Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Jordan

Hi Tyler, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

My journey in photography and design began over a decade ago in the vibrant environment of New York City. Growing up in Brooklyn , I was always fascinated by the energy and diversity of the city, which became a significant source of inspiration for my artistic pursuits. My early years were spent experimenting with various photography techniques, honing my skills, and developing a unique artistic vision. This passion led me to pursue professional opportunities, and in 2011, I began working for the New York City Transit (MTA). Over the next decade, I gained access to hidden and often overlooked parts of the city’s underground subway system. This experience was transformative, allowing me to document and bring to light the unseen stories of New York’s subterranean world. Parallel to my work in photography, I ventured into clothing design and brand management. This was a natural extension of my artistic expression, enabling me to translate visual art into wearable forms. My designs are deeply influenced by the same urban aesthetic that characterizes my photography. A pivotal moment in my career was the partnership with City Point Mall in Brooklyn. This project involved transforming vacant retail storefronts into dynamic art gallery spaces, providing a platform for independent artists and enhancing the visual appeal of the mall. The success of this initiative showcased the potential of integrating art into commercial spaces and solidified my role as a curator and collaborator in the art community. Today, I am the Gallery Manager for DSGN Gallery at the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard. In this role, I oversee show proposals, gallery programming, and strategic partnerships, constantly striving to create opportunities for artists to showcase their work. My current focus is on experimental light photography on subway trains, a project that aims to reveal the extraordinary beauty in everyday moments. Moving from an MTA employee to a full-time artist has been a journey of exploration and growth. Each step has challenged me to push my creative boundaries and has allowed me to invite others to see the world from a fresh perspective. Through my work, whether in photography, design, or curation, I aim to celebrate the vibrancy and resilience of urban life, making the ordinary truly extraordinary.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

My journey in photography and design has been anything but smooth, it’s been filled with challenges and obstacles that have shaped me both personally and professionally. One of the earliest struggles was establishing myself in the competitive creative scene of New York City. Working for the New York City Transit (MTA) presented its own set of challenges. While it provided incredible access to the underground world that fueled my artistic vision, balancing a full-time job with my passion for photography was demanding. There were times when I felt stretched thin, managing the responsibilities of my job while trying to pursue my creative projects. Transitioning from the MTA to focusing entirely on my art was a significant leap. This decision involved financial uncertainty and the pressure to constantly innovate and produce work that resonates with audiences. The art world is unpredictable, and there have been moments of doubt and setbacks that tested my resilience. In the realm of clothing design, launching and managing my brand came with its own hurdles. The fashion industry is fast-paced and ever-changing, requiring constant adaptation and a keen sense of trends. Ensuring quality and maintaining the unique essence of my designs while managing production logistics and marketing was a learning curve. Despite these challenges, each struggle has been a valuable lesson. These experiences have taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and staying true to my artistic vision. They have pushed me to explore new creative avenues and have ultimately contributed to my growth as an artist and designer. Adversity introduces a man to his true self, I have had some amazing learning sessions that have made me a stronger artist and business man

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

My work spans photography, clothing design, and art curation, but one of my most distinctive and innovative specialties is my experimental light photography on subway trains. This project involves capturing long exposure shots of the New York City subway with a light tube attached to the train, creating a stunning light painting effect. This technique transforms the ordinary, often gritty, scenes of the subway into extraordinary, vibrant works of art.

The process of creating these images is both technical and artistic. I use long exposure settings on my camera to capture the movement of the trains, allowing the light tubes to paint dynamic, colorful streaks of light across the frame. This method not only highlights the movement and energy of the subway system but also brings a new perspective to everyday urban life. The resulting images are a blend of structured precision and spontaneous creativity, showcasing the hidden beauty of the city’s underground.

Beyond photography, I am also deeply involved in clothing design and art curation. My clothing designs often reflect the same urban aesthetic that characterizes my photography. Notable pieces include the “Escape from New York Snapback,” a hand-distressed Yankee hat that symbolizes resilience and overcoming challenges in a tough city like New York.

As an art curator, I have collaborated with renowned artists such as Al Diaz, John Wright, and Danny Cortes, and partnered with influential brands like Adidas, Forbes, and MasterCard. Currently, I serve as the Gallery Manager for DSGN Gallery at the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard, where I oversee show proposals, gallery programming, and strategic partnerships. One of my proudest achievements in this role was transforming vacant retail storefronts at Citypoint Mall in Brooklyn into dynamic art gallery spaces, providing a platform for independent artists and enriching the community.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to integrate various artistic disciplines into a cohesive and innovative body of work. My unique access to the New York City subway system, thanks to my decade-long tenure with the MTA, has given me unparalleled opportunities to document and reveal the unseen stories of the city’s underground world. This unique vantage point, combined with my dedication to pushing creative boundaries, has allowed me to develop a distinctive artistic voice that resonates with diverse audiences.

Overall, my work aims to celebrate the vibrancy and resilience of urban life, making the ordinary truly extraordinary through photography, design, and curation.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?

“The Go Giver” by Bob Burg and John David Mann. This book emphasizes the power of giving and how it can lead to success. It has taught me that true success comes from creating value for others, which has been a guiding principle in my work, especially in my art curation and collaborative projects. “Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter” by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson – This book gave me insight on resilience, strategy, and hard. Curtis Jackson’s approach to overcoming obstacles and continually pushing forward resonates deeply with my own journey, especially in the competitive fields of photography and design. Another great resource is being a HUG artist (www.thehug.xyz) – This platform is a fantastic resource for connecting with other artists and discovering new opportunities. It has helped me stay informed about the latest trends in the art world and find inspiration from fellow creatives. These resources have not only provided practical advice and inspiration but also reinforced the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. They remind me to stay curious, embrace challenges, and always strive to create meaningful work that resonates with others.

Pricing:

• Creative Photography Shoots – $500
• Headshots – $250
• Private Commissions – Inquire

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nyccanvas.com
• Instagram: lyfeofty / canvasdesignshop
• Twitter: https://x.com/CanvasRaw

Image Credits

Tyler Jordan