Meet John (Viet-Triet) Nguyen | Multidisciplinary Graphic Designer and Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with John (Viet-Triet) Nguyen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John (Viet-Triet), how does your business help the community?
A lot of my work has been inspired by social justice. My hope is that my work represents voices and issues that need to be amplified. I think we are in a point in history where we, as a society, are lacking on raising awareness of various social issues as well as access to education and information. I think we can do a better job with taking time to learn as well as taking time to find the courage to advocate for others. That said, we also do a better job of spreading joy and celebrating whatever needs to be celebrated. So I hope we are taking pause to be joyful in our own ways.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is quite a mix of things and my level success is surely a roller coaster of a path and it is certainly not always easy. While the world can be a mean and scary place, it has become more accepting. I’ve learned that a good company/leader/business will want someone who will shake things up, not be a robot in a machine. So I’ve learned to “Stay Weird” because progress and growth requires refreshing with something new and unusual. The real genuine, authentic, people who care for the mission will prevail (over the types of people who only care about titles and profits of the business). I am excited and optimistic for the world to progress and become a better place. I know there are human beings out there who are *in it* for the right reasons and for the good intentions and they will lead us to a good direction while celebrating us on the way! For my art, you will see a lot of silly and geeky things because in order to to find joy, you need to “Let your freak flag fly” to release that weird part of you and not take things so seriously. That said, I will occasionally get serious when it comes to social justice as a lot of my work is inspired by social issues. A lesson I am reminded of is to make sure your cup is full and that you are recharging yourself. You can’t give to others, if your own cup is empty. Advocating for others and fighting for human rights can have its rewards but requires a lot of time/energy. Keep fighting for others! (But don’t forget to fight for yourself!) – I’ve just launched my online store: shop.viettriet.com

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?
A whole week with a bestie? What a gift! – I think it’s a good reminder to ALWAYS support your local restaurant, bars, and businesses! They are the heart of the community and the REAL sources of inspiration for those bigger businesses and companies, but they need more support and celebration! I am not a huge foodie, so I can’t pick specific places, but I love a good food hall offering me options! – I am a huge fan of Botanical Gardens so something like a Huntington Library in San Marino, CA or the Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton. I just love being in nature and learning about nature. While we are on the topic, I would also take my friend on a hike and one of the good ones in the area is the Peter’s Canyon in Orange, CA. I also think ANY museum is a win for everyone. In an effort to expand your mind and your perspective (regarding art, science, history, etc), there’s always something at museums to be learned or reminded of.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is really a tough question for me as there are really so many events and people that have contribute to my various accomplishments and help me become the kind of human I am today. (There are some runner ups including: Various organizations, that I’ve volunteer for, which have reminded me what the real important things in life are. My mind also goes to historical figure like Keith Haring, who used his art to change the world in defiant ways as well as joyful ways.) All said, the one person I must shout-out today is Harvey Milk, an American Politician who was the first openly gay man to be elected in public office in California, as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. He fought for all people in the community especially for LGBTQ+ community in genuine, loving and defiant ways. He helped pass a gay rights ordinance for the city of San Francisco that prohibited anti-gay discrimination in housing and employment. Harvey also exuded a positive spirit and attitude that we can all learn to evoke in our daily lives. It’s incredibly inspiring and should encourage all people to make positive impacts of their own.

Website: https://viettriet.com

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

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

Twitter: https://bsky.app/profile/viettriet.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnviettriet/

Other: • Online Store – https://shop.viettriet.com

• Behance – https://www.behance.net/viettriet

Image Credits
Chuck Pebenito, Photographer – (http://www.chuckpebenito.com)