Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Deauvea.
Hi Tyler, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I guess the most important part of my artistic journey began at Texas Southern University. Prior to that, I had only worked with film in the A/V Club at Lamar High School and at my church, Lily Of The Valley COGIC. I didn’t consider myself an artist outside of those settings. In my third year of college, I was unsure about what I wanted to do, having fallen a year behind my peers. At that time, I was really into the hip-hop and hype beast blog scene and was inspired by people like The Madbury Club who were young and living fulfilling lives by pursuing their creative ideas. I felt I could do that too and decided to pursue it.
Fortunately, my mother bought me a DSLR Nikon camera, which was good enough to get the job done. However, after a few years, I grew tired of photography and film because of the limitations imposed by working with other people. I wanted to create more elaborate scenes and thematic pieces, like those of David LaChappelle, which would require more costume designs and other unconventional elements. Around 2014-15, Instagram entered its ‘clout era’, and Instagram models were becoming a phenomenon. Unfortunately, the trend at the time was just fashion editorial shoots, which I grew tired of, along with the lack of creative control I would have in these situations.
In 2015, I started doing digital collages and found myself more drawn to that medium than photography. Even in the midst of an internship, I focused on getting better at digital collage, because I loved the way I could create without limitations. However, eventually I felt I had hit a ceiling with the type of digital work I was doing and I needed to create pieces that were more easily digestible. So in 2018, I started working on ZOE.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When you first decide to become a working artist, you often find yourself facing an uphill climb. In the beginning, you may not be very good, and people may not believe in you. You work every day in the hopes of getting paid in the future, praying for the day when you can make a comfortable living doing what you love. But progress can be slow and success can seem distant, with days, weeks, months, and even years passing without any real signs of advancement in your career.
Unfortunately, I believe that the general public is partly to blame for the struggles of artists. There’s a popular stereotype of the “starving artist” that has been embraced by many cultures, and it’s assumed that artists should be broke and struggling. But ask any artist, and they would likely want nothing to do with that title. The power of language and the messages we tell ourselves and each other can be a hindrance to artists’ careers.
Despite these challenges, the real supporters in your life will always show themselves. The people who are truly there for you will shine the most in your life. This low-key preparation can help artists stay grounded and focused when they achieve success and fame.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a multimedia artist specializing in collage, starting with digital media and now working in textiles, and expanding into sculpture and polyester film. My characters, ZOE and ZOEY, are well-known for being Black, and I take great pride in this representation.
I am most proud of gaining the support of my family. It’s not easy to tell everyone that you want to be an artist, especially when they see you struggling. While everyone wants the best for you, they might suggest other routes or avenues to take and at times it can become confrontational. However, I believe that if you are a true artist, you feel compelled to take the route you choose, no matter how crazy it may seem at the moment. That’s how it was for me.
As for what sets me apart from other artists, I’m not entirely sure. However, people tell me that I’m different, and I appreciate that.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The best advice I can give is to actively work on your art and put it out there. Personally, I’ve never really felt a way about sharing my work, but I know many people do. The truth is, no one is going to outright tell you that your work sucks, so don’t worry about it too much. Plus, if you do come across somebody that could help you, how will they be able to do it, if they can’t see your work?
It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is different. Some people may find success quickly, while others may take longer. Don’t get discouraged if you feel like you’re falling behind at times. It’s essential to stay focused and committed to your craft, even during a drought.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tylerdeauvea.com
- Instagram: @tylerdeauvea
