He also collected comic books, which he imitated in an effort to improve his drawing.
He sketched and drew throughout his childhood both as a hobby and as a commissioned artist for government institutions and private individuals He did not receive any formal artistic training until after Liberation in 1975.
However, his skill was recognised by his peers and superiors and his art works were exhibited during the Vietnam War to help boost the morale of fellow soldiers.
[3] Towards the end of his career, he was one of a few well known artists commissioned by the Vietnam government to produce paintings to commemorate special occasions and events such as National Day, the anniversary of Điện Biên Phủ and Reunification Day.
The works were the artist's originals which were then published in larger sizes to be hung in the streets.