Capturing the vibrancy of local culture through illustrations and design with Jane Trieu
Illustrator and Designer
Introducing Jane Trieu
Jane Trieu is a Chinese-Vietnamese American artist in San Francisco. Born and raised in the city, her quirky style utilizes a mix of saturated colors and draws inspiration from nostalgic cultural artifacts, personal experiences, and her local community. Jane’s murals can be found across the city’s walls and shop windows, in addition to textiles, books, editorials, and handmade goods found at open markets (and the online StudioTrieu shop).
Jane has been featured in exhibitions including “Memories from Childhood” at Chunky Things and “Sounds About Riso” at Usagi NYC. Jane holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from California College of the Arts in San Francisco, and has received awards from American Illustration and Society of Illustrators.
In this short feature, Jane shares more about her work.
Can you describe your craft and artistic approach?
Jane: I am an illustrator and designer in San Francisco. Finding inspiration in my heritage and home, my work captures the energy and vibrancy of the people and objects around us. My style focuses on vibrant color, analog texture, and playful humor to craft beautiful images that spark joy.
How would you describe your art’s connection to the local community?
Jane: In recent years, I have worked with arts non-profits on illustration and design to bolster their missions and emphasize their impacts. From creating murals to festival posters, my work aids in creating a sense of belonging and vibrancy in the community.
What is an emotional milestone you have experienced while sharing your art in the community?
Jane: Seeing people resonate with my art, whether it's a brief encounter or a heartfelt connection, is a rewarding experience. I remember vending at a holiday market where one of my customers invited me to vend at her intimate living memoir at her home in Half Moon Bay the next day. It felt extremely serendipitous that we met - the event was blissful, from the bites to the readings that paralleled some parts of my life. That moment was a beginning step for me in finding my community and I was grateful to have crossed paths with her.
Could you please share the meaning and process behind one of your latest projects, “Nourish our Community”?
Jane: “Nourish our Community” incorporates movement and vibrant colors, reflecting the essence of The Salad Place and its community here in San Francisco's Excelsior district. As a person who’s grown with the neighborhood, I wanted to highlight the diverse backgrounds of people who enter The Salad Place, continuing to find different ways to nourish each other and the community as a whole through healthy food and social connections. Through this piece, I hope viewers find ways to nourish their own communities.
Where can the community see and know more?
You can check out Jane’s work at local fairs and community events in the San Francisco Bay Area, and explore opportunities to collaborate, commission, and view current pieces on her website at jane-trieu.com, on Instagram @studio.trieu, and the StudioTrieu Etsy shop.
Thank you, Jane, for sharing your creative approach and perspective.
Happy community building!