A chaotic space, scattered with drawing papers and hands covered in charcoal. In contrast to the neat and orderly environment typically found in classrooms, students spread their art supplies everywhere, folding paper and painting with enthusiasm. Every student was eager and absorbed in completing their artwork. The workshop “Exploring the Art and Creative Design Industry and Career Opportunities” for TDSers took place in this “unconventional” manner…
As part of the prominent activities organized by the University and Career Counseling Office (UCCO), the workshop attracted many TDSers from middle and high school. With its creative approach and engaging experiences, this workshop not only provided new insights into the fine art field but also helped TDSers gain a deeper understanding of the innovative nature of this industry.
The highlight of the workshop was the guidance of Professor Thomas Dang Vu – Creative Director at Savannah College of Art and Design University (SCAD), one of the most renowned universities for art and design in the United States. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, he has received high praise for his works on prestigious platforms such as The New York Times, Forbes, and Interior Design Magazine. Although he has spoken at many schools around the world and met numerous international students, this was the first time Professor Thomas Dang Vu interacted with students at a school in Vietnam.
Instead of presenting abstract theories about painting, Professor Thomas began the session with a simple task: folding paper airplanes. With just a few tools like pencils and small bamboo sticks, the students were guided on how to draw the paper airplane realistically and vividly. Through this, TDSers learned basic artistic techniques such as determining proportions, perspective, and angle – essential elements in creating a complete artwork.
Hien Thu (11Baltimore) shared: “In just one hour, I not only learned techniques but was also inspired by Professor Thomas’s relatable and down-to-earth stories. I realized that art begins with capturing the simplest things, the familiar surroundings around us. Participating in this workshop felt like experiencing an art student’s class firsthand, understanding more about the approach and artistic thinking, and gaining a clearer vision of what I would study in this field. This is very important for us in determining the right major for our future.”
The workshop also provided an opportunity to learn more about SCAD University. TDSers passionate about art had the chance to explore a variety of majors, from graphic design, visual and performing arts, to film production, architecture, and other creative fields. SCAD University boasts an impressive employment rate of over 90% among its graduates, with alumni working at top companies such as Pixar, IBM, Facebook, and more. It is also the only university listed among the top schools for film and television production by The Hollywood Reporter.
Mr. Nguyen Trong Tung, University and Career Counseling Teacher at Dewey, shared: “With a variety of hands-on activities and opportunities to interact with experts, the workshop not only opened the door for Dewey students to explore the art industry but also inspired TDSers in their creative journey and future career development. This is also the distinctive form of learning at Dewey – learning through experience.”
