Artist Highlight: Jessica Nguyen
Our new Artist Highlight series will introduce you to the minds behind our city’s thriving art scene: read on for inspiration!
Photo by Travis Young
Artist Jessica Nguyen, a graduate of the University of Missouri’s graphic design program, has made a name for herself with bold, bright graphics filled with immense detail and storytelling. She strives to use graphic design to grow her relationships and create a positive impact on people she would not usually meet. Read on to learn more about her process:
When did you get your start in the arts? :
I was always a creative kid but mainly focused on academics. It wasn’t until college that I realized I wanted to do something in the arts as my career. I just didn’t know what, so I randomly signed myself up for a graphic design class. Fast forward, I am now the lead graphic designer for Cafê Cà Phê.
What mediums do you work with?
My medium is mainly graphic design! I enjoy using different mediums though. I feel like my art gets stale if I use one medium too long. I love using gouache every once in a while, photography, and trying to do embroidery (I really don’t have time for this one).
Which works are you most proud of?
My favorite works of art are always changing. I’m always trying to better myself and my art so I am always changing my mind on which one is my favorite. Currently it is a poster I designed for the year anniversary of Café Cà Phê’s brick and mortar. It not only was meaningful that we hit our one year mark, but I challenged myself to literally paint the tree on Procreate. Like I don’t be painting realistic. It’s not my favorite thing to do, but I like to push my comfort zone sometimes. The work shows the coffee shop as if it were in the Studio Ghibli world. I wanted to make sure to respect the art that is Studio Ghibli, so I of course had to paint the tree on Procreate. The backgrounds of these animated films are always in a realistic painted style. I also wanted to include as many characters in the poster as possible because in my mind, they love our coffee. It felt so nostalgic creating this piece of work since I grew up on the movies. My older sister introduced me to it and I’ve loved them ever since. Illustration is always fun for me and I truly wanted to push my boundaries in how detailed I could make the piece.
Photo by Lauren Pusateri.
What influences your art?
What influences my art is the people who I love, the art I see every day as I experience life, my explore page on my graphic design Instagram account, and Behance/Dieline.
How did you begin to make the leap from creating art for yourself to creating art for brands and to sell?
It honestly started with Café Cà Phê, but it was by a lucky chance. Originally, I wasn’t even trying to network. One day, I cold emailed Jackie Nguyen (owner of Cafê Cà Phê) asking if she needed any design help for their first Lunar New Year event last year. Their coffeeshop’s values, mission and vibe really aligned with everything I believe in. I am also a first gen Vietnamese American artist, and felt at home with the coffeeshop. By reaching out, I just wanted to help. Shortly after reaching out, I designed a poster for the event, and realized people actually enjoyed my art. From then, I started to grow the confidence of creating art for others.
Any tips for other artists trying to make that move?
The leap does not have to be as scary as you think it is. I have met so many kind independent artists who are also trying to sell their art and are always on the grind. Seeing this kind of energy made me feel a little less alone and a little more confident in starting that hustle. They also have given me so much advice and encouragement. Having a community who supports you is wonderful and friendly competition never hurt anyone.
You lead much of the design work for Cafe ca Phe-- can you tell us about your role there and how your time with the team has influenced you?
My current role is Co-Art Director and Lead Designer at Café Cà Phê. I usually design most of the graphics you see on Instagram, and recently some of the merch! I also work with the other art director, Xay Vongxay, and Jackie Nguyen, the owner, on photoshoots, aesthetics, and themes for events and design related to the coffee shop. Everybody there is a hustler (in the good way) and most are also independent artists. The Cá Phê people are the most creative, hard working, unique, and loving people i know. Their energy always boosts me to continue the hustle and be inspired.
What else do you love about being part of the KC art community? And what are the challenges?
I still have yet to explore all of the KC art community, and can’t wait to get to know more dope people. So far everyone has been so supporting of each other and so cool! I love seeing each personality in each art style. I think the challenges I feel the KC art community still has is the diversity aspect, especially with graphic design. I want to see more BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ designers! Doing art as your career is such a privilege, which plays into why there are not many minorities who even get the chance to explore this longterm. If you do have the chance however, take it! (And please hit me up because I would love to be friends.)
