Dinh Tran Thao My
Major
Campus
Graduation Year
Initiative/Project/Organisation
Role at the organisation
Current location
Values
 1.svg){kind=logo}
Founded as a sanctuary from the corporate world's creative constraints, Indigenous Studio was born from a desire to empower emerging design talent. We are a multidisciplinary creative house that partners with industry leaders, but our true work lies in fostering a culture of human sustainability. By championing a "no overtime" policy and reinforcing principles of professional integrity and work-life balance, we equip the next generation of designers to build lasting, healthy careers. Our passion projects, which tackle societal issues like gender bias, extend this motto—using art and design as a tool for positive, meaningful community change.
My motivation was born from a familiar frustration. At 23, fresh into the corporate design world, I felt the gap between my potential and my designated role. Like many young creatives, I had little say over choosing and initiating projects, eventually being sidelined into narrow tasks. The problem wasn't a lack of ambition, but a lack of opportunity. I founded my studio not only to do diverse work—from video production and motion graphics to UX/UI, branding, packaging, and children's book illustrations—but to create the environment I wished I had: a space built on trust and creative freedom.
The greatest challenge was proving that a culture of well-being could coexist with high-level corporate projects. As our clients are top of mind in their respective industries—spanning from insurance, banking, education, advertising agencies, to startups—their demand is extensive. Yet, the creative industry often glorifies burnout, so establishing a "no overtime, no weekend work" policy felt radical. We overcame this by building our workflow around efficiency and respect for time.
We train our team, mostly recent graduates, to follow a designated workflow and firm communication boundaries: all client contact is documented via email, with managers involved. This protects our team and ensures their personal time is truly theirs. Apart from working, we infuse this motto into passion projects addressing societal issues. We've used film to advocate for women's freedom of choice in pregnancy, earning second place in the 48-hour film award.
Currently, we're developing a project to mitigate gender bias embedded in advertising using AI systems. We believe that by empowering our designers with a healthy environment, they are better equipped to use their creative talents to build a more equitable world, embracing better diversity for human communities. Last but not least, there is no "proudest moment." As I look back, I see sacrifices fueling my motivation to go this far. As I enter the AI program, I feel lucky every time Dr. Thuy, the only female lecturer, appears. I wish for you to see us and feel empowered to confidently explore the world as it is.