02 JIN NGUYEN Jin Nguyen is one of the graphic and visual designers that has a great impact on the streetwear community in Vietnam today He is behind the success of such local brands: Hanoi-Riot, Anarchy Acc and he also used to be the leader for Kenh14’s design team In this interview for SNKRVN’s 3rd digital publication, Jin and us went back to the past to learn about the journey of becoming a designer like he is today We talked about design, fashion, science and, most importantly, how these elements shaped Jin’s own style of creativity and design Is there any connection between fashion and Jin’s designs? Is his fashion style also showing his statement in design? Let’s find out to better understand other shades of colors of Jin - a name that is always eager to create and seek new experiences 03 How would you describe your style? I don’t think I have a fixed design style, and I really don’t think this is a bad thing in design” The job of designing is to make the appropriate product with the right purpose and needs of the briefs, the customers’ requirements, the need to have a style that is too clear, dry and not flexible will make yourself limited options when facing a new topic And if talking about my personal interests, I recently interest in contemporary graphic design, challenge myself a little with 3D and am studying more about typography - an array I don’t think I have enough knowledge or experience What and who has influenced your designs and creations throughout the years? Perhaps due to my stubborn personality, I didn’t study hard when I was in school At that time, I was too confident in my ability so I always skipped school, by the deadline I would my own research and homework Although at present time, it was regrettable that I didn’t work harder; but in return, had to learn everything by myself creates a habit: if I don’t know or need to something, I’ll go research online on my own That’s why it is quite difficult to point out the exact names of people who have a great influence on me - I don’t watch too much or monument someone in the design industry, because I wander a lot In addition to design, there are some artists I really like in the illustration section: James Jean, Sachin Teng 04 Is there any other reason behind your personal image that is always associated with black and monotonous colors? Actually, I don’t have much reason but black is a very safe option The design for external projects is not discussed because it depends on their requirements; but to me personally, it’s been a few years, using black simply because lazy Beautiful and classic black, it is also really and sometimes too safe For a person who observes a lot and likes various things at once like me, to ensure safety and doesn’t look too outof-the-ordinary in everyday situations, I often choose black It is known that you also enjoy science despite doing art Do you think science has an impact on your design? I think science is an indispensable part of art in general because as I said, art reflects life and life changed by science Especially in design, work requires you to apply and balance your eyes on art and thinking to solve problems so that you can give a visual solution The essence of design is not to express your self-esteem, but to serve, to “solve the mathematically assigned problem” with images - I think this is the biggest difference between design and fine art Therefore, except for the live applications emerging today like AR or VR, having interests in science helps you think more logically, and to me that is very important in doing design 05 06 What are your ideas inspired by when it comes to designing for Hanoi-Riot? Designing for Hanoi-Riot first days is simply based on what is trending, since the original Riot is determined to be fast fashion so the first thing to meet is the right taste at the time and “the trend” Later, after working deeper as partner and rebuilding the foundation for Riot, we had a firm design direction which is the Warrior spirit The design of Riot can be whatever, but the one who wears it must always feel like a warrior, always in a state of “ready to fight” It’s not my own concept but I’ve inherited from the people laid the foundation for Riot and we chose to respect and follow that direction What is your intention and vision for Hanoi-Riot in the future? In terms of business and vision, Riot’s future plans are huge On my side, the person who takes on the image, I want to reform the image of Riot in a consistent way Riot pursued a rather difficult model, with a rebellious direction, futuristic, it doesn’t have many models to example and learn from like other styles such as menswear, vintage, etc And this is the concept I inherited from previous art director, which I’m still not satisfied with the design I’m producing, I want to find a more compatible and clearer general picture for Riot 07 In the last few years, these two sections have slowed down a bit because I spend a lot of time on my work In upcoming years, I want to have more time for these two areas and at the same time, I will gradually get out of commercial work What will your cherished and personal plans for the future be? Personally, I want to learn more about the art world I have two other interests: Illustration and Photography 08 Gradually, I’ve come to realize being the person “solving problems” based on clients’ assignments is becoming less interesting and not satisfying enough to me anymore If enabling, I want to have more time challenge myself into contemporary array and making more artworks Thank you Jin Nguyen for taking the time for today’s SNKRVN interview, wishing you more success in your work and your passion in the future 09