Meet TT The Artist

We recently connected with TT The Artist and have shared our conversation below.

TT , 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?
As a Black woman, when I step into a room there is already a list of perceptions that people will have of me. Eyes are scanning me up in down from the way my hair is styled, the clothes I am wearing, and my body size to the way I talk. Black women are never forwarded the opportunity to just be themselves. We have to present the best versions of ourselves anytime we step into a room or are subjected to judgments.

As I have grown to be more comfortable with myself, I made a decision to create my own spaces for women like me, where we could thrive and exist as ourselves. For example, in 2018 I launched Club Queen Records a women-focused record label pushing women’s voices to the forefront of the music industry. While we will always have to navigate unwelcomed spaces, having a place where we can think, work, and be our authentic selves is what creates the balance.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I like to think of myself as a visionary and multi-hyphenate. I enjoy using my talents to illuminate the stories of women, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC stories. I am most excited about the new music, art, and films I am creating as well as tapping into merchandise and my own jewelry brand. As a director, I am most notable for my debut doc “Dark City Beneath The Beat,” a musical doc about the Baltimore club music and dance culture which was distributed on Netflix 2021-2023 produced by Issa Rae and Deniese Davis. I am currently repitching the film back into the market to find a new home for it, and you can watch the trailer on youtube.

In the middle of the Hollywood writer’s strike, I launched my boutique creative studio Artistland Studios. Artistlandstudios.com provides creative services in music, art, film, and merchandise design. I am also the founder and CEO of my independent record label, Club Queen Records. As far as my visual works, I create artwork and upcycled apparel and home decor under my brand’s Art World and BlackPopArt.com. My art has enabled me to work with influential musicians such as Steve Aoki, Alicia Keys, Kah-Lo, and more!

What I am most excited about…is growing my businesses so that I can create more jobs and opportunities for others who look like me. I am a firm believer that you only have one life and you should do EVERYTHING that brings you happiness and joy!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The top three qualities I found impactful on my journey are Being mindful of how I speak and talk to myself. It is important to feed yourself with positivity. Two, I stopped taking things personally. At the end of the day, no one is focused on you as much as you have to be focused on you. Everyone is living their lives and people are not always going to understand who you are, your goals, your needs etc. So you have to filter out the feelings, especially when it comes to business. Last, I practice a mindset of abundance and setting my morning. This is key! Carving out time for yourself at the top of your day is so important.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Napolean Hill “Think And Grow Rich” was life-changing for me. The quote “Set your mind on a definite goal and observe how quickly the world stands aside to let you pass…” is one of my favorite gems.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photos by : @michaelivanschwartz @maggierudisill and courtesy of artist

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