BLUES & MOOS /  by goodjobtyler

I designed these 2 Summers ago, took a leap, broke the bank to get them made. I was so excited when I got the samples. They were perrrrfect. I took a ton of pics and eagerly awaited the full shipment of my order.

Ultimately, half of the quantities arrived damaged (funky stitching, logos off center). A bummer. It definitely took the wind out of my sails initially. So much time and energy, months to go through hundreds of pairs to see which ones were salvageable. The silver lining was that I got to donate the rest to a shelter program. In the end, I’m very proud of these.

Big thanks to anyone who’s bought a pair. This was my first time designing something purely from my kid heart, just having fun, not thinking about anything other than what would make me happy to see.

The positive feedback has been rewarding. Y’all have spoken highly of the Design, Quality and Comfort. As an Artist, that means a lot.

Product Design is definitely an extension of my creative practice, y’all see the vision and I look forward to designing more :)

Petal to Progress /  by goodjobtyler

The Heart Department hosted a photo exhibition called “Black Boys Smiling.” As the title says it was a portrait series featuring Middle to High school age boys smiling. Along with photos were a few interactive installations that taught us a bit more about these kids. The intention was to challenge assumptions and stereotypes.

In a panel discussion with the photographer, he shared his experiences in working with this group at a school in the UK. He shared his challenges and breakthroughs—in particular how he fostered emotional literacy amongst the youth through weekly exercises. This lead to a conversation around community building, ways to contribute and how this leads to revolution.

As a surprise, Sunflowers were brought out to be passed out to the self identified Men in the room afterwards. I volunteered to help.

It was so sweet to see how happy each of them were to receive one. Some twirled the long stem in their hands as they socialized, others put it in their pockets, one guy put it in the back of his hoodie and it stuck out over his head like a halo.

In a world where giving flowers to men isn’t expected, the gesture was regarded as a Revolutionary Act.

Though I agreed and was happy to be a part of it, I remember feeling a bit sad too. Existing in the margins of gender, I wondered if there’d ever be an opportunity like this for me.

About a week later, I was participating in a live painting event at the Academy Museum for Black History Month, my friend Shelley (The Heart Dept, Founder) brought me one of these sunflowers!

I remember feeling so warm and seen fully.

The effect of that kind gesture has stayed with me and my take away is on the back of the card :)

Do something nice, just because!

Taking Pics w/ Adrian White /  by goodjobtyler

The first day I met Adrian White was my 1st day at SoLA Contemporary. He is the President of the nonprofit and came to support the installation of the exhibit MASH curated by the amazing artist, Mark Steven Greenfield. Adrian took note of my personal style, which I was surprised by because I’d put on clothes to work in. Not thinking much of it, we started talking and immediately clicked.

My Grandparents are from South Carolina. Adrian, hailing from North Carolina carried with him a southern charm I was familiar with. He is a kind and intentional creator who always stays curious. He showed me a book of Black photography (mostly African based) I was in love with it and he asked me if I wanted to collab on a shoot where I’d be the stylist! Something I’ve always wanted to do but never had made the time for.

Some months later, we went Downtown to find fabric for a backdrop. We hit a few smaller spots but good ol’ Michael Levine had us covered.

Shout out to all my Otis Fashion friends for putting me onto the spot back in our college days!

He chose the backdrop. We decided my gorgeous cousin Summer would be the model.

Next we all went to Melrose to hit some thrift stores for clothes. I think the majority of what we found was at American Vintage.

Since Adrian primarily shoots in Black and White, I focused on finding pieces that were textured, patterned and high in contrast. I didn’t want any looks to be too refined, I wanted the pairings to be kinda offbeat and peculiar.

The day we shot was really windy! Adrian did his best to try and keep the backdrop up. Every few seconds the bottom would fly up like a cape or completely blow over but he did his thang!

While on set he asked if I wanted some shots. I was reluctant because I usually don’t like pictures of myself but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. My favorite photo is actually the one I was most nervous about, he asked me to look right into the camera and I remember thinking “Oh no…” haha

Most importantly, he encouraged Summer and I to be ourselves. I think our individual energies and our close sibling-like relationship really shines through here.

Jefferson Park /  by goodjobtyler

Walks in the untapped parts of LA are truly my favorite thing bc the art isn’t just on display, you have to look for it. Pause and really appreciate the nuanced charm in your surroundings.

It’s like a museum but it’s alive, interactive and evolving. Walls painted with layers and layers, a collaboration over decades between people that will probably never meet or know of each other’s existence. People who don’t even know that they’re artists and what they’ve left is beautiful.

Creative Exchange 2021 /  by goodjobtyler

Creative Exchange 2021 — Better late than never! Oct 23 - Nov 6, I had my 2nd show. Ya’ll showed UP and legit made me feel like a celebrity. To Friends from elementary & high school, my ‘06 camp counselor to folx I met at the club once (lol). The support was overwhelming. You stuck around while I was running late from the salon. Waited patiently while I ran around trying to talk and take pictures with each of you. Ya’ll brought me flowers, ya’ll brought me bottles, you came wearing the hoodies I tie dyed for you! I just want to say thank you to all the Friends and Family who came out to the show and supported in other ways via calls, text and reposts.