MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Thanh Tran is a senior pursuing a BFA in Graphic Design with minors in Graphic Novels and Animation. Throughout his undergraduate years, he has worked with organizations such as the Vietnamese Student Association at MSU, Big Bad Boo Studios in New York, and Apex KK in Tokyo. Thanh approaches each project with careful consideration for the communities he designs for, immersing himself into the research process to ensure each element is intentional. This may involve surveying audiences or studying cultural references to better understand the project’s needs and values. His goal is to create designs that not only function well but also build connections with the people they serve and push the boundaries of what design can achieve.
WHO IS SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO IN YOUR FIELD?
There are so many professionals, professors, and peers whose work that I am inspired by. However, the designers that I find myself returning to are Karin Fong for her motion design, Jessica Hische for her personal branding, and Giorgia Lupi for her intricate storytelling.
WHAT ARE YOU READING, LISTENING TO, WATCHING?
I read a lot of Asian and Asian-American literature like The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui and recently Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi. Reading is my form of self-care, allowing me to immerse myself in stories I can relate to.
DO YOU CURRENTLY DESIGN FOR ANY CAUSES OR CHARITIES?
I absolutely want to be involved in social and humanitarian change whether it is through my design work or volunteering. When I began working for James Madison College, I grew more interested in global news and journalism. I’ve had the chance to meet people ranging from environmental activists to student journalists, all of whom have further sparked my interest.
