We recently connected with Tyler Rudd and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tyler, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My purpose is something I was born with. My purpose chose me. It all began in my childhood. I had such a precocious mind and vividly endless imagination. I was directing my own storylines with my toys. I would draw comic books and graphic novels before I was old enough to know what those were. My family unknowingly added fuel to that fire. I would watch dramatic movies with my grandmother on TV channels like “LMN’ and “LIFETIME”. They always displayed dramatic movies (starring Tori Spelling or whomever was hot at the time) about a beautiful teenaged girl obsessed with a handsome high school teacher, a bored housewife who gets trapped in a deadly love affair, or something else that screams “TROUBLE IN THE SUBURBS”.
I would also watch slasher movies with my grandfather/Uncles such as Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, etc. Ultimately, it made me think, “I can write stuff like this.” or “I can act in movies like this.” Also, I got into reading books. I would run to the library every chance I got, always flocking to the Fear Street collection by the iconic author named R.L. Stine. I truly love his work. My creative style is highly influenced by his “Slutty Slasher” aesthetic. No, I am not talking about his Goosebump collection. While I do respect those, the Fear Street books are a tad bit more “mature”. The stories consist of teenage/college type characters which bring moments that I was probably too young to be reading in the first place. Those moments consist of sexual passion and of course there are moments of violence, too. I would give almost anything to read some of those books for the first time, again. The seeds of inspiration they planted into me are a feeling that will never be forgotten, like the perfect first kiss.
Needless to say, I am highly cultured in all genres of cinema. It was all I had in an environment that lacked the understanding or Oppurtunites for my creative interests. It made me “Hungry” as people say to spend the rest of my life fighting for what I have always felt is my purpose in this life. I don’t question it.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am writing a book! I had to throw that out there. It is a project that I have always wanted to start and finish. It is a comic book… or is it a graphic novel? Either way, it is an elaborative fictional story with cool pictures in it and amazing characters. While I go through the motions of having it professionally drawn (2 pages at an agonizing time per month), I heavily research the duties of publishing and properly advertising it once it is complete. Quite frankly, I really don’t want to mess this up! This book is near and dear to me. My heart gave birth to it. It deserves to be shown to the world. I still model, of course. Because of Covid and America’s current recession, I took a break from modeling professionally. However, I continue to shoot with many “big wig” photographers of the fashion industry. From Los Angeles to Atlanta, New York is up next for my high fashion debut. I am still finding the guts to actually go there. Modeling full time is still on my bucket list. I think about it all the time, actually.
Being a TikTok influencer has distracted me a little though. My intentions are not to sound like a douchebag, but I currently have over 20k followers on Tiktok. The content is all so random. It overall consists of an inspiration to be bold and confident. With that, comes paid partnerships and a little recognition when I go to the grocery store.
Currently, I learned that I can’t always control the blessings in my life. Sometimes, I have to be still. In other words, when I feel stuck, I let the next move happen on its own. Going with the flow is an awesome talent to have once mastered flawlessly.
I currently have a corporate job for some consistency. I also bartend at fun events/clubs for a little excitement, but I did this because I genuinely needed to take a break from Hustle Culture. The Writer’s Strike was my sign to do so. Because of this, my creative juices have been stronger than they have been in years.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
FAITH, DETERMINATION, CONFIDENCE.
Faith: I do not identify as a Christian (even though I grew up in a Southern Baptist Church). I am a Child of God. However, I cannot imagine living in a world where every life decision depends on me. Long Story short, I know for a fact that I am protected by my guardian angels. Without them, I would not be where I am today. Los Angeles can be scary. It has definitely felt like a “Zombie Land” lately especially. There is no way the obstacles I have overcome were done by just me. Trust me, some things can never be explained.
Determination: I learned very early on in my life to tune out the ignorance of others. There have been many people to try and discourage me from my passions. This path can be lonely. The unknowing of the next outcome can be terrifying. The bumps in the road can be humbling. This is another topic that is hard to put into words. If you don’t have the urge to do something that is not necessarily accepted by many, you may not be capable of truly understanding. Until you reach the prize, you will forever feel it calling your name. Pulling you toward it.
Confidence: This is similar to Determination. However, this is more mental than physical. While I continue to physically go for my life’s purpose, I will always know that I am capable of living the life I dream of. I know that if I do not make this a reality, it is because I gave up and not because I could not complete the journey. This is the third tip. Ironically, it is the 1st step.
It is cliche to say but you can do literally anything you want with your life. If you don’t believe that, that is your first mistake.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Well, as I mentioned before, I am all over the place as a creative. Modeling, writing, filmaking, Social Media Influencing, and I am open to stretching myself out more. Check me out on Tiktok, Youtube, or Instagram. If anyone feels compelled to reach out to me, I will call it “Fate”.
People that I have in mind would be Models, influencers, youtubers, even podcasters (as you can see, I have a lot to say).
For some reason, “Looksmaxxing” has become a thing with male influencers and models. It is the education of how to be your best self as a man. I have certainly steered my personal online brand in that direction. There are a few guys I have in mind to collaborate with, within that realm.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guy_nextdoor/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tylerdouglass95?si=Zka4yZn_mO0KAMVU
- Other: TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@tyleridus?_t=8ZIgiyP5nti&_r=1
Image Credits
Photographers Instagram Tags: @tjbakerstudio @studio.joris Comic Page Written by: Tyler Rudd Comic Page Drawn by: Luiz Rosa
