Tuan Vu Tran

Farewell Phantom. It Was Good While It Lasted

2011-04-12T20:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I've given it some serious thought, and I have decided to abandon the Phantom mold. After making over a hundred, I've run into so many problems with it that it's just more trouble than it's worth. For every ten that come out perfectly, there are 30 that are junk. Being a perfectionist, I just can't (and won't) let these get into anyone's hands. I will just consider it a sunk cost.

The good news is that I intend to learn from this experience, and expect to have a new improved Phantom sculpt out in the near future (possibly with a new name). Not only that, but many, many other new figure sculpts (all in different colorways) in the line as well. The thought of this is very exciting, and I can't wait to start, but not until after I complete my current illustration project first (one thing at a time)!

Also, for those of you that nabbed one of the earlier Phantom figures...consider yourself lucky. Not only were those made in extremely limited numbers, but that sculpt will never be used again.

See you soon!

A Sneak Peak of Things to Come

2011-02-23T20:19:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peak of some exciting things to come.

I've been experimenting with my Phantom and Octoblot toys in new colors/mixes and materials (plastic, clear resin, even soft gummy rubber). I should have many more colorways released soon. Maybe even a new figure sculpt as well (a new playmate for Phantom and Octoblot to hang with).

I am also currently working on a brand new series when I have any free time (which isn't very often)...here is a shot of some of the pen and ink work so far. I am shooting for a series of 8-10 pieces. Can you say Sanrio parody? Hah!

My Gratitude Monster from Miro

2011-01-12T20:37:00.000-08:00

Look what Miro drew for me. Cool, huh?

Who is Miro, you might ask? Well, he is my friend, and the son of my former employer and mentor. Here's a little bit about them:

Meet Lainie, 44, single mother, ex- business owner, artist, designer, writer, creative thinker, activist, liberal, dog lover, culture-jammer, costume wearing instigating human being who is currently exploring the world with her 11 year old son, a bright lad named Miro.

Meet Miro, 11 years wise, not super athletic and prefers fiddling with all things tech. He likes bricks, card tricks, wearing a cape and playing RPG’s. He’s uber intelligent, charming, articulate and funny. He’ll engage you in his fantastic imaginative worlds, surprise jump on your shoulders for the occasional piggy back ride while telling you a library of “…a guy walks into a bar…” jokes.

That’s us and together, we have hit the road on an open-ended journey around the planet.

To read more about the adventures of Lainie and Miro, you should totally go to their site at www.raisingmiro.com.

The 100 Shot Zine Project #003

2010-12-28T22:11:00.000-08:00

The third book in The 100 Shot Zine Project was titled Perfect. I recall writing this shortly before putting the booklet together. The inside is hand lettered, the front and back cover is drawn, and it comes with a red dust jacket. Similar to the previous zines, the cover is hand stamped along with the included stickers.

This zine was only made in very limited quantities, so I've decided to post the entire story here in this blog entry.

Perfect

The spring breeze slightly ruffled my hair as I walked through the school campus on my way to my first class for the day. I was not really looking forward to it because I knew it was just going to be another dry college lecture, but I just couldn't miss any more days.

Class was precisely as I had imagined it would be; boring and dry. The auditorium classroom was impressively large, but only about half of the seats were filled. I'm sure the other students had more important things to do, like sleeping in until noon. The semester was nearing an end, and attendance was no longer a deciding factor in the final grades.

"If it wasn't for all of the extra credit I have to do to bring up my grade, I could be doing better things." I thought as I glanced around the room. At that moment I saw her.

She appeared to be a thin, petite girl with short, jet-black hair. She was wearing a black knit top with elbow-length sleeves and a scooping neckline, a knee-length cream colored skirt with a small strip of lace at the hem, and classy knee-high boots that zipped up at the sides. Her outfit flowed over the contours of her body and only succeeded in further accentuating her sexy aura.

Although she was one row ahead of mine and a few seats over towards the right, she had turned around and was looking directly at me. I could not decipher any emotions as she held her gaze on me, oblivious to the fact that I had caught her staring and was now looking right back at her. We locked eyes for a split second. Was I imagining things? I could almost hear the ticking of the classroom clock. Everything had paused and it seemed like an eternity between the ticks of the third hand.

"You're beautiful" I thought as I nervously glanced down at my desk, feeling guilty that maybe somehow she would be able to read my thoughts. The rest of the class period passed by in a blur, but that's only because I didn't stick around. Halfway through the lecture, she stood up, grabbed her books and discreetly left out of one of the side doors. After giving the situation a brief thought, I got up two seconds later and followed her out. So much for the extra credit and not skipping anymore classes.

"Excuse me, but do I know you?" I asked her in an uncertain tone as we passed through the classroom doors.

"No." She said as she abruptly started walking towards the food court without even glancing my way. I could see the tiniest hint of a smile form on her lips. Was she flirting with me? What is the point in showing up to class only to leave halfway through? I had a feeling that there was something more.

"So what are you doing right now?" I asked her as I tried to keep up with her fast pace.

She turned her head and looked at me. "I was just about to grab some lunch. What about you? what are your plans right now?" She asked me. I think I detected some interest, but there was no way that I could be positive.

"Do something." I thought.

"Do something."

"DO SOMETHING!"

"I was just about to grab some lunch too......with you." I told her with a smile.

My window of opportunity was open a crack and I took the chance. I've passed up too many opportunities in the past just because I choked up at the last second, and it was not going to happen to me again. Life is a learning process, and you should learn from your mistakes. Otherwise history repeats itself and you end up with a lifetime of regrets.

She was definitely smiling now and I was glad that she was.

I ended up skipping my three other classes of the day. We drove together to the beach, where we stayed all afternoon. I learned a lot about her in that one day.

She was from out-of-state and was staying in California for college. She enjoyed cooking, photography, and poetry, among a multitude of other things. Poetry stimulated her mind, and music moved her soul. She was very kind-hearted and had a real weakness for kids and animals. She had a passion for shopping, and the clothes, hand bags, and shoes that accompanied the word, which did not surprise me in the least. She loved the feeling of being able to curl up in bed while it rained outside. Cheesecake was her favorite dessert, and she ordered it every chance she got. She cried when she was deeply moved. When it came to school and work, she was ambitious and determined, looking to the future with an exhilirating sense of confidence. There was a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her lips the whole time we were at the beach. She was perfect. She was everything I was not.

I was in love.

"I've got to get back." She told me.

"So soon? Do you have to be somewhere?" I curiously asked.

"Yeah, I have to meet my boyfriend for dinner in an hour." She replied with a flicker of uncertainty.

She wasn't looking into my eyes anymore. She was now staring at the ground.

Happy Six & Sophie Snow Present: Plaza El Segundo's Holiday Open House!

2010-11-10T21:39:00.001-08:00

This is really last minute, but here goes! I should have some pieces displayed here! Please come by and say hello!

Happy Six & Sophie Snow Present: Plaza El Segundo's Holiday Open House!

6pm-9pm
November 19th, 2010
FREE - All Ages

* Spin to Win Great Prizes
* Holiday Entertainment
* Plaza Wide Specials & Samples

HAPPY SIX and SOPHIE SNOW

- First Ever Art Exhibit
- Wine and Refreshments
- Free Gift with Any Purchase of $100 or More

The Hooligan Series: We Don't Fight Fair

2010-10-16T19:55:00.000-07:00

Took me a while to post these...sorry!

I posted these for those of you that were not able to attend the Shuffle show. And for those of you that helped me make it a memorable night...thank you!

What You Know by T.I.
"Don't wanna fight me, bro. I'm fast as lightning, bro."

The Coolest by Lupe Fiasco
"Do I love her? Said I don't know, street got my heart, game got my soul."

Lapdance by N.E.R.D.
"I'm an outlaw, quick on the draw."

The Corner by Common
"Now I roll in a Olds, with windows that don't roll."

Never Change by Jay Z
"Word on the street, you reap what you sow."

Luxurious by Gwen Stefani
"Sugar, honey, sexy baby."

Juicy by Notorious B.I.G.
"Living life without fear, puttin' five carats in my baby girl ear."

Roc Boys (And the Winner is...) by Jay Z
"Cheers! Toast to crime!"

Back Like That by Ghostface Killah
"My girl cousins, they gonna rock you!"

Street Dreams by NAS
"Street dreams are made of these."

Yes, I Am Still Alive...

2010-09-19T16:15:00.000-07:00

So I stopped freelancing (for now) and decided to pick up a regular full-time job. As a result, I haven't updated this blog in months.

Now that I have settled back into the corporate world once again, I will start to update this blog on a semi-regular basis. Although I haven't done much in terms of personal projects these past few months, that doesn't mean that my mind has been idle. I've got some exciting project plans which I hope to start in the near future. Stay tuned!

By the way: don't dial that number on the business cards in the previous post because it won't be me that answers...I now have a new number!

New Business Cards

2010-03-11T21:03:00.000-08:00

Just got my new business cards in from moo.com yesterday. I always find myself without cards when I needed them most, so the small size and the convenient card holder basically sealed the deal for me. Plus, the case has a keyring, so I'll never be without my cards again!

Check out the case in action!

The MOO MiniCard holder by moo.com
Uploaded by MOO_Crew. - Discover more life & style videos.

L.A. Marathon Shirts for APALC

2010-03-09T22:16:00.000-08:00

I was approached a couple weeks ago to design a shirt for the Asian Pacific American Legal Center for the Los Angeles Marathon and 5K Run/Walk. Despite the two color palette of the design, the final product will probably be cut down to a single color design.

Downtown Fullerton Art Walk

2010-03-05T06:20:00.000-08:00

Prints, toys, and zines galore!

Here is a teaser photo of the merchandise from The Hooligan Series exhibiting right now as part of the Shuffle exhibition. More photos to come!

These items will be available at the Hibbleton Gallery during Downtown Fullerton's First Art Walk today (Sorry for the late post). Click here for Art Walk info. Hibbleton Gallery info here.

Classic!

2010-03-05T04:45:00.000-08:00

Sorry for leaving you hanging since my entry from last year. If you were still wondering what that camera in the illustration was inspired by, the answer is an Olympus XA2 from the XA series.

These are great little 35mm cameras (from 1975!), and I encourage you to find one, pick it up, and try it out. You won't be disappointed! I own each model, and I have to say that my personal favorites are the XA (rangefinder) and the XA4 MACRO (28mm wideangle).

To read more about these amazing classic cameras, click here and here.

As the Event Nears...

2010-02-08T20:50:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends:

First off, I want to apologize to those of you that I have not spoken to in a while. I've been super busy! This will surely change once the show is over...

Secondly, I want to say sorry for the late notice, but I have been too swamped to sit down and write a decent invitation. So here I am, taking a breather with a cup of coffee, mere days away from opening night...

Anyway, I am just writing to invite YOU to my art show this Friday, February 12th at 7pm in Downtown Fullerton at the Hibbleton Gallery (Directions when you scroll down).

Please, please, please try to make it down. I know it's valentines day weekend. Have some dinner with your girl/boy and bring her/him to the show to enjoy some art and drink some wine (romantic!). I also know its lunar new years weekend. Come celebrate with some great art and a glass of wine! I know that the installations banquet is that day as well. I also happen to know it starts a little later...come by beforehand for some art, and pre-party with a glass of wine! Whatever your excuse is, it's just not going to be good enough.

The gallery exhibition will showcase 15 amazing artists, so please come by and check it out. I am expecting this to be the biggest show yet! There will be refreshments, a live band, a dj, and lots of other cool stuff that I can't think of at the moment. Free admission, free refreshments, free entertainment, and not-so-free artwork. How could you say no? Bring all your friends. Everyone is welcome! PLUS, there is an after party right next door afterwards. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk about ten steps to get there.

I've been pretty much a recluse these past few months, so come out and see me before I go back into hiding. It's been too long!

Thank you thank you thank you!!
Tuan Vu Tran

Ps: To see one of my pieces for the show, check the back of the postcard attached to this email. Mine is the scary man with the rifle. It was inspired by Notorious B.I.G.'s song "Juicy". Particularly the line: "Living life without fear, puttin' five carats in my baby girl ear." Awwww, Just in time for valentines day.

Here is more detailed information that I did not write:

Start Time:	Friday, February 12, 2010 at 7:00pm
Location:	Hibbleton Gallery
Street:	112 West Wilshire Avenue, Fullerton CA

Fullerton CA | Friday, February 12th 2010 | 7:00 PM! Come experience the opening reception for SHUFFLE held at the Hibbleton Gallery, one of Fullerton’s freshest hot spots for local art and culture. Located in the heart of downtown Fullerton, Hibbleton is the perfect place to start your weekend outings and experience an incredible night of art and music.

SHUFFLE showcases works by 15 extraordinary artists, in a wide range of mediums, with works set to display each piece in the format of traditional vinyl records and cd cover sizes ranging from 16” x 16”, 12” x 12”, 7” x 7”, to 5” x 5”. Each piece will be titled appropriately to the song of their choice with an image to reflect their own interpretation of how that song is seen by each artist.

This event promises to keep your feet shuffling, the perfect pre-valentines day kickoff, anyone will be sure to love. This FREE event offers a unique space for couples and singles alike to come and enjoy good art, music, refreshments and social networking. Because this event focus’ around art and music, the collection of the work’s song titles will be compiled and spun live at the show by DJ H.Breaker along with other live performances at the gallery.

SHUFFLE runs from February 12th 2010 to March 7th 2010. Artists include: Aaron Jasinski, Aaron Kraten, Aaron Little, Christopher Umana, Chrystal Chan, David Chung, Haubs, JAW Cooper, Jenikah, Julie Lee, Martine Johanna, Melissa Martyn, Tommii Lim, Tuan Vu Tran, and Wendy Peng.

If you would like more information please contact: Jenikah at jenikah@sooogood.com or mail@hibbleton.com. You may also visit www.hibbleton.com

for further details. Sponsored in part by Metromint Water, Megan Jade Music, and ISM: a community project.

PLEASE NOTE: Afterparty next door at Mulberry St. Ristorante, ALL welcome!!!

Shuffle Press Release

2010-01-05T14:51:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Press Release:

Contact:

HIBBLETON GALLERY

PHONE: 714.441.2857

ADDRESS: 112 West Wilshire Avenue

Fullerton, CA 92832

EMAIL: mail@hibbleton.com

WEBSITE: www.hibbleton.com

SHUFFLE: INTERPRETING MUSIC INTO VISUAL ART, A COLLABORATIVE PLAYLIST

Presenting a one of a kind show entitled: SHUFFLE. Exemplifying how music and art go hand in hand, this body of work is a unique collection of creations by both local and international artists. SHUFFLE highlights how universal art and music are with its recreation of a new catalogue of album covers and music inspired pieces.

Fullerton CA | Friday, February 12^th 2010 | 7:00 pm Come experience the opening reception for SHUFFLE held at the Hibbleton Gallery, one of Fullerton’s freshest hot spots for local art and culture. Located in the heart of downtown Fullerton, Hibbleton is the perfect place to start your weekend outings and experience an incredible night of art and music.

SHUFFLE showcases works by 15 extraordinary artists, in a wide range of mediums, with works set to display each piece in the format of traditional vinyl records and cd cover sizes ranging from 16” x 16”, 12” x 12”, 7” x 7”, to 5” x 5”. Each piece will be titled appropriately to the song of their choice with an image to reflect their own interpretation of how that song is seen by each artist.

This event promises to keep your feet shuffling, the perfect pre-valentines day kickoff, anyone will be sure to love. This FREE event offers a unique space for couples and singles alike to come and enjoy good art, music, refreshments and social networking. Because this event focus’ around art and music, the collection of the work’s song titles will be compiled and spun live at the show by the dj along with other live performances at the gallery.

SHUFFLE runs from February 12^th 2010 to March 7^th 2010. Artists include: Aaron Jasinski, Aaron Kraten, Aaron Little, Christopher Umana, Chrystal Chan, David Chung, Haubs, JAW Cooper, Jenikah, Julie Lee, Martine Johanna, Melissa Martyn, Tommii Lim, Tuan Vu Tran, and Wendy Peng.

If you would like more information please contact: Jenikah at jenikah@sooogood.com or mail@hibbleton.com. You may also visit www.hibbleton.com for further details. Sponsored by Metromint Water.

GD USA Winners Posted Online

2009-12-18T13:09:00.000-08:00

I got an email from GD USA informing me that the winners for the 2009 American Graphic Design Awards had gone live on their website.

Click here to check out all of the different categories!

Click here to see the original posting!

The 100 Shot Zine Project #002

2009-12-02T07:20:00.001-08:00

The second book in The 100 Shot Zine Project was titled Dream. This was the first part of a short story that I had written a few years prior to making the book. The story is continued in The 100 Shot Zine Project #018 titled Dreams. The booklet is hand written and drawn. Like Pin, the cover is hand stamped along with the included stickers.

Since these zines were only made in limited quantities, I have decided to post the entire story here in this blog entry.

Dream

I should have known better than to look back.

The drive was a long one. It wasn’t unbearable, since the radio passed the time easily. I had stopped once for gas and a quick lunch in some hole-in-the-wall diner, and then I was on my way again. The drive was quite peaceful, actually. There was something about the ocean or just water in general that has always had a calming effect on me. I love streams and running water, and if I could live next to one, I would. The sky was just starting to get dark when I arrived.

I never thought I’d go back, but I did. There was no particular reason as to why I did it; I just did. Why I came back to the town that I had abandoned, the old friends I had left behind, the life I had once lived was truly a mystery to me.

John and I were the best of friends. At least we were at one point back in high school. I don’t exactly recall what happened to us. I guess we just stopped making an effort to keep in touch. Life is funny, and it has ways of doing things like that. I recall being over at his house all the time. We would just hang out and do the things that boys do. John had an older brother, Jim, who I vaguely remembered. He was there, but he just never made any impact in my life whatsoever. John was my childhood friend, and I decided to pay him a visit since I was in town.

As I pulled into the driveway I realized that John’s house looked exactly as it had looked the last time I had paid him a visit, which seemed ages ago. The brown leaves scattered everywhere served as a reminder of the impending winter. He came to the door after a few knocks and was pretty surprised to see me. It was as if he had seen a ghost. This was not very surprising since I left town without a word to anyone. He quickly invited me in and we talked in the halfway for a good ten minutes.

That was when I saw her. She had short dark hair, flipped out towards the bottom. The kind of hair that looks disheveled, but you still know it is clean and it smells good. She was wearing a yellow pastel summer dress that really accented her beautiful body. She had on summery sandals that matched the color of her dress. I had always thought she had a great sense of style.

I froze. My breath was lost. My mind was blank. My mouth was dry. Time stopped. I had been talking to John when I looked past his shoulder and saw her. The thought of why she was there did not even cross my mind. All that I cared about was that she was there. It was as if the floodgates had been raised and a torrent of emotions had rushed forth. Anything coming out of John’s mouth was now a distant chatter. I had to speak to her. Yes, I definitely had to speak to her.

"Hey, you remember Tony; don’t you?" said John. She nodded. I think she was as surprised to see me as I was to see her.

We walked down the neighborhood very slowly. John had gone inside the house to finish up some chores. Side by side we tried to catch up on each other’s life. How can anything make up for all those lost years? My hands swung closely to hers. They were almost touching, but not quite. It had been a long time, and being next to her felt really good. There was a tingly feeling inside my stomach.

"I love you. I always have, and I still do." I blurted out.

"I know," she said. She looked very sad.

She told me that she was slightly involved with someone. I didn’t know what she meant by that, but my heart still sank. She was the one for me. She always had been. Sure I’d been in and out of relationships, but none of them was important enough to mention. I had been too scared to let her know how I had felt in the past. Now that I did, it was too late. Life can be so cruel sometimes.

I wanted to die.

I wanted to hold her tightly. I wanted to talk to her about anything and everything. I wanted to kiss her. I wanted to stare into her eyes. I wanted to run my fingers through her hair. It did not matter what I did as long as it was with her. I wanted all these things so badly that my heart ached. It ached badly because I knew none of these things would ever happen. I just needed another chance. Life is so full of regrets. If only I had done this. If only I had done that. How was I supposed to know such a simple mistake could haunt me for a lifetime?

I later found out that she was involved with John’s older brother Jim. Towards the end of high school, they became somewhat involved, and now she has his son. Why they were not together, I could not comprehend. Who would not want to be with her? I guess the grass really is greener on the other side. I wish for what I cannot have, and I am sure Jim would like someone else, too. I think of it as the curse of humanity. There are very few in this world that are truly happy with what they have. Most people always ask for more. They always hope for something better.

I had always believed I was quite simple. I appreciate some of the most common things, and it does not take much to make me happy. I feel that life is beautiful, and I don’t want to miss the tiniest detail. For a fleeting moment, I wondered how I would be if I was really with her. Would I move on and want someone else? "The grass is always greener on the other side," someone once said. I abruptly pushed the notion aside since I cannot imagine being with anyone but her.

We spent most of our short walk in silence.

After much persuasion, I was finally convinced to stay for dinner. The whole experience was very awkward. I now saw Jim in a different light. Not awkward in a bad way, just a really weird way, if that makes any sense. We all discussed life, friends, school, jobs, and the usual topics discussed with those you have not seen in a long time. It was all so fake to me. I just wanted to leave. I wanted to smoke a cigarette badly, although I’d quit for over a year. I wanted to drink my worries away. I just wanted to get away from this town. I wanted to get in my car and drive off. I wanted to get away from her.

But at the same time, I wanted to stay. Something had brought me back here. I wanted to see how the story unfolded. Deep down inside, there is always hope. I had hope. It may have been a tiny glimmer, but it was there. So I stayed. I sat through dinner the best I could. Then, I said my good byes. Before I left, I made plans to meet her for lunch the next day. There was something I saw in her eyes when I hugged her "goodbye". What it was exactly I could not tell. Was it a sense of sadness? Was she happy to see me? I guess I will find out soon enough…

Instant Gratification, Los Angeles

2009-11-24T21:33:00.000-08:00

Instant Gratification, Los Angeles. January 9, 2010. Be there or be square!

Octoblot Surfaces!

2009-11-09T08:57:00.000-08:00

Did you almost forget about this little octopus? Well this cephalopod hasn't forgotten about you...

It's here! The new Octoblot Limited Bubblegum Glow Edition has finally surfaced, just in time to expel ink in your face! Complete with glow-in-the-dark ink splatters. This is the perfect companion to all your Phantom Friends! Check out the day/night photo below.

Eye Candy

2009-11-07T02:48:00.000-08:00

Here are two photos that I just found of a few various Phantom Friends in their packaging, along with random Zine Packs.

The 100 Shot Zine Project #001

2009-11-06T21:53:00.000-08:00

According to Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary, the definition of a zine is: "a noncommercial often homemade or online publication usually devoted to specialized and often unconventional subject matter."

I made my first zine in my sequential storytelling class while in college. Shortly after, I started working on The 100 Shot Zine Project. I was going to make one hundred different zines, varying in size, content, print runs, etc. Some were to be strictly type, some with only illustrations, some a combination of the two, some hand drawn, some computer generated, some fiction, some non-fiction, etc. The whole purpose of the project was for me to experiment, to learn, and to grow from.

My first zine was titled Pin. It was an illustrated reinterpretation of Pinocchio set in a dark, post-apocalyptic future. Each cover was hand stamped. I included a pair of stickers with every copy. The stickers were hand stamped by a rubber stamp which I had carved.

Blast from the Past

2009-11-05T03:34:00.000-08:00

I just remembered that I had promised to post the Moji Mayhem Series about a bajillion years ago. Sorry about that. Well, here they are in all of their low-resolution glory. Enjoy!

By the way, can you guess what type of camera that girl is holding in the first image?

Halloween!

2009-10-31T13:22:00.000-07:00

The Pumpkin Minion Phantom Friend says, "Happy Halloween!" Now say that ten times fast.

Invitation for the Shuffle Gallery Exhibition

2009-10-30T17:17:00.000-07:00

I know that it is still a few months from now, but please save the date! Here is the invitation I received today:

Hello Artists and Friends,

I am curating a group show at Hibbleton Gallery and am excited to extend an invitation to you to participate in this exciting event. Attached is a synopsis of the show details as well as the gallery contract. Please read over in detail and consider if this is a project you would be excited about being a part of.

The show is February 12th, 2010, and is called SHUFFLE. It will include an OPENING EXHIBITION, which will feature finished works by a variety of professional artists. Each work will correspond to a song chosen by the artist to be represented through the medium of their choice. The title of the song of choice will be the title of the piece. (ie. "Beat it: Michael Jackson", By John Smith). Each work will be in the suggested size of either a vinyl album cover (12" x 12"), vinyl single, (7" x 7") or cd cover (5" x 5"). The content/Representation is up to the artist. I have personally selected artists that I feel truly convey the spirit of the show I'm hoping to create.

Please get back to me when you can, so I can lock down my list of artists. Please include your Name, Contact Information, as well as some type of recognition that you are committed to this show and the conditions listed. This is going to be an amazing event, and I hope you will all choose to be a part of it. If you have any questions or comments, please let me know!!!

Blessings//Gratitude
Jenikah

My Portfolio

2009-10-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

I went on an interview for a freelance graphic design position last week. The amount of pieces was a bit on the excessive side, but I wanted to show a variety of work. Here is a photo of the contents of my portfolio.

Polaroid Gallery Exhibition

2009-10-05T22:50:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I submitted few Polaroid photos for Instant Gratification: A Polaroid Party Gallery Exhibition. I went with a nostalgic materialistic 1980's theme, so I purchased some expired film (to get the washed out vintage look I was going for), gathered my childhood items, and snapped away. The camera used was an old, partly broken Polaroid One-Step. The whole process brought back a lot of very fond memories. Can you guess all of the items in the photographs?

Graphic Design USA Competition

2009-09-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

A few months back, I received a call for entries for a design competition hosted by Graphic Design USA magazine (GD USA). I'd never entered anything like that before, but had always wanted to do so. I decided to submit a tri-fold registration brochure I had recently designed for the 2009 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, I was doing this independently from my company, so I was not able to submit the entire campaign . Instead, I chose one of my favorite pieces and sent that in to be judged.

I waited for a month. Then two. No word from the magazine, which made me a little down. Eventually, I just forgot about the whole thing.

Then a few weeks ago, I was bringing in the mail when I noticed a large envelope. I opened it and pulled out a certificate(?) and a letter which read:

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have been selected as a winner in the 2009 AMERICAN GRAPHIC DESIGN AWARDS.

Yes!!!

Busy

2009-08-30T23:12:00.001-07:00

Hi all. Sorry for the delay in entries, it has been a really busy summer for me! I will update with many entries very soon!

Kogi Shirt Competition

2009-06-16T01:13:00.000-07:00

This is my entry for the Kogi shirt competition. What do you think?

2nd Place!

2009-05-30T03:39:00.000-07:00

I received an email saying that I got 2nd place in the sticker design competition! I want to thank everyone for the votes, I couldn't have done it without you!

Also, congratulations to the other winners. I think that all the designs turned out great. My absolute favorite has got to be 6th place. I love how the eyeball is substituted for the "O", and the use of negative space to depict the buildings is excellent. It is a very quirky and clean design. Well done!

For a closer look at my design, click here.

Meet Octoblot

2009-05-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

I didn't sleep at all last night, but it was worth it! After a weeks worth of planning, sketching, sculpting, prepping, silicone curing, and mold pouring...

I present to you Octoblot, the second Phantom Friends toy. Ghost Phantom finally has a friend to play with. Posted in this entry is the first batch of the fresh-out-of-the-mold, unprepped, unpainted, naked photos.

I just need to prep, paint, package, and they will be ready for public consumption. I hope you like calamari!

Stickers Everywhere!

2009-05-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

I just got an email blast from Pop Monster with this crazy image of all the stickers in the sticker contest. From what I can see, they all look pretty awesome. Hopefully I can come in sometime this week to check them out before the competition ends!

Sticker Competition at Pop Monster

2009-05-12T03:00:00.001-07:00

This is my entry for a sticker competition being held at Pop Monster these next two weeks. Wish me luck!

There were some restrictions, such as the size (no bigger than 4" x 4"), and the color palette limited to green, red, and black (Pop Monster colors).

I had a blast working on this sticker! I have decided to do a full color version of this as well. It might just see life as a print...

Social Networks

2009-05-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

Here is some social network contact info. I love making new friends, add me!

Facebook
Myspace
Twitter

How Phantom Friends are Born

2009-05-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

In case anyone was wondering how Phantom Friends are made...they are hand cast from a silicone mold. Cool huh?

By the way, I have some for sale. Click here for the current edition choices. Please email me at tuan@tuanvutran.com for availability and pricing. Thanks!

More Photos from Pop Monster

2009-04-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

Just got these highlight photos from Pop Monster! I will post the rest when I get them.

Grand Opening Night for the Meet My Moji Show

2009-03-31T18:04:00.000-07:00

I have to say that the event was a huge success. The turnout was a lot bigger than I had expected. All of the sleepless nights and the hard work finally paid off. The show will be up for another two weeks for those that still want to check it out. Directions and other information can be found in my earlier entries.

I want to thank every single person that came out to the show. Thank you so much for the support and encouragement and I want you to know it means a great deal to me. Thanks again!

Postcard Refresh

2009-03-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

New postcards featuring work in progress for the show. Check it out!

Phantom Friends

2009-03-16T22:40:00.000-07:00

These are my Phantom Friends. I've been working on this project for a few months now. They are two inches tall and made out of molded plastic. Each colorway will be a limited run of only ten. More colors to come, along with other sculpts. I will update with photos of packaging later!

2009-02-26T23:32:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

Just sending out this update to let you know that I will be part of a group art show in about a month. It is scheduled for
Saturday, March 28th, from 7:00pm - 10:00pm. http://eventful.com/torrance/events/meet-my-moji-/E0-001-019359512-6

At the grand opening of the show I will have:

The debut my new line of Phantom Friends designer toys in limited edition runs.
Original framed artwork.
Limited edition prints suitable for framing.
Dozens of different types of booklets. (You would never think saving three men from a burning car, ghost stories, cockroaches, Wheel of Fortune, lost loves, chance encounters, ninjas, sunburns and surviving in L.A. would have anything in common, but they do!)

The event is free, so please come and see the art, enjoy the refreshments and participate in the awesome raffle! There will be lots and lots of items for sale from all of the artists. (Just in case you decide to bring a Phantom Friend home with you. )

Save the date! It would mean SO MUCH to me to see you there! Here are the details:

Come to the MEET MY MOJI exhibit hosted by Pop Monster!
Enjoy the refreshments, original works for sale, raffle for great prizes, and more!

MEET MY MOJI
Saturday March 28, 2009
A group exhibition showcasing artwork exemplifying the pop art Japanese toy market. Each of the artists has created an original character or "Moji" in each one's own unique style.

Artists include:
Caro
Jenikah
Tuan Vu Tran
Aaron Little
Melissa Martyn

Location:
Pop Monster
24416 Censhaw Blvd. #3
Torrance, CA 90505

By the way, 10% of all profits go towards our local charities! If that doesn't make you run to the show this very instant, I don't know what will (Don't run to the show until March 28th, though).

Go ahead and message me with any questions or comments. I'd love to hear from you. Feel free to forward this information to all your friends as well! See you there!!!

-Tuan Vu Tran

Competition Update

2009-02-18T22:59:00.000-08:00

Even though I haven't been able to go to Pop Monster to check my progress in the Munny competition, my friend Jenikah dropped by today and sent me a cell phone photo. She told me that I was in the top five!

Steam Bot Zero SB-001 with Polar Button Pilot

2009-02-09T23:53:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of my Steam Bot Zero SB-001 with Polar Button Pilot. This is my first attempt at customizing a Munny and I spent about five frantic days on it. I saw a couple pieces from the other artists in the competition and they were quite good. Hopefully I do okay.

Meet My Moji Group Show at Pop Monster

2009-02-09T22:19:00.000-08:00

Now that I have finished my Munny for the competition (progress photos in the next entry), I can actually focus on the Meet My Moji group show. The show will have five artists…Caro, Jenikah, Aaron Little, Melissa Martyn, and I. It is scheduled for Saturday, March 28 from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. We are looking into refreshments, prizes for raffles, and a live DJ, so it should be a fun show.

I will debut my Phantom Friends toys that I have been working on for the past few months. They will be made out of molded plastic in different colorways, with each color run limited to only ten. I’m also having new work at the show, as well as prints and booklets. Don’t miss it!

MEET MY MOJI!!

Saturday March 28, 2009
(Show will exhibit from March 28 through April 11)
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

24416 Crenshaw Blvd
Torrance, CA 90505
(310)325-8686
www.myspace.com/popmonster1

A group exhibition showcasing artwork exemplifying the pop art Japanese toy market. Each of the artists has created an original character or “MOJI” in each one’s own unique style.

First Blog

2009-02-09T21:36:00.000-08:00

I want to briefly introduce myself and touch upon some projects that I am currently working on. My name is Tuan Vu Tran. I went to California State University, Fullerton with a double major in Graphic Design and Illustration. Let's see...I don't know what else to say about myself, so let me just post a short bio that I wrote about myself to be featured in an email blast for my upcoming show at Pop Monster.

Tuan Vu Tran
Tuan constantly reminds himself not to take life too seriously. He is passionately committed to a zine series he embarked upon in college, which consists of 100 experimental handmade booklets, varying in style, content, execution, size and materials. You would never think saving three men from a burning car, ghost stories, cockroaches, Wheel of Fortune, lost loves, chance encounters, ninjas, sunburns and surviving in L.A. would have anything in common, but they do! All these topics and more can be found in the 100 Shot Zine Project. When he has any free time, Tuan also enjoys graphic design, illustration, photography, toy design, and other similar things.

It's too bad the site isn't ready to go live yet. Hopefully I can get that done within the week.

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Pop Monster to participate in a group show. My girlfriend had pointed out the shop to me, and so my friend and I approached the owner to ask for exhibition posibilities. Well, we got our show. It includes four other artists, and we have been meeting to discuss all the necessary details. I will go into more detail and post up the postcard flyers within the next few days. So while all of this was going on, Pop Monster decided to host a custom Munny competition. For those that don't know, Munnys are blank Vinyl figurines that are used as a 3D blank canvas of sorts. Of course I thought it would be fun at the time, since I had never worked on a custom Munny before, or any vinyl toy for that matter. I had a little over a week to do it. I stressed over it the first few days. What if I messed up? What if I hadn't adapted to the medium in time and my results were horrible? The Munny had been stamped in the spirit of fairness to ensure that everyone had the same time constraints, so that no one could use a Munny that they had been working on for the last year. Because of this, if I messed up, it wasn't as if I could get a "do-over". To make a long story short, I just jumped into the project today, and I havent looked back. I must admit, a lot of it has been trial and error, but everything has been going smoothly so far. I will post photos in a later entry. Wish me luck!