We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tai Carpenter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tai, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Growing up in a single parent household, I was well aware of the obstacles faced by my mother. Her resilience and determination were the things I first noticed (long working hours while going above and beyond to take care of my brother and I’s needs), but as you grow up in the world you begin to observe your parents on a deeper level, especially in how they interact with others.

That’s when I began to finally understand her full character – how charismatic, motivated and supportive she was of the people in her life. I’ve always just wanted to strive for that level of being; to be selfless but assertive in what you want and to lead with intention and passion in everything you do. I’m learning everyday, but I think I’ve learned more about life from her than any other source in this world.

Tai, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started doing freelance photojournalism almost 10 years ago when I founded Compose Yourself Magazine, a website to showcase live music features. Music and art have always inspired and supported me throughout stages of my life. Capturing the way these things make me feel has always been a natural reaction, but online publishing was initially my mom’s idea.

Once CYM started gaining traction, it became more than show reviews – I was getting approved for festivals and events all around the country, interviewing and taking photos of my favorite artists. At this point I felt comfortable enough to start taking on other freelance contributors, from friends who were already aware of CYM to fellow music lovers that would approach me at concerts. Through Compose Yourself we’ve been able to create a community of writers, photographers and creators that believe in sharing experiences they love. Our features are a time stamp of music, art and social movements. I think doing things from the heart and sharing them with the world is vital to helping us understand and relate to one another.

Five years ago I became involved in a nonprofit called Don’t Shoot Portland, an arts and education organization that advocates for accountability in the spaces of human rights and racial justice. Since then, it has become imperative to use Compose Yourself Magazine’s platform to amplify social justice movements and calls to action. It’s been an amazing journey to see how all of my passions have coalesced into my own niche. I’ve been able to utilize my lived experience to freelance various industries that include event production, strategic partnership management, art curation and so many others. By honing my skills, I’ve been able to really make a difference within the projects and people I am working with. I love knowing that I can positively influence the outcome of a program to make it more inclusive and equitable. To me, the work isn’t worth doing if there is no social impact.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

We live in a gatekeeping culture. There are people that have ended up in positions of power with little to no effort, so in order to keep that role, they will refuse to support those on similar journeys. I think that capitalism sort of breeds that type of insecurity where people are terrified that anyone can walk up and take their place.

Instead of withholding opportunities, we should be encouraging one another to forge their own  paths and excel. Share the codes!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I want to create something that lives beyond myself. Something that makes an impact and gives love to those that are actively trying to make the world a better place. I think being able to express ourselves and making a difference through that, is what we’re here for! Not to find some outdated idea of success or happiness, but to discover what sets our souls on fire by connecting with one another through music, art and creativity. When we come together, we leave behind blueprints that can help others find their way, wherever or however that may be. I just think the ability to connect with one another is beautiful, and I’m infinitely grateful that I get to meet so many people from different walks of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: composeyourselfmagazine.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/composeyourselfmagazine
• Facebook: Facebook.com/composeyourselfmagazine
• Twitter: twitter.com/composeYourself

Image Credits
Mika Martinez