Artist / Within : A Portrait Series & Editorial Campaign by Mai Nguyen

Earlier in the year, I wrote in my manifestation deck — yes, deck because my friend and I host manifestation presentation nights where everyone prepares a deck of their manifestations for the new year — that I wanted to tell stories. At the time, I wasn’t sure what I meant by that exactly. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do so. Yet, throughout my presentation of abstract manifestations, in which I didn’t write out specific goals nor achievements for the year, I felt strongly about dedicating 2023 to feeling, wanting, and desiring.

I had no idea what I was saying to my friends in that room, high off all that manifestation energy. It felt like an ill-prepared Ted Talk of positive affirmations with no concrete plan. But the thing is, I’ve been planning for everything in my life thus far, and despite all the planning and preparing one can dedicate themselves to, there is no guarantee of success. There is no guarantee that things will work out in the way you had anticipated. And there is no guarantee that those were the things you wanted after all. Instead, what is guaranteed is that whenever we intentionally commit ourselves, and our hearts, to things that feel aligned to our soul, then the rest will fall how they may. By the time they’ve finally landed, you’re already deeply blissed by the experience of getting there itself to even pay attention to the outcome, anyway.

A slide from my manifestation presentation

That evening in January, out loud and in front of some of my closest friends, I confidently told the universe, “I want to tell stories.” And I haven’t stopped saying it since. I’ve been leaning into that energy, no matter how and where and when that would look like, and I’m learning to trust the opportunities that present themselves as the stories I’m meant to tell. It started with stumbling upon a photography tour in Hanoi during my trip to Vietnam where I captured the most beautiful photos I’ve ever taken (and now selling!). Then it led me to producing some intimate events for vulnerable conversations around culture and identity. Then I had the honor of capturing couples’ loves and emotional moments in their lives. And now, this newly invigorated energy has led me to create a portrait series & editorial campaign…

ARTIST / WITHIN is a collection of conversations I’ve captured with the artists in my life, revealing the delicate balance they maintain between their daily routines and the pursuit of their artistic passions. Within their own creative spaces, I get to witness a glimpse into the inner workings and colorful worlds of some of the most creative individuals I know. It is through this kind of visual & verbal storytelling that I hope to share their brilliant minds and journeys, serving as inspiration for those navigating similar paths.

While it may feel like this idea came to me conveniently because of my recent investment into my photography work, this has actually been a brewing concept within me for a while now. I’ve had countless one-on-one conversations with so many creative people, no matter the discipline or skill, that have illuminated some of my most profound understandings about what it means to be someone creative, what it means to call yourself an artist, and how we all strive to find purpose in the work we do. I have always been inspired by so many people I’ve met along my creative journey, and this is now a way for me to thank them in turn, while also sharing with the world a replica of the creative exchanges I have with each of them. For me, it is the closest and most intimate I can get to understanding each artist from within — both physically and mentally.

This is an ongoing series meant to be experienced visually and vicariously. I hope to continue not only sharing through my photographic endeavors, but more importantly, through my personal commitment to tell more stories. This new and intentional path may look unpaved and unpolished at the moment, but I’m choosing to take one step at a time and enjoying the slow process of it all.

All visual stories & interviews will be updated on this page HERE. I hope you feel inspired and in awe of each story, and I hope it empowers you to unveil the artist within yourself, too.

Thank you for following along.