Toan Teng Thu dau mot City Ho chi minh city - Vietnam @toanteng.art

Toan Teng has stood out in our international competition, reaching the Top Five among more than 100 artists from around the world. His talent also earned him first place in the Large Pieces category and third place in Color Surrealism, awards that reflect his dedication and the level of excellence he brings to every piece.

Recognized by a prestigious international jury, Toan has shown that his approach goes beyond technique: he combines skill, sensitivity, and a deep emotional connection in each design. His work impresses not only for its visual perfection but also for the story it conveys through the skin.

With a style defined by realism and color, Toan approaches every tattoo as a unique experience—a piece that preserves memories, emotions, and moments of life.

Now, Toan shares with us more about his art.

1.You have built your career step by step since 2017. What personal lessons have most shaped your evolution during these years of steady rowth?

From 2017 to the present, the biggest lesson I've learned is patience and discipline. I don't have a formal artistic background, so everything has come from doing a lot, making a lot of mistakes, and correcting myself. I've learned that you don't need to go fast, just go right and go consistently. Every client, every tattoo is an opportunity for me to grow both in my skills and as a person.

2.A large part of your training came from observing, analyzing, and studying the work of other artists through platforms and specialized media. What value do you place today on self-discipline and observation as learning tools?

I consider self-discipline and observation skills to be my two greatest teachers. Observation helps me understand why a work of art is beautiful, while discipline allows me to practice long enough to achieve that. No one forces me to study every day, so if I'm not serious, it's easy to give up halfway. For me, learning from others but developing in my own way is the most important thing.

3.Your work moves within realism, both in black and grey and in color, with a strong focus on composition and emotion. What role does emotional sensitivity play in your artistic decisions?

Emotion is my guiding principle more than technique. A drawing needs to be more likeness than soul. I always ask myself: What does this drawing make the viewer feel? What does the person who holds it want to retain in their life? When I connect with that feeling of tension, the composition and colors naturally fall into place.

4.Being selected as a Top Five winner among more than 100 artists from different parts of the world is no small achievement. How did you feel receiving this recognition from such a high-level jury, and what did it mean to you to have your work valued by professionals with such extensive experience?

This has truly been an amazing and moving experience. I never imagined that a tattoo artist from Vietnam, starting from almost nothing, could be recognized in a place like this. This isn't just a personal reward it also makes me believe that if you work seriously and honestly, you can get noticed anywhere.

5. You received first place in the Large Pieces category and third place in Color Surrealism. What was it like to receive these awards?

I feel very proud, not because of the title, but because I know that my quiet hours of hard work have been recognized. Each award is like a milestone reminding me that I am on the right path, and also reminding me that I must not stop.

6.Beyond the prizes, what did this competition give you on a personal and professional level as an artist? What aspects of yourself do you feel were changed by this challenge?

The conversation helped me become more confident in expressing myself through my artistic voice. Before, I often doubted myself, but after this challenge, I understood that I don't need to be like anyone else, I just need to be the best version of myself. I also learned how to work under higher pressure, with more discipline and attention to detail, even in the most difficult situations.

7.Looking at your present, which part of your work do you feel represents you most honestly today?

I think these are realistic portraits and depictions with deep emotional impact. In them, I'm not just drawing pictures, but also telling a story about people, memories, loss, and love. These images are like a part of myself left behind in others.

8.You have expressed a desire to inspire students and young tattoo artists in Vietnam. What do you believe needs to be strengthened within the local artistic scene in order to continue growing?

I think Vietnamese professionals need to cultivate a spirit of thorough learning, respect for their profession, and genuine sharing. Less chasing trends, more investing in technical skills and aesthetics. Most importantly, maintaining professional ethics and respecting clients is crucial, as these are what will propel the profession forward, not just quickly.

9.When you look toward the future, what kind of artist would you like to become in the coming years, and which values are you not willing to lose along the way?

I aspire to be an artist with a distinct identity, depth, and a positive influence on the Vietnamese art community. The values ​​I never want to lose are humility, kindness to clients, and a genuine love for the craft, not just for fame or money.

10.To close, we invite you to use this space to share or dedicate a few final words.

I want to express my gratitude to all my clients, teachers, colleagues, and everyone who believed in me from the very beginning when I had nothing. If you are a young person pursuing art, I just want to say:You don't need to be an expert immediately, just don't give up.Try a little harder each day than you did today, and you will go very far.