Meet Diane Nguyen | Creative Director & Mischief Maker

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

Hi Diane, how do you think about risk?
My life mantra has always been “Wouldn’t it be fun if…?”

Whether it’s buying a flamethrower (yes, really), carving sculptures out of vegetables, traveling abroad for a year, or working independently, I embrace the unexpected. This mindset has shaped my career in remarkable ways, giving me the confidence to transition from stable positions to freelancing with major studios like Paramount and Netflix. These bold moves have led to significant achievements – from earning industry recognition for my professional work to watching my clothes made out of Taco Bell wrappers go viral. Even when outcomes aren’t perfect, they provide valuable lessons and better stories. These experiences have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of trusting my creative instincts, all of which have become fundamental to my success as a creative director. I believe following your curiosity reveals opportunities you might never have discovered otherwise.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career blends commercial projects with unexpected creative pursuits. I’ve designed key art for major films like X-Men: Days of Future Past, Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Wars, while also exploring quirkier projects like vegetable sculptural art or marketing materials for a cum sponge company (yeah, you read that right). I’ve never been good at staying in one lane, and honestly, that’s probably what makes my work interesting. Curiosity is my drive.

The journey wasn’t straightforward. I started at an agency with the typical fast turnarounds, demanding clients, and dinner-at-desk lifestyle. Though challenging, it built my foundation. After being recruited by Disney, I got a taste of that cushy corporate life. Nice benefits, stable schedule – but something felt off. Like wearing shoes that look perfect but pinch your toes. Leaving that security for freelancing was a leap of faith, with its share of nights when I questioned all my life choices. But those challenges taught me to embrace creativity not just in what I make, but in how to approach opprtunities despite the fear. Now, as a digital nomad, I find inspiration in constant change.

What I want people to know about my story is that creativity thrives outside of conventional boundaries. My work isn’t about following trends; my best ideas come from asking “What if?” and letting inspiration guide me, whether that’s for a Hollywood project or an art form I’ve never tried before. Now, I’m pushing myself to take on more leadership roles as well as persue interdisciplinary projects that blend my love for design with hands-on art forms.

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?
I love wandering cities aimlessly, discovering hidden gems when you’re not looking for them. We’d explore and walk around my favorite LA neighborhoods and eat until we burst. Obviously, we’d have to stop for a meal at the family restaurant, Kaizen Shabu—it’s the best! That’s my totally unbiased (maybe slightly biased) opinion. I know this interview is about me, but I can’t help but brag about what my brother has created. I’m so proud of him. It’s great food, a trendy setting, and non-serious vibes. For example, we do this hilarious thing called ‘takoyaki roulette’ – one piece secretly loaded with wasabi. Watching people play this game never gets old.

Then I’ll host an oyster and seafood party at a friend’s house so they can meet my circle. I love throwing these because it brings together all these amazing people from different corners of my life. There’s something weirdly liberating about everyone tossing their oyster shells into the rose bushes afterward – it feels a little wild, a little hedonistic, and perfectly captures that LA weirdo energy I love.

To end the week with some magic (literally), we’d snag a night at the Magic Castle. It’s one of my favorite places in LA and I love taking people there for the first time. Lastly, to commemorate it all, I’ve got this tattoo machine I bought off the internet… Not totally serious about giving a permanent souvenir, but wouldn’t it be fun if…?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m incredibly grateful for the remarkable people I’ve met throughout my journey—friends, mentors, colleagues, and even those brief but brilliant connections inside an Uber have pushed me. Their support has been invaluable.

Brené Brown’s book “Daring Greatly” deserves special recognition. I discovered it during a pivotal time, and it transformed my understanding of vulnerability and courage, both personally and professionally. It gave me the confidence to pursue freelancing, which eventually led to my current success as a digital nomad.
Showing up despite uncertainty has guided many of my decisions, leading to some of my most rewarding experiences.

Website: https://www.macaronipics.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianesaurus/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianesaurus/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kaizen-shabu-santa-ana

Image Credits
@jessicaczarneckicreative
@dripofink_
Disney
Lucas Film
Fox
Kaizen Shabu