Duc Nguyen is an illustrator from in Hanoi, Vietnam

Duc Nguyen is an illustrator and art instructor born and raised in Hanoi, Vietnam. With a versatile art style, he has worked as a 2D illustrator on projects spanning a variety of fields, from comics, picture books, and illustrated books to games and films. Most of his works carry the elements of fantasy, mysticism, magic, and wonder that stem from children's literature, classics, fairy tales, folklore, and mythology. 

Here’s where we delve a little deeper, do enjoy….

What would you say is your best piece of work / collaboration to date, and why?


It is the "Best Fairy Tales in the World" project by Kim Dong Publishing House. It was a fantastic experience with many aspects I loved. I was given the creative freedom to choose the illustration style and craft unique images to represent each story. I’m passionate about the magical worlds of fairy tales, myths, and magic, which provided me with a lot of inspiration for this project. My partner and I completed nearly 100 pages of illustrations over about six months of actual working time.

Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?

I often find inspiration in anything that resonates with my interest in a “fantasy, magical, unreal” world, whether through movies, literature, animation, or games. I also enjoy exploring paintings and illustrations by artists worldwide, frequently visiting platforms like Behance, Pinterest, ArtStation, and Cara. Additionally, I love traveling to countries with rich, unique cultures (I have a particular love for Japan) to spark new ideas and inspiration.


Is there anything you'd say you would be a good advocate for? Please elaborate if so.

I'm passionate about advocating for animal welfare and believe that pets should be treated as cherished family members. This compassion for animals is reflected in my work and personal life. Additionally, I'm a strong advocate for art education. Through my inclusive art classes, I work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to explore their creative potential, regardless of their background or experience level.

What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators?

Something you feel is unique to you. I believe my strong foundation, adaptability, and professionalism set me apart from other illustrators. Having worked across diverse fields including comics, picture books, films, and animation - both as an illustrator and art director - I've developed a versatile skill set while maintaining my distinctive artistic style. I'm confident in my ability to adapt my creative direction to meet any client's needs while consistently delivering quality work within required timelines.

If you have done paid commissions prior to joining the agency, what would you say is something that clients repeatedly come to you for (up to now)?


Clients consistently seek me out for my ability to develop effective solutions for their projects. I excel at balancing client vision with practical project requirements, including style choices and workflow considerations. Many of my new clients come through referrals from previous clients, who value my track record of successfully handling challenging briefs while delivering high-quality work.


How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as detailed cartoonish illustration that features playful and diverse character designs. My work is characterized by muted color palettes and rich textures, creating a distinctive blend of whimsy and sophistication.

Please give a scenario of a project that would mean the world to you, if you were offered it - something that connects to something meaningful to you

My dream project would be a series of stories exploring miraculous things - from the simplest everyday moments to the grandest wonders of life. I would capture how these marvels interact with both living beings and inanimate objects, bringing their unique relationships to life through comics or illustrated books.


Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?

I've been developing a personal graphic novel project centered on self-discovery and empowerment. Logline: After a life crisis leaves an artist stranded in a mysterious village, he discovers that the locals are living, breathing versions of characters from his forgotten stories, and that his art might hold the power to change these characters' fates. At its heart, the story explores the connection between creator and creation, and the ways we shape and are shaped by the worlds we envision.


Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real life person, who would that be?

I would love to illustrate a biography of Osamu Tezuka, often referred to as the “God of Manga”. His career has been a major inspiration for my passion for art education. Though he initially studied medicine, he ultimately chose a different path, using his knowledge and experiences to create Black Jack, one of the most iconic comics about a doctor.

His dedication to storytelling led him to produce a prolific body of work, even using his own funds to support an animation studio that revolutionized the Japanese animation industry. His journey shows how skills and passions can be transformed into something impactful, and I strive to instill that same sense of purpose in myself and in my art classes.



If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]

At illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.