Breaking Into the Comic Industry: Oanh’s Journey from University to Saigon
From a young age, Oanh was captivated by comics such as Doraemon, Dragon Ball, and He-Man, which fueled her passion for the art form. However, as she approached her college years, Oanh found herself at a crossroads, uncertain about how a career in comics could sustain her life. After the internet boom, she connected with many like-minded friends in the comic community, but upon entering university, she chose to pursue fashion design, believing it was a safer career path.
Oanh before (62kg) and after weight loss (46kg)
However, as she gained confidence in her talents, Oanh’s passion for comics resurfaced. By the end of her university journey, while working on her graduation thesis, she began to explore comic art more seriously. During this time, the comic scene was experiencing a renaissance, and Oanh was fortunate enough to collaborate with several magazines and received an offer from a comic company in Saigon.
Oanh reflected on her childhood, recalling how her grandfather was once a car design engineer, yet due to various reasons, he never graduated. Now, as she began her career in Saigon, Oanh recognized that the comic industry could present significant opportunities if she continued to hone her skills. With this in mind, she made the bold decision to pursue her dreams in Saigon, stepping onto a path she had long envisioned: comic artistry.
After having a vision, Oanh has begun to connect with many people related to spirituality.
However, upon arriving in Saigon, Oanh felt overwhelmed. In her mind, she aspired to become a comic artist who could tell stories that resonate with many people. These stories needed to have depth, excitement, and a mix of genres such as horror, spirituality, and gangsters. In Saigon, Oanh found herself surrounded by the round, Chibi-style imagery that dominated the comic scene, which made her feel lost and somewhat out of place.
Despite the challenges, Oanh gradually received positive feedback from various comic creators regarding her unique style, which was humorous, optimistic, and relatable. The more she explored, the more she found herself drawn to this genre. Oanh realized that her passion for comics began to flourish from her own identity, and she received encouragement from many who appreciated her work, motivating her to continue creating. It was evident that she was carving out her niche, despite not yet knowing how to fully define it.
Eventually, Oanh realized that these humorous and relatable stories were her true strength.
