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

Tyler, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my life was walking away from my job at the Marriott. I had spent years in hospitality, showing up for everyone except myself. Eventually, I realized that if I didn’t take a stand for my own creativity, I would be sacrificing the very thing that made me feel alive. So I quit, with no safety net, no guarantee, just a vision for what would become The Surreal Deal Shoppe.

Starting my own artistic business was far from easy. I offer graphic design, visual art, and creative direction. I had to make serious financial adjustments just to stay afloat while teaching myself how to operate as a full-time creative entrepreneur. There were nights I cried myself to sleep out of fear of failure, fear of the ‘what ifs,’ fear that all the money, time, and heart I’d invested would crumble before it became real. Those intrusive thoughts felt heavy, but my purpose was heavier.

I took this risk because I wanted to inspire people who look like me, who come from similar backgrounds, who just need the courage to take that first step. I wanted to build something that reflected imagination, identity, and possibility and I wanted others to see that their creative dreams could become a reality too.

And the risk was worth it. Since launching The Surreal Deal Shoppe, I’ve captured the attention of organizations across the U.S., including Shared Soil Productions, BAAD! ( The Bronx Academy Of Arts and Dance), Paramount, and Rice Creative Co., with more opportunities on the way. These partnerships have sharpened my skills, expanded my understanding of the professional creative industry, and connected me with people who truly value my work.

Taking that leap changed everything not just for my career, but for my confidence, my purpose, and my ability to inspire others to take risks of their own.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Tyler West, and I am the owner of The Surreal Deal Shoppe, a creative organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering artistic voices within the creative community. I believe there is a unique creative energy that travels through the cosmos searching for the right vessel and in discovering me, it revealed a purpose. Through my work, I aim to help refashion the human understanding of the arts by approaching storytelling through the lenses of Afro-surrealism and Afro-futurism across both my visual art and creative writing.

What sets The Surreal Deal Shoppe apart, is our burning desire to really introduce new themes and concepts centered around art that feels less traditional. Within the workings created through our company, we plan to create practical possibilities surrounding these so called “balances” within the world. Which means we plan to introduce practical ways of understanding or navigating the things society claim are normal, stable, or logical.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

One of the strongest sources for obtaining new clients has been my social media presence. I create 60-second videos that blend behind-the-scenes footage of me working on various projects with quick insights into my creative process. These short, engaging clips give current and potential clients an intimate look at how I bring ideas to life, from concept to execution.

Showing my process visually helps people connect with my work on a deeper level. It builds trust, demonstrates my skill in real time, and allows viewers to see the passion, detail, and intention behind every design. Over time, this consistent, transparent approach has become one of the most effective ways for me to grow my audience and attract new opportunities.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

André Breton’s The Manifestoes of Surrealism played a major role in reshaping how I viewed risk, creativity, and the world around me. Reading his work opened my eyes to the power of seeing life through new lenses, lenses that embrace possibility, intuition, and the unknown. Breton’s exploration of the unconscious mind showed me that creativity isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about trusting the inner voice that pushes you toward your purpose.

The book transformed my understanding of what it means to take risks. It helped me realize that stepping into uncertainty is often where the most powerful breakthroughs happen. His writing aligned closely with the principles of the law of attraction, teaching me that the world I want to create begins in the world I imagine. Embracing those ideas gave me the courage to take a leap of faith and officially launch my business.

The Manifestoes of Surrealism didn’t just influence my art, it influenced my mindset. It taught me that by exploring the unconscious, trusting my instincts, and visualizing the reality I want, I could manifest a creative path that is both meaningful and uniquely mine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thesurrealdealshoppe.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesurrealdealshoppe?igsh=aHJqYWd0ODN6ZDhu&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-west-2590a637b/
• Other: TIKTOK:https://www.tiktok.com/@thesdshoppe