Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Truong.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
In the Fall of 2018, I decided to turn my hobby into a profession. I’ve always enjoyed painting and drawing since childhood, and I’ve been showing my work here and there for the past few years, but never committed to being an artist full time. Then, I had a child. I chose to have a baby at a time in my life when our finances and careers was in a good place so I could be a fully present mother and be the one to raise my baby through every milestone. After 12 weeks of maternity leave, I went back to my job in Human Resources. Balancing a full-time job, taking care of a new baby, and creating art on the side wasn’t working out the way I envisioned. When I was at work, I couldn’t stop dreaming about my unlived life. I realized I wasn’t living the life I wanted and never pursued a career in the arts because of fear. I was afraid of what people would think of my creations. I was afraid of disappointing my family. I was afraid of the stigma and instability of being a “starving” artist. I was afraid of not being good enough. Eventually, I got tired of dreaming and wanted to make it happen, so I made the jump. I quit my 9 to 5 job to focus on being a mom and to develop a career as an artist. Now, I proudly choose to embrace the artist in me and am determined to make it work to be a role model to my son. I want to show him that if you’re passionate about something, it takes work and patience to grow it, so do not give up until you’ve given it all you’ve got, or else you’ll never know your full potential.
Please tell us about your art.
I paint, draw, and live vicariously through Dream Bird. Dream Bird is a character I created. It depicts the life I aspire to live. Dream Bird has closed eyes and is in grayscale to represent its constant state of dreaming, like it’s sleeping. Dream Bird lives in another world which I paint using colorful whimsy compositions. The words and phrases in my artwork are called “Dream Bird Mantras.” The mantras are things I tell myself to get through the day. They are inspired by lessons learned from personal experiences and advice that’s helped me navigate life. Painting the words is a process for ingraining the mantra into my head. They’re my daily reminders for how to live a happy life. I choose to share what has helped me in hopes of helping others.
I use acrylic paint on canvas, and now I’m experimenting with going digital by learning to draw on an iPad. I’ve been told my work has graphic design qualities to it, so I plan on integrating more design techniques into my practice. One technique I’m learning is lettering so I can refine the visual messages my art encompasses.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
My advice to other artists is to be genuine in anything you create. This means putting a piece of you in everything you make, even if its client or commercial work. Make what you believe in to stay true to yourself, so you don’t become jaded.
I believe in supporting one another instead of seeing each other as competition. Having a positive attitude and empowering others instead of knocking down their hustle will get you a long way and help you gain the support you need to develop a sustainable career.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Lately, I’ve been showing my work at markets and pop-ups around town. I currently have artwork hanging up at Adore Dentistry in the Heights. The prints at Adore Dentistry are for sale with a portion of the proceeds being donated to a local non-profit. I’m always looking for opportunities to show my work, so please reach out if you’re interested in having me. I’m also focusing on selling my art online, so go to my website, neatcaroline.com to shop. The best way to support me is to follow my Instagram @carolinetruong_artist for updates on my next event and latest creations.
Contact Info:
- Website: neatcaroline.com
- Email: carolntruong@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/carolinetruong_artist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neatcaroline
Image Credit:
Caroline Truong
Van Trinh
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