“I’m Not Fine” – A Graduation Project of Inner Reflection

Presented during the January 2026 graduation project defense of the Digital Art program at Hoa Sen University, “I’m Not Fine” by Ms. Vu Thuy Nhi is a subtle yet powerful exploration of the inner self. The project transforms personal emotional struggles into a compelling inner dialogue, conveyed through symbolism, imagery, and a resonant narrative rhythm.

“I’m Not Fine” – A Comic Book Graduation Project Exploring Inner Dialogue

Ms. Vu Thuy Nhi, Digital Art student at Hoa Sen University (HSU), explained that “I’m Not Fine” was developed as a prequel to an existing narrative, situated in an unspecified urban timeline. The deliberate ambiguity of space and time minimized contextual distractions, enabling a deeper exploration of the character’s internal psychological struggle. This approach established a conceptual “gray area” between reality and the subconscious, articulated through visual symbolism, imagery, and narrative rhythm.

The project’s central concept focused on the “second personality” as a metaphor for a psychological defense mechanism developed through prolonged trauma. Rather than seeking to depict or diagnose pathology, “I’m Not Fine” approached trauma through an artistic lens. In this context, the second personality was framed as a survival response that supported the protagonist, Kien, in navigating sustained internal conflict. 

“Rather than directly portraying the causes of harm, I chose to express them through symbolism and emotional nuance. In this sense, boundary-setting is treated not only as a content-related concern, but as a component of the visual language”, Nhi emphasized. 

Psychological Conflict Through Imagery and Symbol

Rather than functioning as conventional characters, the figures in the project were constructed as “emotional fragments”, embodying psychological symbolism while also serving as narrators. The “second personality” was positioned as an autonomous narrative entity, with a distinct perspective and function, thereby expanding the interpretive space for understanding internal psychological conflict.

The project’s visual language employed elements, including light and shadow, illusory forms, and adolescent imagery, to sustain a sense of psychological vulnerability within the characters. These elements served as expressive tools to articulate the transition between reality and the subconscious, situated within a contemporary context that remained accessible and relatable without overwhelming the viewer.

A Diverse Visual Language Rich in Emotional Depth  

Thuy Nhi shared that “I’m Not Fine” was created through a careful interplay of hand-drawn illustration, digital processing, and print. The hand-painted elements were central to retaining the work’s original rhythm, expressive strokes, and emotional intensity. Moreover, digital processing was employed in a controlled and minimal manner, serving primarily to refine lighting, contrast, and layout without substantially altering the original artwork. Concurrently, careful consideration was given to printing variables, including paper type and tonal treatment, to preserve emotional resonance and maintain alignment with the project’s initial artistic intention.

Elements such as color, line, and image density operated simultaneously as structural and emotional components within the design.  In certain sections, she deliberately experimented with alternative techniques to represent complex psychological conditions, demonstrating a sustained commitment to exploration in her creative work.

I’m Not Fine was structured as an open interpretive framework, allowing viewers to observe, pause, and construct meaning through personal interpretation.

Thuy Nhi claimed that
“The work’s message resides in the act of interpretation itself, rather than in any direct identification between the character and the author”.

At her project presentation booth, Thuy Nhi arranged stopping points such as standees and QR codes leading to the online comic book, encouraging viewers to read and interact more deeply with the work, demonstrating her concern for the reader’s experience.

More than a graduation requirement, “I’m Not Fine” represents Thuy Nhi’s deliberate exploration of storytelling through visual structure, composition, and pacing. Furthermore, the project marks a significant academic milestone for Digital Art students at HSU, while also demonstrating the potential for developing a personal artistic language grounded not only in emotion but in refined thinking, discipline, and self-awareness.

Some images of the “I’m Not Fine” project: