What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

Just do what you love, and do what you want to do, it's really simple. If you put in the time, you can do it. It’s really not that hard. You just got to put your all into it, stick to your vision, and space will open up for you.
In terms of running a company, do what you need to do right now. You can get really caught up with worrying about all these things that need to happen in order to have a business. Like a business plan and investment money. Which you might need for certain businesses, but for mine, I knew “These are the things I need right now: a site, product, and your basic business licenses to get going.” Everything else just kind of happened as it needed to. You can just get started without having to worry about the things that will hold you back. I gave myself a year to live off of a certain amount of money, and you know when it's time. It’s either going to work, or it’s not.
I’ve also gained a lot of knowledge from talking to peers and listening to interviews, like, “Oh, this person did this and that either makes sense for me, or it doesn't.” Understanding that everyone's business is so different and that you can take advice from people, but only you know what's best for your business. There's no one path to success and that's what I've learned over the years.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

Work hard for what you want and don't be afraid to ask people for it. I got this position because I kept in touch with Charlotte by emailing her every few months. It's also really easy to find anyone's email or contact information by spending a few minutes on Google.

Always write out and make a game plan and a goal list each year. Go back to it update, cross off what you’ve done and keep planning for the future. Prior to Charlotte, I was trying to figure out how to get a visa for the States. I broke down all of the steps and figured out how to do each one. So plan things out, follow through on your plans, and hold yourself accountable.

Most importantly, ask a lot of questions and don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know. People love talking about themselves and what they’ve done. It's easy to gain so much knowledge by asking what their experiences are and how they've gotten them, and it’ll most likely be somewhere along the same lines as what you want to be doing.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

Take your time. Don't rush. I'm 26, still in school, still live at home with my parents. I, too, think to myself, "Am I ever going to move out of my parents' house?"

I wouldn't take back the experiences that I've had for anything. I would not be where I am if I hadn't dropped out a few times and really thought about where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do. Don't get too caught up in whatever pressure social media creates to make you feel like you need to do more, or that you're not moving fast enough. Do things at your own pace, but always have some kind of goal. Even if it isn't your end goal, it's important to have something that you want to accomplish in a year, or two years, or five years, but remember to take your time and do those things well.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

Don’t stop, keep trying, because at some points I wanted to.

I consider myself a late bloomer. I’m 34 years old and I do remember times when I felt like I was not being seen. It wasn't until certain people showed me love and appreciation, and reassured me that it was going to be fine.

So don't let anything deter you from what you really want. It's very rewarding when you cross the threshold of getting there. So just keep going, literally, just keep going.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

I would say, your gut is surprisingly right, listen to that. Also, work really, really, really hard. I don't think that there's one easy job, or one easy industry. I do believe in working really, really, really hard for what you want so long as it keeps feeling good and so long as it feels like you're working toward your purpose (which only you can define).

But don’t just work hard to work hard, either. Ask yourself why. And if you can't answer that question, then maybe it's time to reconsider what you're doing. Of course, that comes with privilege. If you're asking, “Why am I doing this,” and the answer is “because I'm bringing home a paycheck” then great. But if you're thinking, "What am I doing? I'm not happy here, and I'm not really making money, and I don't like what the company stands for, or I don't like who I've become..." then consider that, listen to that, and think about it. Then, within that, incubate those ideas. Make a plan! Don't just panic and run.

And in general, when it comes to career paths or life turns, I really, really, really, like to tell myself that ultimately, things happen for a reason.

Any advice for someone who looks up to you?

Do it. Go for it. Don't take no for answer. Always have a smile on your face, because when you smile the world smiles back. If you know you're in a situation where nobody really wants to be there, but you've got good energy and you're positive, people will feel that, and they’ll want to bring you onto their team. People want to work with people that are complementary, and know how to collaborate. Half the work that I make wouldn't be possible without my team. Once you build those relationships, those friendships, that's when you start to see your work taking off, really flying, and making things that you love.

If you like a photographer, an artist, or a director, anyone. Reach out. Tell them that you are keen to learn and want to make a meaningful contribution to their work. Opportunities happen by you pushing them forward and making them happen for yourself.

Anything that you’d like to add?

I'm trying to think.

Be open-minded to new artists and always, if someone comes knocking on your door looking for an opportunity, don't shut them down. Hear them out. Make room for new people. Don't just go with the same people all of the time. You know, advocate for others and don't see it as a competition. See if you help someone else, you're a part of that success. You've been a part of making something good for somebody else. If you have that power to help someone, do it.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

Don’t give up. No matter how many people might stand in your way, or how many obstacles might turn up, just keep thinking, "Okay, well, I'm just going to get past this little bump in the road, because my goal still exists.” If it's in your head, it can become a reality. Don’t let somebody else's perception of what they think you should be doing interfere with what you truly believe in.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

Don't doubt yourself. Just go after what you want. Don't let anyone tell you no. I had so many people tell me no, including my parents. They did not want me to do fashion. They only realized that I was doing well last year when I was like, "my name's on this," and it was the Vogue masthead.

But I know that they believed in me, even though they did not support it. So I think it’s about going with your gut. I left a full-time position at the HL Group that had a good salary with benefits, for a freelance position at Vanity Fair, with a way smaller salary and no benefits. I missed a trip to Thailand for it. Still salty about that. But looking back it was the right move because it got me to where I am today.

It all comes full circle. You may not be seeing results right now, you may be in the lowest position of the low, but always do your best. It will be recognized because people will recommend you. Every job you have, put the most effort into it because you never know where it may lead. So, just do you. Be you. Be great.

What’s the best advice you’ve received?

I met Venetia Scott. I ran into her at some crazy place like Dover Street Market in London and said, "Are you, Venetia Scott?" She replied, “Yes.” Then I was like, "I just have to say, those photographs you did of this woman, they were incredible." She did these photographs in Document Journal, she shot it, styled it, did the set design. It was a plus sized model, and she was basically naked, wearing one piece of clothing and there was this amazing purple and turquoise rug. She replied, "Oh yeah. I did those all by myself in my small, small studio," and I think that just woke me up. Even at the highest level, my favorite things come out of just you being by yourself in a room - you can just make it happen.

What advice would you give to an aspiring photographer and fan?

Well it’s funny you say this, I was sitting in LaGuardia airport, going to Atlanta for the holidays a year ago, and two kids came up to me and said, "Tyler, we're big fans of yours, we're from Atlanta, we live between there and New York and anytime that we're in the same place, we'd love to assist you.” They had really good timing, because I was doing this thing with American Eagle in Atlanta, so I asked them if they wanted to assist and they were freaking out. They're were like kids in a candy store - and since they've been my assistants, casting directors, etc, we are true collaborators and friends in that sense. But back then I was doing this hilariously beautiful film for American Eagle - I love American Eagle, it's so bad - so I thought that it was such a good opportunity. I was directing the film by myself in Atlanta, in my old high school pool, using the metaphor of black people swimming to speak about a lot of things, and I texted them saying, "I need about 20 of our friends in Atlanta, all black men, tomorrow, at a pool. Do you have people you can send me?" And he basically cast the whole thing for me in three hours. It’s so good that they came into my life, because now we’re learning a lot from each other.

But anyways, when they came up to me they were wanting advice, and I help where I can, because I think it's really cool that I'm only 22, and can really resonate with these kids, and they feel like they have a place now. The imagery I make, it's not elitist. It's not about feeling elitist, and it's not even about glamour. I've been reading about glamour, and it's such a fucked up thing. It's supposed to make you want to buy more. But I think what my pictures are doing are not necessarily making you want to buy more through exclusivity or selling this high lifestyle, but somehow resonating with those kids who are like, "We didn't see ourselves here before." And those two kids who came into my life, it's been really fortunate, I tell them all the time, keep at it, and one of them actually moved to New York and now is my assistant.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received from one of your bosses?

Our bookings director always tells me that it’s better to confront an issue immediately even if you are nervous about the outcome. You are only causing a disservice to yourself if you try to take shortcuts to avoid handling a problem that can potentially blow up in your face later, or try to tip-toe around an uncomfortable but necessary conversation. This might mean picking up the phone instead or hiding behind an email or being completely transparent with a client even if the truth is not so flattering. You’re only as good as your word so either keep it or at least be honest about a mistake and then present a solution. “Don’t “matrix” a situation!!” This is what my boss says when someone tries to dodge responsibility. Think Neo from The Matrix dodging bullets in a backbend. This is kind of a dramatic metaphor, but our office lives for the drama.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

Kind of what we were saying earlier. Nothing really happens overnight. I think it's cool to go through a process and work hard and learn about yourself. And no one's perfect, you're always going to be learning on the job.

Also, try to be yourself as much as possible, because people are going to like that, and if they don't, then maybe wherever you're at isn't the right thing for you.

What advice would you give to aspiring graphic designers or anyone who hopes to work in the industry in some capacity?

To be interested in it, to watch, to research, to always be curious about everything (not just design but also music, movies, photography) and also to be perseverant, humble and truthful to themselves.

What advice would you give to someone who admires your work and all that you’ve accomplished?

That everyone is human, and at the end of the day, I'm scared of many things, and I feel nervous and insecure too. But you need to harness the moment and push forward. I was editing this video this morning which stars Tommy Genesis, and she said: "The best advice I ever got was that it just takes 10 seconds to overcome any fear.” It’s scary but in 10 seconds you know it's going to be chill. It's going to be fine. You shake that person’s hand or start singing or whatever.” And it's true; you just have to make yourself uncomfortable to find a level of comfort in the future. It doesn't happen immediately, but you know soon it will.

Also, be nice to people and listen to people but look after yourself. People ask me for a lot. Everyone has something going on, and I can't do something for everyone because sometimes it's not right or I don't have the time or whatever it is, and you can't really beat yourself up over it. You have to look after your own self. You have to put yourself first, or you can't help anyone. So be nice to people and stay positive and listen and learn and don't become too good or too big for your boots. It's good to be humble.

Any advice for someone who looks up to you?

Don't try and do it all. Try and do one thing really well.

Good advice.

And be the best at it.

For someone who looks up to you and your work, what advice would you give them?

If you're a young writer, just keep pitching, that's always the advice I give. No matter how old you are or what your experience is, if you have good ideas and you know where to send those ideas, and follow up with them, that’s a really good start. Follow up, follow up, follow up, and people will listen to you. Being on the other side, I’ve realized how much we need young writers, and people need so much content. If you're there, you're good and willing to do the job; then they'll take you because they need you.

So my advice is to know your worth, own it, and go for it because we live in a world where you can. You don't have to wait 10 years to be heard. You can be heard right now.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

Be organized, follow your dreams, trust yourself, and never give up.

Life is going to put obstacles in your way. Just go through them. Fight for what you want to do, even though it's hard. Even though sometimes you want to give up, never give up, because there is someone behind you who will not.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

Work hard is the best advice that I can give. I don't count my hours of work. I work early mornings, late nights, on the weekends. It's 24 hours and 7 days a week. At any moment I can receive something that just happened, and I have to post about it. I didn’t get my job from luck; I got it because I worked harder than everyone else who wanted it.

Anything you’d like to add?

Don’t stop until you’re proud. The only limit is you.

Do you have any advice for someone who looks up to you?

Do you have any advice for someone who looks up to you?

Be hardworking. I think talent can only get you so far and knowing the right people can only get you so far. It's important to actually do the work, and then let it lead you to places that you didn't anticipate. Unfortunately a lot of people want to take that shortcut of... “Oh, I want to be in fashion, I'm gonna party with the right people and get a job that way." Which can work but most of the time if you're a hard worker, it'll pay off and probably even more.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to what you're doing?

I would say it's just about working really hard, feeling passionate about the work that you're doing. What's gratifying to me is seeing the students grow and being able to give back. I managed to start my own brand, so I'm also designing and doing what I love, but at the same time it's now linked to something greater which is free creative education. For anyone who is looking to launch their own career, I think it is important to nourish their passion and know there's always a way to figure out how you can do what you love doing but also make an impact. At the end of the day, the work that you choose to do in your life should make you happy, and for me I think that everyone can find a way to give back to their communities.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

Well, if they have a passion for photography I would tell them to just create work and to do their thing. They have to find a way to do it, maybe it's not always a straight line to success, but if they really want it, they will find the best solution for creating work that satisfies them.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

It’s going to be hard, but if you’re passionate and have a vision, stick to it. That's what's going to make you stand out in the end. Have something that you stand for and something that makes you different and more valuable than another candidate. Some people might not like it, but some people will love you for it and you'll find a place that appreciates you for your unique ideas.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

Number one: if you don't own a pair of mom jeans, then go find one, because they will change your life. But real talk, work hard, nothing can stop you – you are your own worst enemy so if you keep going, you’ll go somewhere.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

Don’t be afraid and have confidence in what you do because if you don’t believe in your work, other people won't either. I strongly believe that creating something, writing, painting, whatever it is, gives an immense about of joy, so don’t play it safe, no harm in trying it out if you have an idea.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

I would say that you can always follow your dreams if you work hard. You have to really want something and work for it. If you dedicate enough time, energy and passion, you can reach your goals. Anything you want to do, you can do. I have so many examples of how and why that's true. So many people give up, but if you want something, don't ever give up. Doors will open, people will notice, and unexpected things will happen. It’s all about saying yes and being open to the next opportunity.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

If you are passionate about something, don't give up, keep going, everything is possible! If you do everything in your power to achieve your goals, I'm sure you will!

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

Oh my god. Work! Be prepared to work your ass off. You will be juggling, so stay organized and put a really strong system in place. I've had a really good system in place for years, and I can't live without it. Work extremely hard, be on it, always be thinking of how to go above and beyond and ask if anybody wants extra help. Be respectful and nice to everybody that you come across, because you want to be remembered as a nice human full stop and also you never know who they might turn out to be or if they might be able to help you along the way. Another big one, know when to talk shop and know when to just talk personal. That’s something I think is quite important, and a lot of people tend to forget when their professional guard is up.

Agreed. The relationships that you create in this industry are by far the most important and not even in a where can they get me sense.

Yeah, exactly. That's why everyone in this industry makes up this really weird dysfunctional family. We're all in it together, and we all know the struggle. So yeah, do all those things! And it’s important not to take it all too seriously; we're not curing cancer here.

What advice would you give to a kid who looks up to you?

You have to be very fluid to work in this industry as the schedule changes on a daily basis. Also, you need to be prepared to work seriously hard. And never stop working seriously hard. No one will push you more than yourself.

How do you keep growing and moving forward?

I feel like being self-employed you’ve got to be so self-motivated and proactive. You’ve just got to keep pushing yourself. Keep being inspired; keep working with the right people and projects that excite you. I’m always working on something. I never have a day off; I’ll do an editorial, or go to a gallery or museum to look for ideas.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

It’s tough, so you’ve got to love it and put your all into it. Everything I earn, I spend on my shoots. The amount of time you have to spend on admin and logistics – chasing PRs, chasing couriers, chasing payments! You have to be inspired by it. Everyday you’re in a different place, with different people, but, it’s such freedom and privilege being able to do that. Magazines don’t exist in the same capacity as they used to. So many magazines have folded in the last five years. It’s not an easy career to get into.

Everyone says that they want to get into fashion, but often they don’t know what it entails. But if you’re inspired by it, I think you can always find a way to do it.

How do you keep growing/moving forward?

My Visa for the UK expires soon. So I'm actually moving to Berlin in October. Which is a good thing because right now I’m on the path to being a stylist, and this move to Berlin will force me to branch out and focus more on what I really want to do, which is art direction.

My best friend Vincent, who I met at Mario Testino, is from there and he lives there now. We're hoping to start an art direction partnership together. In the beginning, I might do more assisting until I land on my feet but on the side, we're going to try and make it happen as art directors. That's how I'm moving and growing by basically being kicked out of one country to go to another!

And what advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

I've been asked this question before, and my answer always sounds so cheesy, but if you have a goal of how you see yourself, what you see yourself doing in the future, you have to try to make it happen. If you don't, honestly, what's the point of life?

If you look up to people who are living the dream - doing exactly what they want, having a great life, why not make that happen for yourself? There's nothing that says you can't have that as well. They probably started out exactly as you did in the beginning - doubting themselves and thinking it'll never happen, but it totally can. You just have to make it happen, work really hard, make good connections, be nice. Be nice, please.

What advice would you give to a kid who looks up to you?

Always trust in yourself. Always have dreams and work hard to make them. Take all the opportunities that come to you, and be open and be curious and try to always be really demanding with yourself. Never give up because there are lots of times when I was like, "Okay, maybe it's too much. I don't want to be a stylist", and every time, I was like "No, I want to be here. I want to be here. I want to be here." It works out in the end. If you’re really talented and if you're working hard, it pays off. Always have dreams and trust yourself.

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

Wow. I feel like I'm doing an Oscar speech right now.

I think just work hard and don't complain. If opportunities arise, take them. Don't think about it. I worked at the art gallery the first year and a half for free. I didn't get paid, but I just wanted to work there. I feel like, for me, I've always been really humble and just hardworking and nice. Then you'll get there.

What advice would you give to a kid that looks up to you?

Work really hard. Don't take anything personal. Keep emailing. Just work your ass off. There's so many times I could have been at a party, or been just being irresponsible and acting my age and not caring about what I was doing for work or not caring about what my career path was leading towards, but at the end of the day I always cared and I always made sure that I got to exactly where I needed to be. I think what’s super important is to give a shit. You have to really, really give a shit. So many times I've seen people just lose interest or not understand why they have to pick up fifty garment bags but we have all those garment bags so we can create this fantasy world that you see and some other person sees somewhere around the world and it inspires them and helps them move on to the next day. It helps them feel like there's something more to live for. It sounds really dramatic, but it's true. Some people see these magazines, not just ours, other magazines and it gives them something to dream of and work towards. I think when you have the chance to be a part of something like this, you need to really, really show that you want it and that you're hungry for it and do it in a way that's not cutting and not aggressive to your peers because that’s horrible. I don't think anyone should ever be mean to anybody in this industry. I think not working with nice people is such a bad way of living and I'm lucky enough to say that I work with all really, really great and nice people.

Just be nice to your peers. Be nice to all your interns. Be nice to the people you work with because in 5 years they’re going to remember that you didn’t help them load all of the cards because you didn’t like them personally. They’re going to remember that when you’re requesting looks for a shoot and they’re going to say, “Nope. Sorry. The looks aren't available." So I just think be nice to people and work hard and be patient and just don't give up.

How do you keep growing and moving forward?

Reading lots of things. Find things that you don't like and think about how you would do them better. You always have to be consuming information. I think it's important to go out to coffee with people who don't do what you do. Figure out how you can work together. Very few people can be just writers. Very few people can be just coders. You have to be a writer and someone who has digital product in mind. You have to be a coder and a designer. You have to do a lot of things. It's not just a single vision anymore. I think that's a big issue with everything right now. You have to be a million and one things.

When someone reads this interview and they think, "That's it. I want to be that girl.” What advice would you give them?

Email me. Email people. Email someone who does what you do. Take them out to coffee. Learn from them. My path will not be anyone else's path as my path was not any of my editors’ paths. Every time you talk to someone, it is a chance to impress that person. What's more important than you learning from me is that next time I need to hire someone I think of you. That's really what you're getting out of those coffees.

What advice can you give to a younger kid that reminds you of yourself?

Just stay true to yourself and if you want something go after it.

There are so many people who want to work in this industry, and it’s not going to be handed to you. If you know what you’re doing, go after it. Opportunities, take them. Learn as much as you can continuously because ultimately it makes you a more well rounded and better candidate.

Also don’t be scared of failure. I learned that when I move to New York. Before I was really scared and I was really scared of failure, and I was like I don’t know what if this happens, blah, blah, blah. Then I’m like you know what? Even if I do, it will be fine.

Yeah, I guess another thing I would say is I think keep in touch with the people that you meet here. I think that people who you actually click with, and vibe with you should definitely keep in touch with them. Make it a point to have a relationship with them because it’s so easy just to be like “oh it’s been six months, and I haven’t seen so and so.” Keeping up with your contacts and connections here is major. You never know when you will need them!

What advice would you give to someone who looks up to you?

Wow. I don't think that there are any of those out there.

I'm sure there are.

Do it if you love it. Don't do it because you think there's going to be perks. Most likely there aren't. I think you should do what really calls to you and be open to change. If you start doing design and suddenly you get drawn into fine art, and you would have never found it had you done anything else, that's the world's way of telling you that's where you should be. I think it's listening to what your true desires are and what you want for yourself and less about what you're trying to portray to please other people.

What advice would you give to someone that looks up to you?

My advice would be, don’t be afraid of being very self-directed and hustling, but also know that just because your friend has a big break when you're a sophomore in college doesn't mean that you missed the boat.

I think there are a lot of advantages to feeling like you're still forming as a student or an artist, or creative, or a writer when you're in college, and not feeling like that's the moment when you're supposed to make it big and score your first feature. I think being confident and taking the time to develop rather than jumping into it when you're not ready is really formative. Work makes work, and the more you produce and refine, the more likely it will be that other people will start to notice and want to collaborate. You don’t have to wait for someone to give you permission.