There’s piers and benches along the Rady Shell walkways and you can look over the water to see a bit of Seaport Village. This place makes for a perfect afternoon walk as you wait for the sun to set over the ocean. For restaurants I recommend checking out Koon Thai Kitchen in Convoy, Tabu Shabu in North Park, Buona Forchetta in South Park and Plumeria in Park Boulevard. And to wind down at the end of the day I love going to unique speakeasies that we have here in San Diego such as Part Time Lover, Mothership and Polite Provisions. Each of them have their own concept, make sure to look up reservations for when you’re in town to book the perfect spot for hanging out with friends over some drinks.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give appreciations to my parents first and foremost. They have always allowed me to pursue the goals that I’ve wanted since I was a child, and until now I still have unwavering support from them as I continue to become more established in my graphic design and illustration career. And secondly, a special shoutout to my friends and coworkers who have always whipped me into shape and telling me to believe in my artistic visions. Without them, I would not be half as motivated and confident in my crafts as I am now.

Website: https://www.nganhuynh.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suamilk.art/

Other: h.ngan23@gmail.com

Image Credits
Photography by Edivaldo Espinosa