Meet Pham Tue Anh, a talented senior at St. Paul American School Hanoi who is ready to make her mark on the global fashion world. Since coming to St. Paul in 2022, Tue Anh has put her heart, soul, and incredible imagination into everything she creates.
What university do you plan on attending between Pratt, The New School, Parsons, University of the Arts London, and Arts University Bournemouth?
Tue Anh: I plan to study Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design .
Where were you and how did you feel when you opened your acceptance letters?
Tue Anh: When I received my acceptance letter, I was sick and still drowsy from my medicine. But the moment I opened my phone and saw the acceptance, it honestly felt like it magically cured me.
When did you first realize you wanted to pursue art seriously?
Tue Anh: It was a long time ago during middle school. I would wake up thinking about art, and when I went to sleep at night, I would also think about art. I realized that without art, my life would be meaningless.
How would you describe your creative style or identity?
Tue Anh: My work is very narrative-based and rooted in emotional expression through intricate designs and details. I am drawn to dramatic and sometimes grotesque silhouettes in fashion. Even though I know it is very niche, it is really expressive and meaningful to me.
Which artwork was the most personal to you?
Tue Anh: The most personal piece in my portfolio was the one where I felt I successfully conveyed my narrative, emotions, and personal values through silhouette and design. I wanted the work to feel dramatic and unrestricted by conventional expectations.
How did you show Parsons that you were the right fit, or what made you stand out?
Tue Anh: I think it is important to stay authentic throughout the application process and communicate a clear artistic voice through both your portfolio and your college essay.
How did your school support your growth as an artist?
Tue Anh: I especially want to thank Mr. Sean, my AP Literature teacher, for supporting me throughout my college application process. He spent many lunch breaks reviewing my essays and constantly challenged me to think more critically, even during class discussions. He also encouraged me a lot as a creative designer, and I will always be grateful for his support; especially for trusting me to design costumes for the school drama.
Were there opportunities, teachers, or experiences at school that pushed your creativity?
Tue Anh: Mr. Sean really inspired me creatively. Through the literature and discussions in his class, I was pushed outside of my comfort zone and became more open to perspectives and ideas that were very different from my own.
What will you miss the most about your school when you graduate?
Tue Anh: I will miss my friends who have supported me a lot and who are very patient with me. I will miss Mr. Sean for being an inspirational figure throughout my high school life. I will also miss the atmosphere of the school in general, because after spending so much time here, it truly feels like home.
What helped you stay authentic through the application process?
Tue Anh: Being an artist requires vulnerability and the willingness to confront parts of yourself that may be uncomfortable or difficult to accept. What helped me stay authentic was having the courage to embrace those parts of myself, even when other people did not always understand them.
What would you say to young artists who doubt their work?
Tue Anh: I am still learning too, so I do not think I have all the answers. But I believe the most important thing is to continue creating and stay connected to what you genuinely love. To discover your passion, you have to put yourself out there and truly pursue the things that matter to you.
“To discover your passion, you have to put yourself out there and truly pursue the things that matter to you.”
