We’re looking forward to introducing you to Haze Nguyen. Check out our conversation below.
Haze, 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 are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’d like to think that consistently working on my courage is something to be proud of. Small things like trying new food, experiencing a class alone, practicing a new language, it all build the muscle of courage. I’ve always found it important to actively grow as a person, in my skills or career. The more I learn to work through nerves or embarrassment the more opportunity finds me.
In terms of career, it’s hard to feel like you’re growing without direct results. I also know, while small, the steps I’m taking to make connections, show up to events, support friends, reach out to intimidating people, are all steps in the right direction. It’s important I build up that muscle of having courage to challenge myself on the daily or in a social way. Of course, this is coming from an introvert so there are quite mental challenges to constantly be working on social connections.
In terms of my personal life, there are hobbies and skills I like to learn. Most of which require classes or groups and sometimes I have to attend solo. I’ve gone to dance classes, open gym for sports, new restaurants. I always have found that the gratification of finding the community and expanding my interest always outweighs any nerves I had initially.
While courage sometimes comes and goes, the active work I put into trying new things and putting myself out there has definitely kept my personal growth mentality strong.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Haze Nguyen. I was previously an art director at Fors Marsh and now do freelance design and animation. I enjoy crafting a concept and creating a story, but also do straightforward deliverables like social media assets, graphics, and editing.
I have a lot of interest in printmaking and ceramics, very hands on art, and work a lot of illustrative and colorful elements into my work.
My creative journey has taken me from crafts, to dance, to sewing, to animation, to fine arts, to business. I have always created, and worked to sell personal art and clothing, but am now focusing on building a career in the digital field with art direction and design. The work I did at my former company was contract work for healthcare and educational materials. There was great purpose in it, and I learned a lot about the working industry, the healthcare industry and how an amazing team can really encourage growth. Because of the situation with funding cuts to healthcare due to the current administration, my industry and position have been impacted. Despite this unfortunate situation, I’m learning to navigate the current environment as a freelancer. Which has proven to be challenging, unsure, yet have its fair share of reward as well.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
It’s not that I never saw myself clearly, I always knew what I liked, what I wanted to do or try. I am lucky to be around many people who encouraged my interests, and supported me in them. I know I never believed in myself at the capacity everyone else did. Sometimes I still don’t, but I’m learning from experience and repetition that the trust people put in me and my creativity is not unfounded. There is something very important in having confidence, and a support system that reflects everything good you put out. With any type of art and design, there will always be doubts and imposter syndrome. I like to remind myself it’s okay to be a bit delusional once in a while.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
This past year, I was laid off due to funding issues in the healthcare industry. Coming out of art school is pretty daunting knowing the job market for artist is not the most giving or stable. I was so lucky to have found and landed a position that allowed me to work on my specialties while being on a team that nurtured my growth and creativity, while taking their time to show me the ropes. All within a year of graduating. It was honestly a dream gig, only to end within a couple months. It was almost like whiplash to come across an opportunity so amazing and lose it right as I was settling into the position.
What I learned from that is that an end of a chapter doesn’t mean the end of everything. I took a break and got back into the job hunt. As scary and daunting as it always is, the time I spent reaching out to others before paid off and allowed me to have leads and connections even after time had past. My experience in the industry also helped when I was talking to new employers about scenarios, situations and project details. The connections I made to others on my previous team lead to recommendations and suggestions. Of course, you can have a million leads without any direct result, but the important takeaway for me is that time spent genuinely connecting and tryinh is never time wasted.
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’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
As I get older, I have found myself believing more strongly in who I chose to surround myself with. Not only as a creative, but just as a human. The people who surround you are the ones who influence you, inspire you, and admire you. I also find that the ability to trust your friends to push you and challenge you is so valuable. The friendships I build are ones that encourages each others successes, so I always try to pour energy into others the way I wish to receive it.
I believe a strong support system and positive outlook are the backbone of personal success.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
It has always been my dream to have a little art space. Half would be a gallery and studio space with classes, the other half would be a little cafe. I would have a small studio/cafe on a corner building in a city, with multiple floors for the different purpose spaces, and the top most floor is where I’d live. I’d love to create a space where art and creativity is open to the public, because for me the earliest days of finding art was through pottery classes at a local studio, and time spent with aunties sewing. There’s so much magic in creative learning whether it becomes a marketable skill or not.
The question was what would I stop doing, but all I know if that this is what I would start doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hazenguyen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jelly.hai/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haze-nguyen/
