Leaving the rush of college life in America, a trip across the Atlantic Ocean led Jessica Nguyen to experience the leisure of Aix-en-Provence, France. During her semester abroad, Nguyen spent her days people-watching, outdoor painting and studying the work of artists before her, which fueled her passion for creativity and reaffirmed her decision to pursue art. 

“Before, it was like art and me were two separate identities,” studio art senior Nguyen said. “But now I feel like it’s merging into one. In France, I found the inspiration that I didn’t know I needed for painting.” 

After gaining confidence in her work from her time abroad, Nguyen began her art TikTok, @jessicanguyenart, when she returned to campus. Since its inception in November 2022, the account has gained over 85,000 followers. Nguyen’s most viewed content — which she calls “Day 1” videos — features her progress on a piece after one day of painting, with the most popular of these videos amassing almost 8 million views.

“I’m really happy that my ‘Day 1’ videos have been getting very popular because it’s the most exciting stage for me, too,” Nguyen said. “There’s a fresh blank canvas to make something out of nothing (and) literally imprint your image that you have on your mind onto the canvas.” 

Nguyen said TikTok works as a way to meet new people and develop connections in the artistic space.

“I’ve actually had some people reach out to me, even some that I looked up to, and it’s quite exciting,” Nguyen said. “Now it’s growing into a community of artists, which I’m all for.”

Previously seeing art as a side project rather than her main focus, Nguyen first came to UT with the intention of going into medicine as a biochemistry major, inspired by her experience as a deaf and hard of hearing person. 

“Despite changing the direction of my career path, my intention remains the same: to connect to people,” Nguyen said. “Through painting, I have seen that I can connect to people, whether it’s the people I paint, who sees my art or even the people who learn through my TikToks.”

There to support Nguyen through the transition from pre-med to art, Nguyen’s best friend, Divya Kashyap, saw the uniqueness of Nguyen’s artistic eye. Kashyap said she encouraged Nguyen to switch to studio art.

“She was taking pre-med classes, and it just seemed like she wasn’t as in touch with art as she used to be,” nutrition senior Kashyap said. “She didn’t have time to make art. It was sad to see that side of her going away.”

The uncertainty of art was initially a factor in Nguyen’s decision. Art and art history professor Dan Sutherland works with many students facing the same conundrum. Sutherland said his advice for students remains the same.

“If you work hard, and you’re interested in your work and interested in the arts, you can find a niche and make a living,” Sutherland said. 

With the goal of living life with no regrets, Nguyen said she wants to explore where her art will go.

“I learned that saying no can be restricting,” Nguyen said. “Having a fixed image can be restricting. I don’t want to say any noes to anything.”