Today we’d like to introduce you to Tysen Knight.
Hi Tysen , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey from a kid drawing cartoons in New Jersey to an international pop-urban artist and filmmaker has been defined by passion, risk, and resilience. I spent 20 years as a Master Barber—even cutting hair for NFL players at the Super Bowl—to stay close to visual design while practicing my craft. After moving to California, I took a massive leap of faith to pursue art full-time, which led to a grueling period of homelessness in Palm Springs. That hardship inspired my signature “pop urban art” style, blending street culture with fine art. My breakthrough came in 2018 when my documentary, The Art of Hustle, won Best Feature Film at the Oregon Documentary Film Festival. This exposure launched my public career, leading to my iconic Palm Springs public bench mural project and exhibitions at Art Basel Miami. Today, my primary focus is giving back through the Tysen Knight Art Experience, mentoring at-risk youth, and funding scholarships to show young creatives that a successful artistic career is entirely achievable.
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?
It was definitely not a smooth road. Walking away from a steady career as a Master Barber meant facing immediate financial instability, which eventually led to a grueling six-month period of homelessness in Palm Springs. Sleeping in a local shelter was an incredibly humbling and difficult obstacle, but it forced me to use whatever found materials I could find, ultimately shaping my signature “pop urban art” style. Beyond the personal hardships, breaking into the competitive fine art world without a formal arts degree presented constant skepticism and systemic barriers. Navigating the independent filmmaking industry to get The Art of Hustle produced and distributed also brought massive logistical and financial hurdles. Every major milestone was born out of overcoming these deep creative and financial struggles.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an international pop-urban artist, muralist, and award-winning filmmaker specializing in “pop urban art”—a vibrant style heavily inspired by Basquiat, Haring, and Warhol that bridges raw street culture and fine art. I am best known for directing the 2018 documentary The Art of Hustle, which won Best Feature Film at the Oregon Documentary Film Festival, and for my iconic Palm Springs Street Bench Project, which transformed public benches into vibrant urban masterpieces. What sets me apart is my multi-dimensional background as a former Master Barber and a survivor of homelessness, allowing me to treat art not just as a visual piece, but as a vehicle for community economic growth and human connection. I am most proud of using this unique platform to give back through the Tysen Knight Art Experience, where I mentor at-risk youth and fund scholarships to show the next generation that a creative career is a real, walkable path.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My approach to networking and mentorship is rooted in radical authenticity and leading with value rather than transactions. Throughout my career, I have found that letting your work ethic speak first—such as launching my public bench project or directing my documentary—naturally draws people toward your momentum. Instead of intimidating a potential mentor by asking “Will you be my mentor?”, approach them with a laser-focused question for a brief chat, always looking for ways to reciprocate value or assist with their projects. Most importantly, when a mentor gives you advice, execute it immediately and report back on the results; showing that you are a doer who values their time is the fastest way to turn a casual connection into a lifelong professional relationship.
Pricing:
- Pricing is available on TysenKnight.com
- Pricing is available on TysenKnight.com
- Pricing is available on TysenKnight.com
- Pricing is available on TysenKnight.com
- Pricing is available on TysenKnight.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tysenknight.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tysenknight/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TysenKnight
- Twitter: https://x.com/tysenknight
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/TysenKnight
- Other: https://www.tysenknightexperience.com
