Bao Quyen Phan Tran (Niky)
Illustrator / Co-Founder of Digital Creative Marketing
Prague, Czechia
www.tbaoquyen.com
instagram @tbaoquyen
Q What do you do?
“As an individual, I am passionate about illustration and mural art, and my ultimate goal is to use my skills to bring people and communities closer together.”
With a background in marketing, I believe that art can be a powerful tool for bridging the gap between Western and Asian cultures. Being born into the Vietnamese diaspora has also inspired me to promote cross-cultural exchange through my work.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Even though my background is originally in marketing, it has helped me a lot to promote my work through social media, which gave me confidence and more opportunities as an artist to work in interesting commissions and collaborations. After finishing my Bachelor's in Digital Marketing, I pursued a Master's degree in Future Design, which helped me to take a whole another approach to illustration and art in overall.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I believe that my distinctive signature in illustrations, influenced by Asian art, sets me apart from others. As a result, I frequently create murals for interior walls, particularly in Asian restaurants. Additionally, as a co-founder of a marketing agency, I possess the unique ability to infuse art with a marketing perspective, which can be a plus for my clients."
Q What are you working on right now?
Currently, I'm working on my Master's degree final project ""The Mulard""—an educational card collection designed to actively engage, inform, and educate second-generation Vietnamese immigrants about their heritage. Inspired by my personal experiences, these cards provide an accessible way to explore and learn more about Vietnamese culture.
The project's name , ""The Mulard"" (vịt lai ngan), stems from how my parents used to address me in my childhood. It combines two types of domestic ducks and initially held a negative connotation when used to describe my limited understanding of Vietnamese. However, I have embraced this nickname, seeing it as a representation of my cultural hybridity and connection to both Vietnamese heritage and my birth country. As a ""mulard,"" I acknowledge that I don't possess complete cultural knowledge of either side, but rather embody the cultural identity of those with mixed heritage and a link to Vietnamese roots.
More about the project here!
Q What’s your style?
I would say that my style is very Asian - you can see and feel it just by having a glance it. That doesn't mean that I am not open to non-Asian related commissions though. It's just something that's definitely closer to me. Additionally, my style is characterized by its femininity, softness, and a touch of fantasy. I enjoy incorporating textures and patterns, often drawing inspiration from mythology and symbols. Including lineart is also an essential element in my illustrations.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I wish I could simply focus more on what I love the most - which is illustration. :) Additionally, I would like to learn more basics of animation to bring more life to my illustrations.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Sending e-mails to new potential clients is the most challenging right now for me.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would definitely hire someone to do video content on my social media for me!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
When I was in high school and graduated from Art - I got B from it and was utterly disappointed that the only subject I was most confident didn't end with top results. At that time I felt like my whole world collapsed and I didn't want to do Art ever again. If I could go back, I would tell myself how stupid it was to have this kind of approach and that this experience was only a lesson and I should move forward a polish my skills even more instead of feeling sorry for myself.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
It would be how to keep going and keep myself inspired even though you're having an art block, but work as a full-time creative, so you cannot afford to "not work". :D
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Illustrations in print are the biggest dream for me - books, magazines, etc. I also love doing commercial illustration since I love marketing campaigns as well.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
The best collaboration I've experienced was with Puma. Their approach and communication was very punctual and professional. They also trusted my style so they let me do it completely according to how I wanted. Thanks to them, I was able to push my boundaries even more and tried a frame to frame animation with using an AR app Artivive.
Q What is your rate?
My service is rated usually 34 euros per hour, so it really depends on how complex the design is. One illustration usually takes me around 10 hours. Then if there is a client with a specific budget, we can always negotiate about the price - I am open to all suggestions. :)
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
The best way how to communicate with me is my e-mail: tbaoquyen@gmail.com
instagram
Q Who is a creative you admire?
My favourite friends and artists are:
Lan Vy, a graphic designer and illustrator, that always helps me whenever it comes to some graphic design work. Since I am totally lost in Adobe Illustrator, collaborating with her makes my life a whole lot easier!
Nanimation Studio, a motion graphics designer. She is absolutely amazing in animation and drawing as well! Her work has beautiful movements and original ideas!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Coffee, Going out, Sleep, Books, Instagram, Anime
This member profile was originally published in July 2023