Tianna Duong

I attribute my success to the guidance, support, and encouragement I’ve received from the people around me. My teachers and professors instilled discipline, curiosity, and a love for learning, while the mentors at Gen.G have shown me how to apply creativity strategically in a professional setting. Above all, my parents provided unwavering support and belief in my career choice, which gave me the confidence to pursue ambitious goals. Their combined influence taught me that success is built through mentorship, encouragement, and persistence, and that multidisciplinary skills and passion flourish when nurtured by a supportive community.

The best advice I’ve ever received is that “your art is a business, and your business is your art.” That mindset changed everything. It taught me that creativity and professionalism aren’t opposites. They go hand-in-hand. Once I began treating each project as both an artistic expression and a strategic investment, opportunities grew naturally, helping me build long-term client relationships and lead visual storytelling projects.

I also learned from a storyboard artist at a convention that to truly sharpen your craft, you need to get out of school and pursue one-on-one mentorships, because public education often won’t provide the specialized skills you need for fields like 3D modeling or concept art. Finally, they advised that while traditional industries like film are shrinking, the game industry is thriving, and starting your own project is the best way to survive and grow in a creative career. This combined perspective has shaped how I approach both learning and professional growth, reinforcing the importance of mentorship, initiative, and strategy.

Your voice is essential. Don’t wait for permission to create, lead, or innovate. The worlds of art, animation, and gaming thrive on diverse perspectives, and your experiences make your work unique. Break perfectionism as early as possible. Allow yourself to experiment, make mistakes, and be expressive without fear of judgment. Build your craft, cultivate your business instincts, and seek mentors who can guide and challenge you. Most importantly, trust your value. Your creativity deserves recognition, compensation, and respect. Surround yourself with a support system, whether family, a partner, or mentors, to help you navigate challenges and opportunities while remaining authentic and bold in your work.

One of the biggest challenges for artists today is making creativity a sustainable career. Many emerging and independent artists struggle to turn their passion into a profession because traditional pathways often undervalue creative talent. At the same time, the opportunities are greater than ever: global connectivity, digital platforms, and new creative markets allow multidisciplinary artists to build personal brands, grow professionally, and share their work with global audiences. Success now belongs to those who combine artistic excellence, entrepreneurial skills, and a commitment to continuous learning, proving that creativity can thrive as both a meaningful and financially viable career path.

The values I hold most important are connection and impact. Connection drives my creative work by reminding me that art has the power to bring people together, spark empathy, and celebrate diverse perspectives. Impact guides every project I take on—I aim to create work that inspires, educates, and empowers others, helping the next generation of artists see that creativity can be both meaningful and a sustainable career. Together, these values shape how I approach my art, collaborations, and personal growth, ensuring that my work leaves a positive mark on audiences and the creative community.