Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Johnson
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?
Being an artist is something that started very early for me, as it does for a lot of kids. Both of my parents are artists – my dad is a cartoonist and illustrator and my mom is a writer who sketches and paints in her free time, so the seeds of animation were planted in me early. My dad especially made a point to expose me to his favorite cartoons, Ren & Stimpy, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, I also watched a lot of Matt Groening’s stuff growing up. My whole family is full of artists, although my grandparents probably wouldn’t admit it. They’re some of my biggest supporters though, I’m very lucky to say they’re putting me through animation school.
I got a job as a video editor and graphic designer for an accounting company back in 2019, I was there until 2022. That was huge for me in terms of realizing that a career as a creative was possible. I went into that job with no professional experience outside of some work I had been doing with a local band at the time, and I learned a lot on the fly, but I did well there nevertheless so it really boosted my confidence as well. I left that job to go back to school, spent the first couple of years of my school experience as a Fine Arts major sort of rediscovering my strengths as an artist and doing art markets on the side, and have now fully pivoted to a 2D Animation degree.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Committing yourself to being an artist professionally is never a smooth road I don’t think, unless you’re born into success. Every now and again, like when the bills come through, I definitely find myself wishing I was into real estate or something! The biggest struggle is easily the instability, but, at the same time, I’m very happy to be doing what I’m doing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Being an animator means I get to do a lot of stuff. I draw, I paint, I sculpt, and I still utilize those video editing and graphic design skills from my past work all the time. I spent a few years doing art markets where I sold paintings and ceramics mostly, and I think I became known for my ashtrays. They have this tired, sad little face in the base of them that makes people crack up when they use it and the face gets all covered in ash and stuff. They’re incense holders too – they’ve got a spot to stick incense in the mouth like a pipe or something, pretty fun.
Anyways, I pride myself on the expressiveness of my work. Everything has a character, everything has energy, whether it’s a face I’ve drawn or just abstract colors.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I’ve felt like I was just starting out since I started out, to be honest. I like that feeling! I would say to stay eager to explore. Always have a positive attitude about growing. It’s easy to feel dejected by failure, but, in my experience, you’ll be more successful and more happy and fulfilled when you maintain that growth mindset. People will notice that positive attitude and that will get you far, way farther than skill alone. Grow your skills so you’re good at what you do, and let your positive attitude draw people and opportunities to you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tjmultimediaarts.wordpress.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttmunchjimmy/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@buttmunchjimmy
