Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan Nguyen.
Dan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a multidisciplinary artist, and a first-generation Vietnamese American; born in Riverside, CA and raised in Los Angeles. My childhood was laced with the duality of two cultures, and it made me who I am today.
My family was quite traditional at the time, ensuring that my English was perfect at an early age, and while in an effort to retain my Vietnamese roots, demanded that only our mother language be spoken inside the house. Although no one in my family supported my artistic endeavors (they wanted me to be a doctor, surprise), I continued pursuing my passion until this very day.
I started drawing in preschool, and one of my earliest “works” as I remember, was a giant dinosaur shooting eye lasers at a police helicopter. I’m ambidextrous but I write and draw with my left hand. As a child, my mom tried to get me to switch hands, because left-handers were considered “weird” in South East Asian culture; she continually apologizes to this day for her misconception, as I continue to be my weird self.
While I kept it traditionally Vietnamese inside the home, once I stepped outside, I was immersed in various subcultures: hip hop, bboying, graffiti, BMX, the rave scene, street racing, fashion and Azn gang life. At the start of middle school, I began to intertwine my artwork and style into these communities, eventually developing a reputation in my city.
Once high school had begun, I had already been selling my artwork and saved up enough money to buy my first pair of turntables. Soon came mixtapes, winning rap battles, DJing parties, making beats and playing in bands. At this time, I had also picked up sewing from my mother and had started “remixing” clothes and accessories to wear, because I need to express myself thoroughly through my style. I would take vintage pants and rework them into giant sized jeans, with six cargo pockets, zippered flares, and hanging straps. DIY fashion was a big part of the rave scene and hip-hop community at that time.
In college, I started my own brand with a few friends and started heavily making custom shirts. We were stocked in stores all over the US, celebrities and artists started wearing our clothes as well. We eventually got burnt out and lost interest. I also got tired of the constant partying and “networking” that was prevalent in streetwear culture at the time.
My artwork at this point had found its way into galleries and museums in California. Exhibiting and showing my work was a blessing, but after a few years of bureaucratic BS, I got disenchanted with all the systemic problems wrought by a disconnected establishment. I then made a spontaneous trip to Central America ended up living there for a few months, living in the forest with no electricity, and also painting murals and appearing in the Panamanian Biennial.
After returning to LA, some friends and myself started Beat Cinema – a biweekly showcase of up and coming music artists playing alongside established acts. We are currently on our 10th year operating.
In 2011, I spontaneously moved to Vietnam. I wanted to connect with my roots and learn about my culture first hand. I ended up staying for ten years, working in the music, art and fashion industry. By the time I had left, I had worked w Samsung, Adidas, Hennessy, Pepsi and countless other large brands, and smaller, independent underground entities.
I moved back to Los Angeles last year, and somehow became the first Vietnamese DJ / Producer to play the Coachella Arts & Music Festival. I’m still in shock. Today I’m freelancing as an art director, sound designer, curator, creative consultant, and painting murals / illustrating.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Struggles since childhood were my family, mostly my dad, not understanding what a career in the arts could bring. In his mind, the arts wouldn’t afford a stable financial future. I had many conflicts with my family, fighting for my right to express myself, to follow the arts. Every accomplishment I had in my career was layered with guilt and doubtful questions, like “am I doing the right thing?”
Finally, about five years ago, my parents read a translated interview of mine in Vietnamese GQ magazine. The interview talked about who I am, my life philosophy, my drive and motivation; and for the first time in my life, they said they were proud of me. Now they can’t stop talking about me to their friends lol.
Nowadays, my struggles come from time management, wacky clients, systematic racism, and traffic – you know, basic LA stuff lol.
DemonSlayer – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
To generalize, I am known for being an art director, a visual artist, and a music producer / DJ. Within each category lies many more roles and positions I have filled and still work fulfill. I am a creative consultant for a few brands; they call me when they want to know if what they are doing is particularly “hip” or “non-appropriating’. I curate events and parties in LA and throughout Asia, with international artists and brands. I produce and release music on record labels. I put together art exhibitions with my crew Bloody Gums. I still paint street art and graffiti. I write scripts, I write copy, to name a few.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Being the first Vietnamese DJ / producer to play the Coachella Arts & Music Festival is definitely a career highlight.
My parents finally understanding and accepting my career in the arts is a huge relief. I can finally create without guilt, although mainstream society still has ignorant notions about what an artist’s life is about.
The younger generation often reaches out to me, asking for advice and guidance in following their dreams. I enjoy this, as I feel it is my responsibility to aid the next “wave” of creatives. I often give lectures and workshops as part of my contribution to the greater good.
I am also proud of my continual showcasing of Vietnamese culture to the world, it is not an easy task but I enjoy the journey, and I won’t stop.
Last but not least, I’m also quite fond of my ability to remain at peace, and not being jaded by the “industry” or humans in general 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: http://dan-nguyen.com
- Email: mail@dan-nguyen.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/demonslayer__
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/dmnslyr
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/dmnslyr
Image Credit:
Willie High
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