Toy Designer and Commerce Student from Vancouver, Canada

Although Art and Commerce are completely different fields, you’ve got to be creative and extremely diligent to do well in both!

I began creating custom artwork work for customers at the age of 16. I started with markers in sketchbooks, then moved to painting and printing on textiles and canvas, and now I almost exclusively work with vinyl figurines. I have undertaken everything from motion and print design to fine art, however, I have found my passion in customizing high-end designer toys for collectors.

As every toy designer has experienced, the customizing process can be grueling and challenging but the end result makes these sacrifices worthwhile. I begin with a base model(usually a blank DIY from Kidrobot) and start the design process by harmonizing the client’s vision with that of my own through a detailed mock-up. This part is the most interesting because I get to dream big and come up with ideas that are crazy and sometimes near impossible to execute. Before painting, I often modify the figure to add extra depth and dynamics with Sculptey, Dremels, and sanding- this can be a very rigorous process. I then paint on the base, outline, fill, and then detail detail and detail. I always aim to make each one look better, more beautiful, even cooler than anything I’ve ever done before. I believe each piece must look aesthetically balanced; there will always be something eye-catching or engaging to look at from every angle. I take a lot of pride in my work and will go through extremes to ensure that I don’t compromise quality and craftsmanship just to meet a deadline.

I’ve happily created and delivered over 50 finely detailed hand-painted pieces for collectors around the world. I even had the pleasure of designing a production vinyl figure for NY fashion company Nooka, and displayed my work at the Dreamworks Fine Art Gallery. Aside from toy design I enjoy developing brand identity; creating promotional material for a variety of clients including musicians, small businesses, and student groups such as UBC Thunderbird Robotics. Among the non-art related hobbies, I love gaming(SC2 & DoTA2), reading, swimming, rollerblading, and playing soccer & basketball.

I must credit those whose creativity and success have inspired me the most: Shigenori Iwasaki, Markie Darkie, Peter Jaworowski, Gary Baseman, as well as many other talented members of the custom vinyl community. Some of my favourite customizers include: Reactor88, Grimsheep, Rsinart, Hugh Rose, Don P, David Bishop.

I am currently working on a variety of vinyl toy projects, and plan to release pre-made customs for June 1st, 2013. These will be one-of-a-kind hand-painted & sculpted pieces that will be made available through my online shop.

Please don’t hesitate to say hello-you can even add me on Facebook!
hello@nenanguyen.ca

Featured on: Vinyl Pulse, Tenacious Toys, Battle of the Mascots, Vinyl Attack, Behance, Trampt, deviantART