Meet Lucienne Nghiem | Photographer & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lucienne Nghiem and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lucienne, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Currently, my favorite affirmation is, “I don’t chase, I attract. What belongs to me will simply find me.” It’s such a beautiful message to start each morning with. Recently came across a video of a creator on Tiktok, named Sara Fiorvento, saying it and since then started to incorporate it in my routine. I love how it’s so empowering and grounding. Strong morning routines are so important to me to start each day with and since incorporating this affirmation, I have seen so much growth in my confidence as an artist, as well as growth in business because of how my mindsets have changed in including positive affirmations in my day. Would definitely recommend (if possible) to start your mornings with some sort of affirmations especially if you’re an artist because those messages can positively carry into your art.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art aesthetic has shifted abundantly throughout my time in photography. I am proud to say that in this past year I have definitely found my signature style of creating warm, saturated images focused on elements of my identity that I am most expressive of. I think that the current influence of color in my work is largely reflective of the not so colorful past year. That has greatly inspired me to create more saturated work that makes me feel vibrant while making those images. In this fifth year of photography, I am most excited by the opportunities that will come post-covid but right now am truly focused on building my brand to it’s fullest and helping the people around me do the same. The biggest lessons that I’ve learned so far are to 1) never give up and 2) to take care of your mental health. They go hand in hand. There may be times where creative block is super overwhelming but to all my artists out there, keep creating and know that it’s okay to take breaks or feel overwhelmed. Some daily healthy habits I’ve included in my creative process that influence my art are going outside as much as possible, drinking lots of water, cleaning my workspace, including plants in my workspace, and having some sort of human interaction (mostly phonically with friends) once a day to keep inspired. Also listening to other artists/creatives talk via youtube videos or podcasts while I work or edit has been amazing. A challenge that sticks out to me most, as a young, queer, Asian American woman/artist, is mostly finally growing into my skin, navigating adulthood, and fully loving/embracing my identity. Learning that it’s okay to do so and that’s okay to be 1000% authentically me after being taught otherwise for so long. Also learning about others with similar backgrounds before me, being there for my community and others, as well as surrounding myself with people who love, accept, and support that wholeheartedly. Learning how to embrace who I am has led to so much growth in the art I create and has only prompted even more genuine connections.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting (post covid) the perfect week would start by seeing a Phoebe Bridgers concert (of course our fav), going on many brunch dates, catching up through hours of long conversations, laughs, and spending as much time in nature as possible. So hard to imagine a life of going out with friends right now but I can’t wait for life to return to that much fun again. Concerts will definitely be first on the itinerary!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Would love to dedicate a shoutout to the beautiful, loving, creative community around me that I adore so much and consider family. Over the past few years, have made so many strong lifelong connections with people through art that I am forever thankful for. The women, queer, and non binary people in my life especially, who continuously inspire me to be comfortable in my own skin. Would like to thank Zoie (@zenithofzoie), Meley (@melztes), Sonomi (@cestnomi), Melody (@melodynugget), Kiba (@k.denisee_), Alina (@alinaapascalee), and Brittany (@brittanybhorner) for always creating beautiful art with me since day one and for being such an open, supportive, amazing friends and individuals that always lift one another up. There are so many other amazing individuals, and would say that staying connected to other artists and building a strong community is the most beautiful part of the creative world.

Website: www.luxxiennen.work

Instagram: @luxxienne

Image Credits
1) Model: @alinaapascalee Assist: @joztakethosee Studio: Studio 607 2) Self Portrait 3) Model: @bellaviolence Studio: Studio 607 4) Models: @melztes @itsmarqymarq @kennedy.grace16 MUA: @iamelsaolson Creative Direction/Styling: @kennedy.grace16 Studio: Studio 607