Electric guitar is instrument of choice. I really enjoy listening to rock music, and the guitar is an essential instrument in this genre. The sound of the electric guitar makes me feel the vibrant and diverse aspects of life in a way that goes beyond imagination.
You are always seeking for new hobbies. What is your top 3 hobbies at the moment?
Playing the guitar - Drawing - Sculpting art
Guitar is quite hard an instrument to master. Why did you choose to learn electric guitar?
Electric guitar is my instrument of choice. I really enjoy listening to rock music, and the guitar is an essential instrument in this genre. The sound of the electric guitar resonates deeply with me and perfectly captures my love for the vibrant and diverse aspects of life in a way that goes beyond imagination.
"Music connects souls.” Does your love for rock music allow you to experience new things in life?
Rock music connects me with my colleagues from Partner to Intern level at PwC, thanks to Assurance Partner Phạm Thái Hùng, even though I had no prior band experience.
Rock music has also allowed me to meet and befriend many people who share the same passion for rock guitar, not only in Vietnam but also from the US, Thailand, and Indonesia. We continue to connect, play together, share knowledge, and stay updated on each other’s lives.
I had the opportunity to be part of organizing a rock concert called RockNShare, hosted by well-known Vietnamese rock bands to raise funds for children in highland areas. The concert was attended by over 5000 people in heavy rain, and it was an invaluable and memorable experience for me.
Patience, acceptance of failure, trying hundreds of times, the final design or music piece is the most beautiful masterpiece.
As a designer, you might spend most of the time looking for ideas and then visualizing them. Does your hobby act as your source of inspiration during creative process? If yes, how so?
I practically only listen to rock music and guitar while working. Rock music and the guitar are sources of motivation and energy for me. They enable me to envision unique and bold images, encouraging me to try new techniques in my creative work. For me, rock music and I are two halves of a whole.
Do your two halves – music and design – have anything in common?
Beyond being one of the 7 major forms of art, engaging with music, visual arts, and design requires emotion, not a fixed formula of 1+1 equals 2. The intriguing aspect of music and design is that behind each piece, there's a story that I have to discover layer by layer. It constantly brings fresh and captivating emotions.
I find playing the guitar very difficult and painful. It demands years of practice and patience, similarly to design. To create a beautiful painting or a good design, time is the ultimate answer.
You were a part of the wonderful band performance in PwC’s last Year End Party. How did you feel and is there any interesting behind-the-scenes story you would like to share?
It was my first time standing on stage with a band. I was really nervous since I am the newest member. I was worried, hoping people wouldn't recognize who I was so that if I missed the beat, no one would know who it was. During rehearsals, due to my lack of experience, I made many mistakes, but the leader and the band motivated and cheered me on to focus on perfecting the music.
During peak times, how do you juggle work and personal hobbies?
My work is quite demanding and takes up most of my day, not to mention other personal projects. So, maintaining the discipline to practice is driven by my passion and requires a serious attitude.
Guitar is my life, alongside my work as a designer. Sometimes during busy periods, I even sacrifice sleep to prioritize work, and I accelerate to complete my tasks and then play guitar afterwards. I eagerly wait for weekends to burn my fingers on the guitar strings.
I often spend evenings and weekends on music, painting, and crafts, which is the time to nurture my soul and music skills, dexterity, touch, hearing, and vision, as well as how I feel and see life through my own lens.
You have multiple talents and are always actively looking for even more new ones. Do you think having hobbies is a good solution to balancing life and work?
Hobbies and work coexist within each person, compensating and supporting each other. Hobbies reflect part of one's lifestyle, nurturing the soul, while work nurtures the motivation for living. When work becomes overwhelming and exhausting, hobbies provide the energy to help me back into work and continue to pursue my dreams. Having a passionate hobby and a stable job in which I use my strengths is currently the best scenario for me.
Lastly, any advice for people with “Start a new hobby” as their New Year’s resolution?
Every hobby takes time to build, so to take up a hobby, I think persistence and time management are crucial. If not, the connection between the person and that hobby will fade quickly. Just like making a new friend, spending time to understand, interact, and journey together is essential for a long-lasting relationship.
Thank you so much, Huynh, for sharing this with us!
