Today we’d like to introduce you to Tate Tullier.
Tate, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From my early childhood days up to this current day, I have always been a creative and curious person. I started with my mother’s Minolta X-700 film camera and my 8-year-old cousin, who volunteered to be my model. ONLY 4 photos were permitted due to the cost of film, development and etc, so I took advantage of that and did four different outfits – waiting after “only” 3 weeks – I finally saw the results and just fell in love with that concept. (Remember when we HAD to wait to see results, hahaha). I spent my life doing photography for the last 20 years, mainly for clients aka weddings, portraits, families, newborns, children, and fashion. I started a long ongoing art series in 2012 titled Tub Time With Tate which allowed me to delve into my inner self-expression which I capture through the many subjects who hop in various bathtubs for connection and art. Once Covid hit our entire world, my work came to an immediate halt and I just had zero motivation to “create art” at home as well. Somehow astrology found itself to my realm, and as of now, I’ve been studying astrology mainly under a fellow deaf peer, Venesse Guy of Astro Woke. This has given me a broader view to the meaning of life and brought back one of my most cherished childhood activities – drawing and my Cosmic Sobbing T-shirt line was born last summer! This may be a bit chaotic to the reader but internally – the whole interconnectedness of my last 44 years makes complete sense to me and in the next phase of my life, I want to bring awareness to whoever comes across my path in numerous ways (photography, art, cosmic consciousness). I’m planning on working on a new set of collage/mixed media pieces combining all the above as well.
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?
Some of my struggles over the last 20 years of my adult life and creative journey were having to navigate the industry as a Deaf person. Whilst I am aware, I’m very fortunate to have all the work opportunities that came my way. I often fell into the “hustle” of making money rather than balancing that with my creative expression so it took many years for me (I’m still working on this) to work on my boundaries. As of this year, I’ve challenged myself to accept only one wedding per month to allow me more time to focus on my personal art and the Cosmic Sobbing business. I can see a rebirth on my horizon, and am excited about that.
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?
I’m known for being a trailblazer in our Deaf community as a photographer and in my home state of Louisiana as the “Deaf photographer” and one of the very few early photographers who did outdoor and lifestyle photography in the early 90s (as opposed to Studio Photography which was popular in my hometown and state). People from all over the world know me for my ongoing art series, Tub Time With Tate, which has its own website at www.tubtimewithtate.com. I accept commissioned sessions for many private clients so definitely reach out if you are interested. With my deep dive into astrology, I have brought back my childhood drawing days to create a T-shirt line called Cosmic Sobbing. The line provides various clothing items with zodiac fun, positive messages, and whatnot. A long-term goal of mine is to eventually make it a shop of all things metaphysical that can appeal to a variety of people. I want to help spread the message that we are all basically one and need to do better at looking inward to help the collective as a whole. I look forward to the Austin community embracing this goal of mine.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
It used to be about my revenue, but at the age of 44 – it’s all about feeling more authentic! I have learned the hard way – the more we focus on our best qualities and at the same time pay attention to our unconsciousness, that combo is beautiful. We all have some sort of inner struggle and often can be fooled about what success truly means to each of us individually.
Pricing:
- Photo Sessions Start at $350
- Wedding packages start at $3K
- Art Commissions Vary!
- Cosmic Sobbing Attire begins at 27.97
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cosmicsobbing.com, www.tatetullier.com, www.tatetullierphotography.com, and www.tubtimewithtate.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatephoto/, https://www.instagram.com/cosmicsobbing/, and https://www.instagram.com/tatetullierphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tatetullierphotography
Image Credits
The photo with blue pants is shot by Clare Cassidy.
The rest are all by Tate Tullier.
