We were lucky to catch up with Tyra Robinson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tyra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

When someone downplays your journey with a casual “that’s life,” respond with “On whose terms?” Let that be the beginning of your testimony, a testament to your resilience and determination. ♥️ Taking risks is never a walk in the park. It often comes with a heavy dose of self-doubt and fear. Once you dive in, something incredible happens. The hidden strength within you reveals the human spirit’s unique capacity. We’re far more capable than we give ourselves credit for.

While at my first job as a Jr. Art Director, I was surrounded by incredibly talented creatives and witnessed how influential ad campaigns could be. This immediately influenced me to think big about social justice and voter education, but I had no clue where to start. It wasn’t until I returned home, pacing in the living room of my apartment, that I imagined creating an event that celebrated active voters. Years later, that vision evolved into an organization. I asked God a simple question: “where do I start?” The answer was clear—start by mocking up your vision. From there, I wondered, “Who do I share this with?” The response: “Whoever I put on your heart.” Rejections followed, but specific “yes’s” allowed me the freedom to create without constraints.

Reflecting on my journey, I am filled with gratitude along with invaluable lessons of endurance. Risks are tough, but each lesson is simply a stepping stone. The results exceeded my expectations. This lesson taught me that no one is obligated to help, so embrace the “no’s” as well as the “yes’s”; they’re both meant to align your path.

Stay malleable; your ideas can change instantly, and that’s okay. You can achieve your goals, even if they don’t materialize exactly as expected.
Most importantly, remember to rest. This is your journey—don’t hesitate to repair the road. Cherish the initial stages of every venture, even the empty ones, and recognize that those quiet moments are integral to the story. Always take risks and embrace the dynamic nature of your path.

Tyra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi! I’m Tyra Robinson—an artist who has explored a multitude of creative domains, including but not limited to graphic design, illustration, art direction, animation, and event design. Currently, I design events at MAS, a bespoke experience agency. My passion extends to social justice projects, with my Unforgotten series that sheds light on victims of police brutality. Additionally, I proudly serve as the founder of Good People Vote, a social justice organization dedicated to voter education and celebrating active voters. Maintaining a spirit of curiosity, I’ve ventured into various realms of creativity, designing for brands such as Doordash, Chase Ink, YouTube, and Adidas. God, determination, and flexibility have been key drivers of my personal and professional growth. When confronted with a new challenge, my motto is “I can learn,” rather than saying, “I can’t,” and looking for solutions. I take pride in my journey, from being recognized as Business Insider’s “Rising Stars” to being featured in Adweek’s “Profiles In Black Creativity” and being selected as Campaign US Female Frontier Award’s “Rising to the Top.” Additionally, I celebrate the achievements of Good People Vote, which has secured the Telly Awards for “Social Responsibility,” “Non-Profit,” and “The People’s Telly,” as well as winning an Addy while still in its early stages. I’m learning to fully embrace the highs and lows, constantly finding inspiration and being open to change.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I had to know everything before beginning a new endeavor. This realization came from an invaluable discussion with a close friend, Kashara Johnson. Intrusive thoughts are inevitable, but it’s crucial to recognize their role. The key is responding with the truth and discerning which aspects hold validity.

The backstory involves the early days of my Unforgotten series and the inception of Good People Vote. Initially, Unforgotten started as an illustrated textile that later blossomed into a mural. Painting a wall was uncharted territory for me. However, with the support of skilled muralists and friends, we were able to create a triptych mural that paid tribute to Sandra Bland, Philando Castile, and Jordan Edwards, who were all victims of police brutality.

Also, during this time, Good People Vote was just a casual thought. I’d envisioned celebrating active voters at a polling place and distributing freebies like t-shirts, masks, sanitizer, and local food trucks. The catch? Zero visible funds, just an idea, and a group of friends to brainstorm with. The pivotal shift occurred when I realized that sometimes, all it takes is the first step. Despite the uncertainty and lack of financial resources, I learned to trust in the process and, more importantly, in God. Miraculously, everything fell into place. This experience highlighted the importance of being open to the unknown; life’s most gratifying surprises often appear during uncertain moments. This experience motivated me to dream bigger, so I did— and was met with more extraordinary miracles. The lesson was clear: prepare when possible, but don’t let the fear of the unknown prevent you from taking that first step. Embrace the uncertainty and trust in the journey.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

This journey has been filled with twists and turns, especially when knowing when to switch gears. But the most pivotal moment, and a lesson I’m still unpacking, is understanding the importance of resting. Right when things were on the upswing and gaining momentum, I decided to pivot and take a year-long hiatus. I’d just gotten a divorce and relocated to a new area and was still picking up the pieces. The process took more time than I thought. I’d tried to plan for it physically, but everything in me said “no.” Making an actual decision meant sitting down with myself and addressing my mental clarity. It was a choice between powering through like nothing had changed, riding the momentum, or pausing to heal and return whole. It is tough to say no to your timing, especially when it’s wrapped up in adrenaline and the fear of missing out. But tuning into that quiet voice behind the doubts was crucial to avoiding long-term burnout. It’s the voice that says, “Hey, you’re okay, and your future is still shining even after you’ve taken a breather.”. Resting is like exercise—if you don’t give your mental muscles time to heal and repair, they’ll eventually tear. Looking back at that pivotal moment, I’m proud I’d listened.

Contact Info:

• Website: tyrarobinson.com / goodpeoplevote.org
• Instagram: @tyra.r_/ @goodpeoplevote
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyra-robinson/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodPeopleVote

Image Credits
Andi Rice Katie Erickson