American Vampire 1976 1 Variant Dustin Nguyen (2020)

Vibe & Thrive in Ward 5

Art Direction • Logo Design • Social Media Marketing • Community Engagement

My Wife and I have spearheaded the development of a vibrant two-day spring market, a community-driven event designed to support and showcase local small businesses through engaging pop-up shops. This initiative not only fosters economic growth but also creates an inviting atmosphere where entrepreneurs can connect with customers and fellow business owners. From concept to execution, I crafted the visual identity of the event, designing promotional materials, social media assets, and signage that capture the essence of community engagement and small business empowerment. My ability to create compelling, cohesive branding ensured that the event had a strong visual presence, attracting a diverse audience and enhancing the overall experience for both vendors and attendees.

Beyond aesthetics, my involvement extended into strategic planning and logistics, where my adaptability in design allowed me to tailor marketing materials to different business needs while maintaining a unified theme. Whether it was crafting eye-catching digital advertisements, designing vendor booth layouts, or developing interactive event programs, my multifaceted design expertise played a critical role in bringing the event to life. By blending creativity with functionality, I contributed to an event that not only highlighted the talents of local businesses but also reinforced the power of thoughtful design in fostering meaningful community connections.

Blackwater Market Comics & Coffee

Brand Development • Project Management • Online/Offline Marketing • 360° Marketing

Blackwater Market Comics & Coffee is a creation of mine that was born from a lifelong passion for storytelling, art, and community. With a mission to break free from the mundane and reconnect with the essence of geek culture, we set out to create something that celebrates the myths and legends that have shaped human creativity for centuries.

More than just an online comic and coffee shop, Blackwater Market Comics & Coffee is a grassroots initiative built by and for comic lovers. We partner with small, independent coffee roasters, handpicking those who uphold strong ethical values and embrace a do-it-yourself spirit. Our goal is to connect readers with diverse, classic, and independent comics while introducing them to exceptional, artist-driven coffee brands — delivering an experience that’s as rich in flavor as it is in storytelling.

The Wingmen Initiative

Photography • Illustration • Typography • Branding • Photoshop • Cooking

As the world slowed to a halt during the haunting years of COVID, I found myself searching for a creative outlet that would reignite my passion and bring together some of my greatest loves — photography, design, and, of course, chicken wings. Out of this craving for inspiration, The Wingmen Initiative was born.

This project was more than just a culinary endeavor; it was a fusion of branding, aesthetics, and storytelling. I wanted to create a collaboration of visuals that illustrate my meticulous approach to design. The composition of the imagery, from the crisp, golden breadcrumb details to the rich textures of the wings themselves, speaks to my ability to capture not just food, but an experience. The typography and layout reinforce a sophisticated yet inviting identity, subtly nodding to high-end culinary branding while maintaining an approachable, mouthwatering appeal.

Through this initiative, I transformed my passion into a tangible, immersive experience, showcasing how design can elevate even the most comforting of foods into something visually and emotionally compelling.