2022 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Ngoc Doan | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

2022 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Ngoc Doan

May 14, 2022
Image
Illustrated self portrait of Ngoc Doan

She/Her/They/Them
Senior, Comic Art
Roy B Justus Senior Comic Merit Scholarship $4,000
Online Portfolio
Eagan, Minnesota

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

I feel like my work varies in tone and style. It’s a little difficult for me to describe it succinctly. I hope that I tell compelling or interesting stories. They can vary from middle/high school stories to simple fantasies. At the very least, I hope these are nice comics that are fun to look at. 

The perfect tomato comic by Ngoc Doan

 

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

I came to MCAD because I didn’t want to wait until years later, realizing this is what I wanted to do. I saw so many great alumni coming out of the school and sought to grasp at the smoke they left behind.

The Sun comic by Ngoc Doan

The Sun comic process work

What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond?

I hope to get my foot in the door of the comic industry. I want to reach out more, network more, but also avoid burning out and over extending myself. While I dream a lot for my career, I also just want to live peacefully and have hobbies. 

Palindrome comic by Ngoc Doan

 

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

My fellow peers are really cool. People are very friendly and are often strong advocates for themselves and others.

What's the best thing you've got from MCAD's free shelf?

This is so boring, but I found a sliding desk attachment for a mouse and keyboard. Oh and some really nice paper.

Incline Decline by Ngoc Doan

 

What inspires you?

I think I’m inspired by manga and artists who also were inspired by manga. Vagabond, a manga by Takehiko Inoue, is a huge inspiration for me in both its writing and art. I hope to achieve such mastery of composition.

Swimmer's Dilemma comic by Ngoc Doan

Swimmer's Dilemma comic process work by Ngoc Doan

Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it!

I made a comic about a pottery student who was questioning his place in the art world. It was just two characters talking. This was the comic I made when I realized comics were what I wanted to do. It’s not an amazing comic, but it was my first “real” comic.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment? 

I have a 3.5 foot long plush bee. It's unwieldy and very squishy. 

Juxtaposition comic by Ngoc Doan