We were lucky to catch up with Tay Squaw recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tay, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success, to me, is being able to step back, look at my work, and actually feel something from it—like, “Damn, I really did that!” I came to see it this way when I first experienced creative block during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, and being from New York I was always on the go, constantly shooting because I loved the art, but I never really thought about where photography could take me. I was still figuring things out.

When the world slowed down, I had no choice but to do the same. That was the first time I had to really sit with my creativity—no outside noise, no distractions, just me. It forced me to experiment freely, and through that, I started seeing myself not just as a photographer, but as an artist. That shift gave me direction, and a few years later, I found myself published in multiple magazines, social media pages, and getting recognition from different companies.

I knew my work was making an impact when people started telling me how it made them feel. I’ve always said I might not be the best at telling stories with words, but I know how to shift a mood through visuals. And that’s what really started getting me noticed—people and opportunities were reaching out because they felt something from my work.

Now, I’m more intentional about what I create. I move at my own pace, making sure that whatever I put out is something I stand by and feel connected to. Photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about making people experience something.

If I had to give one piece of advice to creatives, it would be this: Give yourself grace. Take your time honing your skills. Some of the best work ever made happened in the moment. And don’t forget—your voice, your perspective, your art matters. No matter what shape or form it takes, it deserves to be seen.

Tay, 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?

I’m Tay Squaw, a photographer and videographer from New York. I didn’t always plan on getting into photography, though. Growing up, I used to create random art pieces with my mom, who was the first person to inspire me to be an artist. My grandmother also taught me how to draw—popcorn, chips, and soda were our go-to sketches. We drew them so much that at four years old, you couldn’t tell me I wasn’t a pro at art.

As time went on, I eventually met my girlfriend (now my wife), who studied photography in college. She played a big role in getting me into photography. On weekends, she’d bring her camera gear, and we’d learn together. At some point, she started leaving her gear at my place, and I began picking up the camera on my own. From there, it just clicked, and I found my groove.

Now, I focus on urban lifestyle and editorial photography. But what makes my work unique is that I don’t lock myself into one style. The way I create depends on how I’m feeling at the time. Music is a huge part of that process—it’s not about the lyrics, it’s the vibe of the track that inspires the scene. Sometimes it’s the rhythm or the harmony that gives me a feeling, and that’s where I build from. It’s all about tapping into the emotion I’m feeling and translating that into visuals. My work is constantly evolving because it’s based on what I’m listening to and what’s inspiring me in the moment.

The feedback I get from people is what means the most to me. I’m not always telling a straight-up story, but I know how to shift a mood and evoke emotion through my work. That’s what draws people in, and over time, it’s led to opportunities with brands and agencies who want that same energy.

One of the moments I’m most proud of was when I got my first publication. I’ve always wanted to see my work in print, and when it happened, it felt like a real milestone. Since then, I’ve been published a few more times and worked on campaigns for brands like Foot Locker, Dagne Dover, and others.

What I want people to know is that my work is about more than just making pretty pictures. It’s about capturing moments that connect with people. I create with intention, and with every project, I keep pushing myself to grow, learn, and take things to the next level.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is knowing I can take something from my head and make it real. It never gets old seeing an idea come to life, especially when I look back at something I made and still feel a sense of excitement, like, damn, I really did that. What makes it even better is seeing how my work connects with people—whether it sparks a reaction, starts a conversation, or inspires someone in their own way. That feeling of creating something meaningful, something that lasts beyond just me, is what keeps me going.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I built my audience on social media by staying consistent, experimenting, and letting my work speak for itself. In the beginning, I wasn’t focused on numbers—I was just creating and sharing what felt right to me. Over time, I started paying attention to what resonated with people, but I never let trends dictate my creativity. Instead, I found ways to make trends work for me while staying true to my style.

One of the biggest turning points was when my work started getting recognized by brands and creatives I admired. That happened because I put myself out there, engaged with the right people, and made sure my content had a strong visual identity. Being intentional with how I presented my work made a difference, and eventually, opportunities started coming my way.

For anyone just starting out—don’t chase numbers, chase impact. Post work that you’re proud of, interact with your community, and be patient. Social media is a tool, but your creativity is what makes people pay attention. Stay consistent, stay true to your vision, and the right audience will find you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://taysquaw.com
• Instagram: @taysquaw