Thy Doan Studio

10/07/2020

I don’t know about you but I’m writing more notes to myself as reminders lately. This isn’t something I used to do but I’ve been wondering if they’ll stick better this way.

I probably need this one most days. I hope you’re being kind and taking care of yourself for tomorrow and beyond. 💛✌🏼

08/27/2020

For me, it hasn’t felt right to post about work when there are voices and issues far more important. There’s been a lot of realigning for myself, including the kind of work and partners I collaborate with. That said, I’m thrilled to be able to lend a hand with graphics in support of the . The incredible powerhouse is leading the way with her .fit team to demand a shift in the wellness space that is long overdue. More details below and if you can join their Lobby Talk event tonight, please do—not to be missed! Link is in ’s bio💛✌🏼
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the .fit team spent July + August synthesizing the feedback and conversations from our Lobby Talk series in June. the result? our pledge for Racial Justice, Anti-Racism, and Equality in the Wellness Industry. I’m honored to share that industry leaders like , , and are the first to commit to the pledge and join us in this work. link in bio for tonight’s conversation, trust me - you don’t want to miss it. we’re making history. amidst the terror in the streets, it fills my heart to use this platform to protect and heal black bodies and minds. we need it. ✨

07/01/2020

To my creative colleagues and hiring managers (frankly, everyone!):

I HIGHLY recommend watching this talk by Jezz Chung and Jennifer Ekeleme about racial equity in the creative workspace. They unpack topics and articulate approaches that can be so impactful in creative workplaces (and beyond!)—many of which I wish were practiced in places I've worked and know many of you can echo the same.

There's plenty of useful insight that I'll be pulling into my own life and creative work. Please consider watching, reading and sharing! Again, this can be applied beyond the creative space as well.

I've linked to the recap article because there's very useful post-talk Q+A that's worth diving into as well.

Jennifer and Jezz led a poignant one-hour conversation about the ways racial equity elevates our creativity. They discuss the knee-jerk reactions of the advertising industry, the importance of interrogating whiteness, how to hold your peers, employees, and employers accountable, and why it’

06/03/2020

To my fellow Creatives: I know there's already a lot of resources and lists of actionable things you can be doing to help to bring justice for , his family and the Black community. I'm putting this out there as an idea that you might be able to take and scale in your community. Maybe my small lesson learned can help you look for small actions in your wheelhouse that might have more impact that you even considered. ⁠
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A few days ago, I started making posters to show solidarity in my windows, for protesters and made some extra since I had the supplies. I shared this to the Next Door app, allowing people in my and surrounding neighborhoods to take as needed. I'm grateful for the response from people and have continued to make more.⁠
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This started out as a cathartic action to counter the emotional and mental weight of George Floyd's death and the palpable pain seen in my community. But one request from a neighbor on the Next Door app made me pause. She had a request for a custom sign and said she'd pay for it if I was able to make it for her. ⁠
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She asked for it to read: "I can't keep calm I have a black son".⁠
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Her request helped me realize that this may be a small effort to me, but perhaps incredibly helpful to someone else. I can use my skills to help lift a voice, even if it's just through windows or wherever the sign ends up living. ⁠
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So, let this serve as a small reminder that you can't humanly do everything on those huge lists but the important piece is that you DO act and commit to fighting the long, good fight. ⁠
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I know I am feeling the urgency to do anything and everything but am reminded by kind souls that we can't burn out or get tired. So don't forget to hold space for yourself show you can continue to show up. This is too important and complex to think that it'll be over in a week or a month. 💛 ✌🏼⁠
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06/02/2020

Posting a black square isn't the end of what needs to be done today. I understand wanting to stand in solidarity but there is more behind this digital activism so that it's not seen as a kind of performance. It is not about being mute, it's about using our platforms to carry important messages and content to people who need to see and hear that is so often unseen.

Today is about listening, elevating voices from the Black community. That means promoting Black entrepreneurs, writers, nonprofits, VCs, startups, artists, designers, educators and generally: Black truth. Share the work of Black people are are already doing the social justice work. Listen to their lived experiences. Share content created by BIPOC and tag them.

If nothing else, seek it out and just listen. It really is time to just shut up and listen, feel uncomfortable and eventually act on that discomfort.

This is from a few days ago but is so powerful. Hear her. Please listen to the powerful words of Tamika Mallory, who is the co-founder of Until Freedom. Who is Until Freedom (from a summary from their website): "We are activists, movement lawyers, artists, & survivors of racial injustice. We will build, create, organize & fight"

Learn more: www.untilfreedom.com

06/02/2020

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We've been silenced for far too long. This , let's make our voices heard. || ✊🏾

06/02/2020

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05/01/2020

Design friends:⁠⠀
There's so much power in giving back to our community in crucial times, especially for emerging designers who are navigating these new waters. I know I had plenty of design professionals that gave me that gift and nudged me along in the right direction. That said, I'll be virtually reviewing work as part of Out of Office Student Portfolio Reviews (created by !), May 11–22. I hope you'll sign up, too!⁠⠀
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For design seniors and recent grads everywhere:⁠⠀
Get your work reviewed! It's free and, like everything else these days, it's virtual. Sign ups start May 4.⁠⠀
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More info and sign up details in my bio!⁠⠀
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Image credit ⁠⠀
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04/30/2020

Next week! 5/6, 1pm (MST), I’ll be chatting live (IG live!) with about With Friends. Hope to see you there!
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Hello, Friends! We hope you’re doing well.��Join us this upcoming Wednesday, May 6th from 1 - 1:30 pm (MST) for an Instagram live event with “Lady Boss, Creative Director, and Graphic Designer“ to talk about her current project “With Friends”, a series of online conversations with peers and community members on the importance of supporting each other during these difficult times.

04/22/2020

At the start of 2020, I already knew I wanted to do more work that had more meaning. After all, how else should I use and share my skills if not for good?

Like everyone else, I had no idea what 2020 had in store for us. I’m grateful to find purpose and meaning in work during times that have rendered me so helpless and even paralyzed at times.

Thanks for tagging me in on this one. It’s a true privilege to contribute to a cause in a place that’s near and dear to my heart. 💛✌🏼

Many thanks to Sam Ricks, Travis Griswold and the Cotopaxi team.
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It’s amazing what you’ve helped us accomplish with . So far, we’ve been able to contribute over $30,000 to local COVID-19 relief efforts. Thank you for helping us spread the word! Now, we want you to show us how you’re repping the movement. Share a picture on social using the hashtag . Your pic could inspire someone else to join the movement!

03/23/2020

Kicking off today at 12pm CST! Come chat with some fellow friends (or new faces!) about how you're navigating these times or hear what others are doing. Share/Connect/Whatever is the aim. We can all benefit from one another during these strange and heavy times.⁠⠀
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It's FREE to take part. All is ask in these is for your respect, kindness and willingness to share. Please reach out if you have any questions or need any clarification! You can sign up at: calendly.com/thydoan. Talk soon xo 💛✌🏼 @ Minneapolis, Minnesota