Meet visual artist and graphic designer from Hanoi, Lucia Pham

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Lucia, it comes from the Latin word Lux meaning ‘light’. I am an independent visual artist and graphic designer from Vietnam. I love food, glitter things and fashion. I love sunshine and always go outside to work on a sunny day. Because beautiful weather always makes me happy and inspired to compose more.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

I was born and raised in Hanoi. My city is very beautiful, especially in late fall and early winter (when I’m typing these words :D). The weather is nice, so no matter how lazy I want to go out.

I love Hanoi and I think if I had to choose, I wouldn’t live anywhere else.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

I think there is no best and no worst. I love Hanoi and I think if I had to choose, I wouldn’t live anywhere else. Because this is where I was born and raised. This place is my hometown, with my parents, relatives and friends. In addition, Hanoi’s cuisine is too delicious.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Independent, Hard-working and Open-minded.

I really love this path, and sometimes thank myself for being persistent until now. I think I made the right choice and I will never regret my determination!

How did you start your career in art?

I have been fascinated by manga and anime/cartoon since I was a child and they have had a huge impact on me all my life, not just in my artistic career. I read manga very early and practiced drawing all the frames I saw, drawing all the characters I loved, and also memorizing each frame. I drew before I could write. The first manga I read was Ōke no Monshō, so my style was always a bit influenced by the ’80s style. I graduated from Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts, majoring in graphic design. During college, I thought a lot about what I would do in the future, and who I would become. In the last years, I just determined the path I want to go and love.

I really love this path, and sometimes thank myself for being persistent until now. I think I made the right choice and I will never regret my determination!

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

Everyone now supports, but not before. To be honest, even I do have wavering moments. When I was in 12th grade, I almost gave up going to Fine Arts school to learn Japanese. But then my mother encouraged me, she said that I have been drawing for a long time, so it would be a pity if I didn’t try. It reassured me, and I succeeded!

My dream and also my goal is to have my own studio.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

My dream and also my goal is to have my own studio. I’m an independent artist, so I want to do it all myself. My studio will sell stationery products that I design. I want to appear in many international exhibitions. I had a joint exhibition with other artists in China this year, but I couldn’t attend. I also want to open a solo exhibition in Hanoi and Saigon.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

There are many artists, singers, musicians, actors that I love, and that is an endless source of inspiration for me. Especially music. I listen to music while working and it is part of my art style. If possible, I would like to collaborate with Mrs. Green Apple (Japanese rock band) and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (Japanese singer).

The women around me are always very strong, hardworking and active. Many friends and colleagues in the same industry always inspire me.

How would you describe the women around you?

The women around me are always very strong, hardworking and active. Many friends and colleagues in the same industry always inspire me.

What are the biggest challenges you face in working as a creative?

I think that’s myself. I draw every day, and I always want today to draw better, more beautiful, more meaningful than yesterday. When I create beautiful work, I am happy and motivated, but at the same time worrying that in the future will I be able to draw something better?

Self-discipline, hard-work and patience! I think these qualities are necessary in any profession, but in art/design, it is even more necessary.

Do you have any advice for other women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Self-discipline, hard-work and patience! I think these qualities are necessary in any profession, but in art/design, it is even more necessary. Your skills need to be trained and continuously improved. It takes time for your works to be accepted by the client/public. This is not an easy job when there are many talented artists in the big world. If you are not self-disciplined and hard-working, they will never be able to remember your name. If you are not patient, the results will not come to you. Always try and think positively because this is something you love, and you want to do it!

Photos courtesy of Lucia Pham