We had the good fortune of connecting with Tyler Clark and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tyler, what inspires you?
I am inspired by the beauty of Black women and Black hair, which is an important source of my cultural pride and the way my own experiences have shaped my relationship with my artwork and how I create. The world of art is ever changing, and it has been inspiring to see more Black artists receive recognition for their work opening up the conversation about ways art can be used as a tool to drive social impact and bridge the gap between cultures through hair connections. In particular, educating people on the Black hair experience.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Please tell us more about your art.
As a visual artist, my artwork features original 3-D paintings, prints and merchandise that includes the use of synthetic hair, fabric and jewelry. My artwork is centered around women empowerment, Black hair positivity and eradicating the stigma around mental health. I focus much of my art on hair positivity and the connection it has to self-love and self-esteem, and ways society can help break these stigmas through increased exposures and more representation showcasing the beautiful connections with Black hair.
We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.
Hair is such a culturally relevant topic in the Black community. My unique style of 3-D artwork captures the story of Black hair positivity, using real textured elements including synthetic hair, for a 3-D aesthetic appeal. At the core of my pieces, I aim to bring awareness to an often taboo subject of what it means to be comfortable in your skin, from the crown of your head to how you show up in the world. I am also considered an early pioneer of 3-D hair artwork, and my work has been praised in Reuters, Essence, and Popsugar, among others.
I am incredibly proud of the journey my business has taken and the accomplishments I’ve achieved along the way. Since launching in 2020, I have gained over 100K followers on Instagram and the success of my artwork has garnered partnerships with Walmart, Mastercard, BET, and Nordstrom. My artwork has also been collected by many celebs including, Grammy award winners Ms. Lauryn Hill, Chance the Rapper, and Golden Globe winner, Taraji P. Henson. My artwork is also displayed at “Art in Motion”, a Chicago-based school launched by Grammy award winner, Common and has been featured on hit TV series, “Black-ish” and “The Chi”. Last year, I was featured in Walmart’s Black and Unlimited commercial at the BET HER awards and had the opportunity to showcase my artwork at Art Basel in Miami, a true honor.
How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
In 2020, I took a leap of faith and quit my corporate job as an analyst to pursue my passion as a full-time artist for two and half years. This decision allowed me to fully immerse myself in my art and pursue opportunities that have helped me grow personally and professionally. It’s a testament to the power of following one’s dreams and embracing the journey wholeheartedly.
My experience with a marketing agency taught me the importance of carefully assessing scalability and ensuring alignment with production capabilities. When I was faced with logistical issues with a fulfillment center, I terminated the contract and took on the challenge of fulfilling my own orders. As a result, I was able to execute a plan using my engineering skills to maneuver and leverage my brand.
What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way? What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’ve learned valuable lessons about adaptability and resilience. It’s crucial to pivot when the economy changes and expect challenges along the way. Giving myself grace during difficult times has been essential. I want the world to know that my brand is built on perseverance and a commitment to continuous growth. I’m dedicated to reaching new heights as an artist. As a believer in Christ, I live by the principle of walking by faith and not by sight. This guides me through challenges, and encourages me to trust in God’s plan and remain resilient in my journey.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a memorable week with my best friend, we’d explore some of my favorite spots in Chicago.
Day 1: We’d start with a walk along the lakefront, followed by shopping on Michigan Ave, a visit to the Bean, and then dinner at Soho House.
Day 2: A workout with my trainer Randy at VBody Power Fitness, where my art is displayed, then dinner at Ja Grill in Hyde Park.
Day 3: Brunch at The Whale, then a rooftop experience at The Godfrey.
Day 4: Navy Pier to see my art, followed by Mastro’s for a steak dinner.
Day 5: Lunch at The Mesler in Hyde Park, then a visit to Connect Gallery to see more of my art.
Day 6: A scenic boat ride across the lake and a visit to Giordano’s for their famous Chicago deep dish pizza.
Day 7: Attend church, followed by brunch at The Delta.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my team at Inspire by Tyler. My team includes my mother/momager, Torri Clark, my marketing manager, Kamiah Dabney, my artist assistant, Taylor Malloy and my PR team, Tianna L. Hill and Taja Slydell. My brand is built around the empowerment of Black women and each of these women represent that notion. Their efforts have helped take my artistic abilities to the next level and highlight the importance of finding ways to turn my passion into creative currency through my artwork.
Website: https://inspirebytyler.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirebytyler
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/65718569/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/inspirebytyler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspirebytyler
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/inspirebytyler
Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@inspirebytyler Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/inspirebytyler/
Image Credits
Blake Martin Sabrina Eagles-Clark Leah Dixon