We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tyra Chantel Sparks . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tyra Chantel below.
Tyra Chantel , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
To be frank, I’m kind of l used to it. I’ve always been the only one in the room, I never quite fit in with my family or friends. I’m uniquely me. So when I’m in a room and I’m the only one, I don’t feel the need to conform because I’ve learned over time that I simply can’t. I can’t change who I am, and why would I want to? Plus, if we’re all the same, where will we find innovation? My brilliance, my jokes, my creativity is necessary for the rooms I’m in. My voice is important.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m an artist. I make art. My mind is art. I create pieces that tap into the other side of our minds that sometimes we don’t want to acknowledge. Not the darkness, but that in between. Those heavy feelings. Sometimes we’re sad- let’s acknowledge that. Sometimes we’re happy- let’s acknowledge that too. We’re so complex as people, and yet society places us in one of two boxes; left or right. We’re a nuance. Also, if you pay great attention to my art over the years, you can tell there’s one underlying inspiration for it all. But I won’t spoil that easter egg for anyone.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The most important lesson I learned (pretty late in the game I might add) is create what you want to create- not what you think others will like, what’ll sell, what will be politically correct- create what YOU want to. I’ve never felt more free and more powerful than when I began not caring how the audience will perceive me. A quality I picked up (and maybe this is considered a skill too) is networking as myself. I learned I’ve found much more authentic and long term connections by being myself rather than a shell of myself just putting on a smile and shaking people’s hands. I also learned to deal with things not going my way. As much as I want everything to fall into place how I’ve envisioned it in my head, life isn’t going to hand it to you THAT easy. It’s made me much more innovative too, having to think quick and on my toes.
For those of you who are just starting- my best advice is no matter what, be yourself. Through the ups and downs, with people you meet, projects you’ll be presented with, events you go to. Make sure you’re not compromising who you are in any of it. My favorite quote I came up with this year is “Stand ten toes on who you are”. That’ll be where the power in your art lies.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My dream clients are Jay-Z & Beyonce. They’re real art collectors! I love seeing music artists recognizing the value in an art that is very under appreciated. I’d love to see one of my peices next to one of their Basquiats in their home. But really, my idea clients are music artists. I have a real love for music and have always wanted to find different ways to collaborate and mix my art with theirs. I’ve also always wanted an iconic album art collaboration much like Kanye West and Takashi Muraksmi on the Graduation album. Okay I’ll stop manifesting.
Contact Info:
- Website: baartanddesign.com
- Instagram: baartanddesign
