Meet Justin Tran

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Tran.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, I moved to San Francisco in 2016, where I currently work as an illustrator. Previously, I was a student at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

Has it been a smooth road?
Prior to enrolling in art school, there was definitely a subtle but looming sense of discomfort in thinking about what was to become of my post-graduation life. I knew I had some proficiency in drawing but wasn’t sure how to apply those skills. Moving to Richmond for college and living independently for the first time in my life naturally allowed me to explore and discover new and evolving applications for illustration in general. Even art school itself felt a little bit like a hindrance on my growth as an illustrator; many of the tenured professors I had at VCU were simply out-of-touch with the current climate of illustration, clueless as to how illustration was being applied in today’s editorial and commercial contexts. I had to take it upon myself to do the most learning I could about the industry outside of the curriculum I was assigned; this meant researching the state of illustration as it was being applied in Richmond and getting involved with extracurricular organizations. For example, I found myself doing editorial illustration for my school’s newspaper and eventually began a working relationship with local magazines and agencies, a few of those that I still keep to this day even as I’m living on the other side of the country.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I handle my own freelance illustration practice alongside my full-time job as an illustrator in the Bay Area’s tech industry. My concentration is focused on editorial work for various print and web publications. One of my aims is to adjust and adapt my technical abilities to any editorial job, resulting in a portfolio that spans a few different styles.

You’re based in SF, but have ties to LA – please share a bit about that with us.
I’m not based in Los Angeles but maintain a tangible connection with the city and its vicinity through the presence of my family and living close enough to visit them frequently.

Contact Info:

• Website: iamjustintran.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/justintran
• Twitter: twitter.com/iamjustintran

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.