Thao Nguyen’s Public Art Journey Who is Thao Nguyen? Thao Nguyen works as an illustrator, designer, and visual artist based in Cleveland. She creates logos, magazine covers, greeting cards, and packaging designs. Her artistic approach blends hand-drawn techniques with digital methods, resulting in vibrant artwork that often features wildlife themes reflecting her outdoor interests. Her artistic outlook is shaped by music as much as by visual art. Inspired by creators like Tyler the Creator and Pharrell Williams, she values originality and collaboration over chasing numbers or trends. From Childhood Sketches to Cleveland Streets Thao initially planned to become a video game concept artist but changed direction during college to focus on illustration. Her interest in art began in fifth grade when she drew her pet hamster. She developed her skills by following online tutorials and drawing characters like Stitch from Disney. As she grew older, Thao experimented with watercolor and acrylic paints, particularly enjoying portrait work and outdoor scenes. With her parents’ support, she attended the Cleveland Institute of Art, where she studied illustration. Thao completed a year-long printmaking residency and participated in a group exhibition through Zygote Press. She is currently developing a series of public art installations throughout Cleveland. The Scribe - Page 12 QUICK SCROLL Cleveland-based illustrator combining hand-drawn and digital techniques for vibrant wildlife-themed commercial and public art. @thaon_art thaonart.com
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