Tommy Truong

Why did you choose to attend OCAD U?

In my early twenties, I decided to change my field from finance to art. Being an artist was a childhood dream, so I took the leap into art school, and the first art school to come to mind was OCAD University.

Please briefly describe your current job/practice.

I am a person who tries to juggle multiple projects at once. My job is a combination of varying art-related projects, including art administration, volunteering at artist-run centers, workshop facilitating, filmmaking, animating, technical directing, and studio support. 

How did you get started in your career? 

My career started the day I decided to become an artist, which happens to also be the same day I enrolled at OCAD U. I wanted to get to know the art community, to learn about different styles of art, and to find out what it means to be an artist – something I am still trying to figure out. 

What were your policies regarding internships, volunteering, and paid work?

I did not have one. I saw every art job (paid or unpaid) as an opportunity. Even now, my full-time job is simply an accumulation of assorted art-related projects around the city. If I can commit full-time hours to art – I call myself a full-time artist. 
 

What do you enjoy most about your work? What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

I enjoy how different every project is from one to another. My mind is constantly stimulated by different topics and asked to solve a different problem. I also enjoy collaborating with other creatives on a project and working towards one common goal. Scheduling different projects, and being on top of my commitments across the city is a continuing struggle, but it is not as bad as my daily hour and a half commute into the city.  

What skills or relationships developed at OCAD U helped you participate in your field? Is there anything you would have done differently?

I’ve learned plenty of technical skills, and art theory from OCAD U, but my biggest takeaway was realizing the importance of a support system – a group of people who share your passion for the arts, and also understand the hardships and anxiety that comes with the profession. I have developed many relationships during my time at OCAD U, from professors to peers, they are all part of my community, and have been essential to my professional development.

What are the key responsibilities you maintain for your practice? 

There are endless administrative tasks that come with the profession, like meetings, follow-up emails, and submission deadlines.  For my creative practice, I try to carry a notebook with me where ever I go, and I scribble down any concepts, project ideas, stories, superpower ideas, and/or intriguing thoughts that I come up with.

What are your personal and professional goals for the coming years?

Professionally, I want to continue creating work.  Personally, I want to prioritize spending time with my family.