About

A black-and-white photo of a woman standing in front of the woods, whose face is obstructed by the sunlight.

For most of my adulthood up until now, I often introduce myself as a designer of some sort. A few years of a design student with interests in new media art and internet culture, then a few years of a graphic designer who builds brands, then most recently a web designer creating delightful interfaces and fulfilling experiences. But faithfully, I slightly prefer describing myself with verbs rather than nouns. So, professionally (and recreationally, for that matter), I design, write, and make a few things I deeply care about exist.

I worked on my first 20-something design projects with a small team at a Saigon-based studio. These days, I work independently and alongside other collaborators with focus on digital-first services.

This text took shape between Hanoi and Saigon, Vietnam.
I hope it travels well in time, in space.

Principles

The bit I wrote about how design should be is a personal belief and a loose guide I hold for myself with regard to my practices. It’s an overly simplified statement, a starting point to build upon. A few more of what I believe in:

1. Be hyperaware of context and consider the meta.
2. Pleasure is both function and form. ^{Inspired by Charles Eames.}
3. But when design needs to be uncomfortable,
   make it painstakingly uncomfortable.
4. Make space for impulsivity and intuition,
   governed by good taste.
5. Negligence in your craft is immoral. ^{Inspired by Nam Cao.}
6. Avoid becoming three design disciplines in a trench coat;
   care deeply about the matter at hand.
7. Acknowledge the presence of your influences.

Interests

I have a few hobbies that stick. Always happy to talk about these things if you’re in the mood for non-design topics.

• Fountain pens and inks 
  I was never really into sheening inks but Sailor Shikiori Tokiwa-matsu is my new favorite. The shading and sheen are even more beautiful in person.
• Analog photography
  My first camera was a Canon AE-1 I got when I was 16. Several SLRs and point-and-shoots later, I’m experimenting with an Olympus XA2.
• Sudoku
  Still have so many techniques to learn; hard puzzles are so fun to crack.
• Everyday carry and multitools
  Enjoying my Moment Everything Backpack I recently got on a trip. And I love the design of the tiny Leatherman Micra.
• Juggling
  Mesmerizing to watch. I can’t do 3-ball cascade perfectly just yet, though.

Newsletter

Since January 2026, I’ve started a monthly-ish email newsletter where I share about life and work. You can subscribe to it here: