Singapore based Russian-Vietnamese illustrator confronting identity, rebirth, and death through visceral digital drawings.
#HUEVOICES: Meet Trang Dang.
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Trang Dang, a Singapore-based illustrator and art director, whose work is heavily inspired by dark themes of death, rebirth and identity. My illustration style has garnered commissions from brands such as Braun Buffel, Swatch, Street Superior, and Kurasu. When I am not drawing, you can find me surfing memes, moshing in a music crowd or binging “insightful” reality TV.
My hometown is Ha Noi, but my home is Singapore.
I live in Singapore (if you’ve lived in multiple cities, please share) but I’ve also lived in Moscow.
The one thing I miss most about my hometown is my parents.
If I was an ice cream flavour, I’d be multiple in the Baskin Robbin’s 8-scoop promo giant cone because I love to have choices and I’m indecisive.
My spirit animal is none because I don’t really like animals except for my pet dog Hachi.
The soundtrack to my life is Curls by Bibio.
As a child, I used to dream of becoming a comic book artist or Mattel Barbie toy designer.
Now I try to find joy each day at a time.
But, in another life, I’d be Hokusai of my generation.
The “pinch-me” moment in my career so far was when real human beings showed up just to talk to me at an illustration festival.
I am currently listening to medieval techno the most.
My last three liked tracks on my Spotify are Wong Kar Wai by Say Lou Lou, Doing it again baby by girl in red, Sure Enough – Nakajin Remix by Two Door Cinema Club.
The last book/movie/article/podcast/artwork that left an impression was Saltburn because it was chaotic and Palissy Plates are truly the most fascinating and beautiful artworks I’ve ever seen at the MET .
My most recent well-spent splurge was my own house.
I can never leave the house without my vape.
My go-to outfit of the moment is anything with patterns.
The shoes you’ll see me wearing most are Dr. Martens 2976 Quad Chelsea Boots.
The scent you’ll smell on me is my own smell.
On my bedside table, you’ll find nothing, I don’t have a bedside table, I leave a glass of water on the floor.
You’ll always find beer stocked in my fridge.
My idea of self-care is spending time alone.
The one healthy habit I cherish most is being mindful of others.
The type of vacation I crave for most is moving to another bustling city.
My ideal Saturday afternoon is coffee while I work on a new illustrative piece.
What is your secret to life or what’s your life motto? Why?
What’s meant to be yours will be yours, what isn’t will never be.
What is success to you?
Life without stress
Can you share a pivotal moment in your life that helped shape your path to your current success?
When I picked up my first Wacom pen and watched my first youtube tutorial on how to draw digitally
What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with your younger self?
Don’t sweat it, you’ll find your place
What’s a memory from your childhood that you hold dear to your heart?
My dad reading Greek mythology to me before bedtime
What’s something people often misunderstand about you?
That I live life carelessly.
What values/legacy/perspectives has growing up/living in Southeast Asia impressed on you?
You will never get anywhere if you don’t take yourself seriously. Work twice as hard as others.
How do you define your cultural identity, and how has it evolved?
Have always been a Vietnamese girl, born in Russia, bred in Singapore. Triple cultural threat.
How do you hope to influence or inspire the next generation?
Don’t let your job define you. You are not what you do.
What is a tradition or custom from your Southeast Asian heritage that you hold dear?
Respect your elders.
Can you share an experience where you felt your culture was especially celebrated or particularly challenged?
When Russia launched an attack on Ukraine, I felt deeply embarrassed that I had Russian roots.
How do you balance preserving your cultural heritage, embracing global influences, and honouring where you are now?
I am a product of constantly moving from place to place, so I just learnt to adapt through observing others around me.
How do you share and celebrate your unique culture with others?
If people ask, I’ll share. Other than that, I’m Chinese passing in Singapore so I don’t bring up my cultural background very often.
What did you think about today’s interview?
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