We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tyler Dorr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tyler below.

Hi Tyler, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

For some of us, being naturally inclined towards creativity and having a passion for creation begins at a young age, I believe. Ever since I could recall holding a pencil, I found myself expressing imaginative images through mark-making. Art became a constant companion during times of feeling alienated and isolated, and I couldn’t fathom suppressing it for the sake of a conventional career. Upon leaving art school to embark on my freelance journey, I had to start from scratch to generate income. This entailed taking on various customer service roles, including one in a call center. These jobs left me feeling deeply unfulfilled, with their lack of creative outlet and abundance of mundane tasks: meetings, data compilation, and dependence on others’ work. However, it was never my intention to build a career in such uninspiring fields; I continued creating tirelessly at home. Whether after work or on my days off, I dedicated myself to painting, sharing progress, engaging in online marketing, and selling my work in person at different events. Eventually, I reached a point where I could afford to live comfortably and leave behind the confines of corporate 9-5 jobs to pursue a freelance career as an illustrator. Admittedly, there are numerous challenges in my line of work, from managing administrative tasks to navigating complex tax issues and dealing with the unpredictable nature of income. Nevertheless, these challenges are ones I embrace each day, preferring them over the prospect of returning to a job where I had to field calls about matters that held no personal significance to me.

Tyler, 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 am among the many who have a passion for drawing and painting. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia of sitting in my grandmother’s studio, observing her creative process, or maybe it’s the profound sense of purpose in dedicating one’s life to what they are truly passionate about. After leaving art school in 2015, I returned to my hometown in Maine. Over the years, by participating in various in-person pop-up markets, I established a solid foundation to support myself financially. Throughout this journey, my artistic style has evolved as I explored different techniques and improved my skills. Initially, my grasp of anatomy was weak, and I worked with limited materials inherited from others. However, through experimentation with new tools such as the Pentel Pocketbrushpen and a commitment to self-discipline in observation, my work began to reflect a style more aligned with my vision. My creative process is dependent on a bold swirling line work, reminiscent of art nouveau styles. My artistic themes often revolve around retelling familiar childhood stories, with a strong emphasis on nature and mysticism. Nature, particularly the woodlands, holds a profound significance for me, offering a sense of sanctity and the potential to reconnect with oneself. There’s a certain allure in imagining these seemingly tranquil spaces untouched by humanity, pondering whether a mushroom is just the natural decomposition of leaf litter or the whimsical remnants of fairy gatherings under the moonlight. I firmly believe that fostering this sense of wonder and whimsy enriches our lives and makes them more extraordinary than they may seem in our everyday routines. I welcome people of all ages and backgrounds to experience my artwork in various forms, whether through original paintings, prints, stickers, and more. The tradition of storytelling endures, and my brand aims to preserve its magic. While my career is still in its early stages, my future aspirations include transitioning to full-time tattooing and illustrating a book of fairy tales.

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

At present, numerous creative domains are witnessing a surge in AI-generated content, and this trend appears unstoppable. While it’s understandable that artificial intelligence can significantly advance progress in other fields, the realm of art requires no such augmentation. There’s an inherent beauty in human-crafted artwork that emanates from the heart, offering a unique perspective of the world. Art serves as a universal language, reflecting our struggles, triumphs, and raising awareness about various issues we face. No one else can leave the mark you make with a pencil or sculpt in the manner you do. When it comes to artificial intelligence, I perceive it as a means for individuals or entire companies to cut corners, thereby sidestepping the need to support hardworking and passionate artisans in favor of achieving mass appeal for their projects. For instance, we witness the use of AI in accelerating the production of new animated films. However, many would agree that traditional 2-Dimensional animation possesses a heartfelt charm and captivation. Supporting artists entails sharing their work online, recommending them to friends, visiting their studios, and if possible, purchasing their creations or commissioning them. There’s a profound sense of value in owning something crafted uniquely for you, something that no one else can replicate.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

It would have to be the reaction people have to my work. The most profitable part of my artistic journey thus far has been selling in person at pop-up markets and witnessing complete strangers drawn to my work with expressions of joy. One particularly memorable experience involved a woman who spent quite some time admiring a piece I had created—a blue fairy titled ‘Dreams Do Come True.’ As the event drew to a close, she decided to purchase it, and her eyes were somewhat teary as she apologized to me. During our conversation, she shared that she was buying the piece for her daughter, who had recently left an abusive relationship. It would be the first piece of art her daughter would own by herself. As an artist, there’s always a gamble as to whether a piece will sell or have any impact, but it’s the small connections some people have to my work that are the most fulfilling and inspire me to keep drawing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.inkcapillustrations.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ink.cp/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFf1pBy7m_4yTA-vsJczuSg