Meet Tyler McKnight | Model / Actor / Accountant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tyler McKnight and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tyler, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m inspired by life itself. My source of inspiration is constantly changing– it can be through fashion, song lyrics, my friends and family, and the life experiences of myself and others. In relation to fashion, I’ve recently seen a lot of photos and videos of people living in Europe, doing mundane things like walking down the street holding coffee or getting on the train. I’ve been inspired by European style for a while, but I noticed that a lot of their outfits are simple yet thoughtful. It reminds me that luxury doesn’t have to be loud or logo-heavy or even all that noticeable. I’ve since embraced “silent luxury”, and I enjoy finding new pieces to add to my wardrobe.

As far as acting goes, I’m new to the industry and currently trying to get my foot in the door. I’ve taken a ton of classes, and I’ve recently drawn inspiration from music and the storytelling that goes with it. Songs tell stories that can be broken up into scenes, and once you picture it in your head, you can add dialogue and create an entirely different world. With that being said, if you see me out and about with my headphones in, I promise I didn’t ignore you– I’m lost in whatever world I created.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I was a child, I enjoyed art, theatre, and film. I vividly remember begging my parents to take me to Michael’s to buy me some really expensive oil pastels. I got a little older and realized that I wanted to become an actor, but growing up in small towns and suburbs, it felt like that goal was very inaccessible. That was my main challenge– navigating the restraints that come with being a black gay male in the Georgia suburbs. I played sports, which I hated deep down, and I was very good at other subjects, like Math and English. I performed well in school, and I decided to go to college and become an Accountant. Fast forward 4 years since I graduated college, I was scouted by my agency, Forward the Agency, for their fashion and modeling division. While I still have an interest in modeling, I decided that I also wanted to enter their commercial, TV, and film divisions because I ultimately want to be on screen. I’ve been enrolled in acting classes for the past few months, and I’m loving it! I’ve also started submitting myself for different projects. I certainly don’t regret spending five and a half years in college to become an Accountant. It has allowed me to finance my creative endeavors while living comfortably.

My current challenge is navigating my priorities when it comes to my full-time job as a business professional and making time for my creative endeavors. I prioritize my corporate job because it directly affects my livelihood, but I make it a point to pour into my creativity during nights and weekends. I feel like each step I take, no matter how small, will ultimately allow me to achieve all of my goals. The biggest lessons I’ve learned so far is that nothing is unattainable if you truly work hard for it, and timing is absolutely everything.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Monday – Dekalb Farmer’s Market to get groceries for the week, Ponce City Market for lunch and a walk on the belt line
Tuesday – High Museum to check out the new exhibits, Botanical Gardens
Wednesday – Picnic in Piedmont Park, Dinner at one of my favorite spots, Bartaco in Inman Park
Thursday – Wellness day: Barry’s class, nail salon, and facials at my favorite med spa, Charette Cosmetics
Friday – Photoshoot with one of my favorite photographers, Dinner at O-ku, High Museum for High Frequency Friday, end the night at Himitsu (best late night spot in Atlanta)
Saturday – Dinner at Marcel (my favorite restaurant in the city), Blake’s on the Park for a night out
Sunday – Brunch at Le Bilboquet

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe 95% of my progress and success to my mother. As a child, I was very shy, sensitive, and reluctant to put myself out into the world. I was also bullied for absolutely everything– the way I talked, walked, dressed, my multiracial background, and even my own handwriting. Not only did my mother encourage me to take leaps of faith and own who I am, she also taught me resilience, consistency, and confidence. She held me at a very high regard and set high standards, but she was never pushy or mean. She saw my potential from the time I was born, and to this day, she is my biggest supporter and hero.

Instagram: tylerjaaames

Image Credits
Elvis De Rivero, Tommy 4K, and TJ Baker