Thanh Tran · About Me
Chao! My name is Thanh.
Enjoy a free beverage on me while getting to know me.
For me, design is about finding connections and expressing ideas clearly. Whether it’s shaping the visual identity of a local business or creating graphic novels that explore heritage, I love creating work that bridges design with real impact.
A significant moment for my journey was a 12-minute TEDx Talk by Mia Cinelli on typography. That talk was an eye-opening experience, deepening my understanding of the meaning behind typefaces and sparking my interest in exploring design more deeply, from typography to motion design, and understanding how cultural influences shape visual communication.
Today, I’m continuing to explore new perspectives and push my boundaries in design, whether it’s in 3D or project management. You’ll often find me reading novels, taking street photography, or drawing with Procreate.
Design Experience
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October 2025 - Present
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April 2025 - Present
Working at Fortz Legal strengthened my ability to design within a fast‑paced, detail‑driven environment. I supported multiple teams by producing clear, branded materials and contributing to improvements in their website’s internal processes. Collaborating closely with the company helped me sharpen my organizational skills and manage a wide range of projects effectively.
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November 2023 - Present
The Mekong River is home to a vast community of flora & fauna and supports over 60 million people across countries such as Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
However, environmental changes from global warming, dams, and industrialization threaten the livelihoods and ecosystems. My work with Mekong Culture WELL has deepened my understanding of these challenges and inspired me to explore design that brings attention to social and environmental issues.
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August 2023 - Present
At James Madison College, I developed a growing interest in global news and journalism. I gained insight into the importance of storytelling in advocacy. These interactions continue to inspire how I approach design with intentionality and impact.
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June 2024 - July 2024
My internship with Apex was also my first experience in Japan, where I navigated the recruitment industry and the challenges of living abroad. I collaborated closely with Apex to strengthen its brand identity, improve user experience on the website, and increase online foot traffic. I explored Japanese design principles, specifically typography, content structure, and form, which further shaped my creative perspective.
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June 2023 - July 2023
During my internship with Big Bad Boo Studios, I gained hands-on experience across the animation pipeline. From participating in table reads to designing props and collaborating with business and marketing teams, I contributed to several aspects of production. I created social media templates and online assets, sharpening my skills in design for both creative and marketing goals.
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May 2022 - May 2023
VSA played a meaningful role in my design education during university. The position gave me hands‑on experience working with printers and designing for events. In the second half of my term, I also collaborated with interns and helped develop stronger brand guidelines.
Recognitions
UDA Int’l Design Competition ‘25
Silver & Bronze
American Advertising Awards
Silver
Exhibitions
Mekong Voices
East Lansing, MI (Sep. 14 – Feb. 2026)
Press