Q+A with Tyler Spangler: A Rainbow Flavored Punk Enthusiast Art School Dropout Turned Designer

Tyler Spangler and his One Eyed Wonder Pup, Patch. Photo by Gabi Sagorin

🌈 Psychology grad - Art school drop out
🌈 Ran punk venue for 13 shows
🌈 Clients: Adobe, Coach, Facebook, Hermès, Instagram, Nike, United Nations

"Make something new every day and don’t be afraid to share it!" This statement came up in previous interviews over and over again. Where and when did this philosophy originate?

Before I attended art school, I was researching different art schools and I would email students and compare their experiences to get a better picture about that schools culture. I got a piece of advice from one student that always stuck with me: make something new everyday.

“What’s Your Opinion on Everything” by Tyler Spangler

You dropped out of art school, decided to focus on trying to gain a client base for freelancing, and shoved your way into the art world by cold emailing companies. How did you decide which companies to reach out to? How did you ‘sell’ yourself? And how did you initially decide on your rates?

Before I went to art school, I took a year off and made 5 new pieces everyday to practice. I had a huge collection of artwork on my Tumblr that I would use as a work reference. I would go to Urban Outfitters brands page and individually email each company with my portfolio. I got about a 2% response rate but I felt like I was actually making progress. I only emailed companies that I thought fit with my style. My rates have changed a lot over the years. Rates are very hush hush. It’s really hard to get anyone to talk about what they charge. I think this is because art and design is such a subjective field that if someone is willing to pay for it, you can charge whatever you want. I have learned what certain companies, industries and jobs average rates are over the years but in the beginning I definitely charged too little.

Do you think that would still be doing what you’re doing if university or art school were free or more affordable?

I probably would’ve finished art school and worked for a studio for a while but eventually quit to freelance. I’m not ashamed I don’t have a BFA and don’t feel any regret about dropping out. I work best when I’m alone and can explore without any distractions. It would be cool to not have the pressure of debt and be more experimental while in school though.

Why/how do you derive inspiration from Michael Scott? Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot to learn from that man. Personally, I pretend that he’s me when life starts going to shit. I find that it makes things a lot easier to cope with and I am able to find the humor in the situation.

I have a Michael Scott sticker on my car that says, “I have egg in my crocs.” Michael Scott is just an eager and dumb little puppy that wants to be good at what he does. I think its important to just laugh things off when they become too ridiculous.

Why Electric Wizard?

I loved the deep, heavy, layered sound in their music. It was also hypnotic listening to them while designing.

What’s your favorite dish to cook?

I love making crock pot chili. I have a recipe my grandpa used to make when I was little and now I make it. It’s cool because I don’t have to take time away from working to make food; I just pull it out of the freezer and heat it up.

Do you think that your profession defines you? Such as, do you believe yourself to be a commercial artist first and foremost?

I don’t really look at my work like work. I always did this in my free time when I was younger except now I am able to make money at it. I make the same art for clients that I would make for myself so there isn’t really a disconnect between commercial and personal.

What would have liked to have known earlier in your career?

Nothing really… maybe just pricing but it’s cool making the mistakes so the learning becomes burned in your brain.

And, lastly, what’s been stopping you from getting that mural on a pier?

I haven’t really made a big effort to get it done. I’m sure if I contacted a bunch of mural painters and local city officials I might have a shot but I've just been too busy.

Check out more of his work on his website.

All art work in this interview is by Tyler Spangler. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.