Meet Van Vu Dat Nguyen | 3D Artist & Technical Artist

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

Hi Van Vu Dat, why did you pursue a creative career?
When I was young, my family didn’t have much, but we had stories. My parents would tell me tales of their struggles and triumphs, painting vivid pictures of hope, resilience, and imagination. Those stories taught me early on that creativity wasn’t just for entertainment; it was a means of survival, a way to dream of a better world even in difficult times.

One memory stands out. I was maybe 7 years old, sitting in our living room, watching an animated film for the first time. The world on the screen was vibrant and alive, bursting with colors and emotions I’d never seen before. It felt like someone had reached into my heart and shown me a reflection of the stories I’d been imagining my whole life. I didn’t just want to watch that magic—I wanted to create it.

I chose this path because I believe art, especially animation, has a unique power to inspire, move, and unite people. Whether it’s creating assets for a game that allows someone to step into another world or an animation that explains a complex idea, I love being part of something that communicates beyond words.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I decided to pursue my passion for animation in high school, I had no mentor, guidance, or family members in creative careers to show me the way. Everything I learned—whether it was 3D modeling, texturing, or animation—came from hours of self-teaching through YouTube tutorials. With determination and hard work, I built a portfolio strong enough to apply to colleges in the U.S., hoping to turn my dream into reality.

The journey, however, wasn’t without challenges. I met language barrier. Navigating standardized tests like the SAT and TOEFL was particularly tough for me, and despite my efforts, I wasn’t able to secure the scholarships I needed. Instead of giving up, I found another way forward—I enrolled in a community college to save on tuition and continue working toward my goal.

Community college wasn’t the most creatively stimulating environment, but it taught me the value of perseverance. Every time I felt discouraged, I reminded myself of my passion for animation and my vision of the future. That drive kept me going, and eventually, I earned a scholarship to transfer to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)—the school I had always dreamed of attending.

At SCAD, I faced new challenges. As someone who wasn’t fluent in English and didn’t excel at networking, I decided to let my work speak for me. I poured all my energy into honing my craft and producing the highest quality work I could. My dedication paid off. I earned a strong reputation for my skills and was invited to collaborate on numerous projects, both during my time at SCAD and with studios after graduation.

In the end, I graduated with a 4.0 GPA and a portfolio that opened doors to incredible opportunities. My journey taught me that success isn’t just about talent. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and a relentless belief in your own potential.

Today, I’m proud to be living my dream as a 3D artist, and I hope my story inspires others to believe that with hard work and perseverance, even the most difficult challenges can become stepping stones to greatness.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a food enthusiast, I’d take them to explore some of my favorite restaurants:

– Soonheene Twozone Chicken: Famous for their crispy, flavorful fried chicken—perfect for anyone craving something savory and satisfying.

– Salju Dessert: A great place to satisfy your sweet tooth with creative and refreshing Asian-inspired desserts, like bingsu and che.

– Akasaka Restaurant: A popular spot for a variety of delicious dishes, known for their grilled meats and rice options.

– Quan Vy Da Restaurant: A cozy restaurant that serves up delicious and authentic Vietnamese comfort food. Their bun bo hue and pho are highly recommended!

– Oc Lau: Perfect for seafood lovers, especially those who enjoy trying snails and other fresh dishes with bold flavors.

– Com Tam Kieu Restaurant: A must-visit for anyone craving authentic Vietnamese cơm tấm (broken rice). Their dishes are packed with flavor, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal.

– Tiem Tap Hoa Tuoi Tho: A great spot for street food lovers, offering a variety of tasty and authentic Vietnamese snacks. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some quick and flavorful bites.

– Grandpa’s Kitchen Grill: This spot has transformed into a Vietnamese street food haven. They’ve moved away from grilled meat and now serve an array of tasty street food options, making it the perfect place to experience casual, flavorful dishes.

– Vietnamese Night Market: If you’re in town during the right season, the Vietnamese Night Market offers a vibrant atmosphere with food vendors, live entertainment, and plenty of delicious street food to sample.

– Chubby Cattle: Known for its hot pot offerings and unique dishes, this spot adds a fun twist to the traditional dining experience, perfect for those looking for a lively, interactive meal.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Throughout my journey, there have been countless sources of inspiration and support that have shaped who I am today, even in unexpected ways.

First, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my parents. While they didn’t have experience in creative fields and couldn’t provide direct guidance, their unwavering support and sacrifices gave me the foundation to pursue my dreams.

I also want to recognize one of my professors at SCAD, Bernardo Warman, for sharing a story that left a lasting impact on me. He told us about an Indian animator who worked for Disney. Despite not speaking English and working in an environment where employees were often replaced, this animator remained with Disney for decades due to his exceptional craftsmanship and dedication. That story inspired me to focus on letting my work speak for itself. It also gave me the confidence to contribute more actively during animation dailies by giving thoughtful feedback to my classmates, which helped me grow as both an artist and a collaborator.

Website: https://www.vandatnguyen.com/

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

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