We recently connected with TaTyana Price and have shared our conversation below.
TaTyana, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I knew that I wanted to be creative when I was about 7 years old. I was always drawn to dance and participated in every church and school productions I could be a part of. My parents supported and encouraged me by signing me up for various opportunities to try. They enforced an academic based household though. Good grades were required to participate in all the activities I wanted so they used my love for the arts as a foundation to do well in school and I definitely paid off. As I grew older there was no feeling that topped the experience of prepping or executing a production. Where some were turned off by the long hours and physical labor it often entailed , for me it was a rush. When all the chaos settled you were left with the gratification and accomplishment of how you persevered in a new way and succed. When choosing a career profession I knew I had to continue in the entertainment/media industry because it was a job and field that never felt like work and made me immensely happy.
TaTyana, 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 am the founder of TJPRICE Productions media company , created as a one stop business for all your creative, auditory and visual needs. As a child, I always found myself gravitating towards a camera and capturing every moment that happened around me. My career began at Louis Armstrong Middle school where I was introduced to the world of Performance and Live Entertainment. I indulged myself in any dance production available. As well as being taught the introductory fundamentals of sound systems , lighting and production through a program led by my at the time science teacher, Gregory Grambo. His guidance and teachings sparked my interest in all things entertainment. By high school , I became a model and dancer for an all female professional dance group named Lush Varsity led by my manager and mentor Michelle Hall. By being a part of this group, life gravitated me towards people who were willing to influence my growth and development within the industry. I completed my first degree at Kingsborough Community College, specializing in Radio, Tv and Film Production. Following graduation, I transitioned into photography during my undergraduate years at the New York City College of Technology. Post graduation, I continued to create content as well as expanding my brand and clientele. What began as a photography portfolio in 2018 turned into a full media and production portfolio as of current day. Whenever I pick up a camera or work on a concept my goal is to always make my next project better than my last. The passion that drives me to continue doing what I love is giving everyone the opportunity to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. As well as appreciate the inner beauty my visual perspective can bring out of them. By offering personalized sessions that meet the needs of each individual, clients can create and be anything they want to be.
Alongside my brand and business, in 2019, I pitched a self developed media course and currently teach Introduction to Photography/ Film to middle school age students. In addition , I facilitate dance/performing arts, which allow students access to free industry level training and live performance experience through various projects and curated events. A curriculum that sparked the interest of the next generation now peaks results, with past students currently enrolled in Media Communication and Performing Arts college programs.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
A lesson I had to learn that humbles me till this very day is “You are not always right”. To lead a life being knowledgeable and confident is one thing. However, to not be teachable or coachable makes your own growth stagnant. When I first began to work professionally , I would shoot with a lot of my friends. As I loved their support it was sometimes a struggle because I came into the game with two degrees. I could explain every camera detail/function and was studious when it came to my craft. It took a close friend of mine who had her own creative foot to remind me. Where in certain aspects I have worked hard to be prepared, it was also my duty to fulfill the request of my clients. If the task was indeed impossible I had every right dispute. But I had to always remain open to breaking the conventional taught rules and think outside the box. My portfolio has grown and my skills have developed tremendously since then. That one conversation pushed me to create in ways I never imagined and develop my artistic sense of self even in the present day.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I have several sources that continuously drive my journey. For starters , my parents , who have sacrificed endlessly to provide for my siblings and I until this very day. I grew up getting to know their life stories and the limitations growing up as African Americans. This inspired me to live my life in ways they never got an opportunity to. To make them proud and give them a chance to enjoy the achievements that they couldn’t access. Second , my nieces , to show them that with hardwork and discipline anything in life is achievable. The best way I know how to display that is to lead by example. Lastly , any child or adult that watches my journey and feels like they can’t do or be anything they desire. I hope through my public displays , interactions and testimonies I can inspire them to chase their dreams. It is never too early or too late. But to never try is a life wasted.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tjpriceproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tjpriceproductions/