We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ty Mabrey. Check out our conversation below.
Ty, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’ve been wandering, but not out of a lack of having paths to choose. My choices often contradict the direction that is expected, and so the path I follow has always been instinctive. I trust that I am going the direction that is fulfilling and will not only get me to my destination, but allow for surprises along the way. I will admit that those surprises often have me backtrack a little to make progress in my journey. But I also believe stepping back is an important part of wandering. It’s grounding, humbling to see where you’ve come from and often provides perspectives that were missed along the path the first time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ty Mabrey. I am an artist, writer and film-maker. I’ve worked as an independent creative under the moniker Bang Zoom Pow for may years providing design and animation services creating corporate presentations, campaigns and brands for industries that range from Dental to Medical to Tech and even Oil & Gas. When the Covid Pandemic hit, my goals in life shifted rather dramatically, and I began to move away from marketing and communications and focused on putting energy toward more personal projects. I realized there is no better time than today – to do that thing I’ve always wanted to do – and for me that was tell fun, crazy and provocative stories. So I began work on a few film projects in late 2022, and today I am proud to say that my first short film was just accepted into the San Diego International Film Festival.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My grandmother was the person who steered me down the path of being creative, and although she would not have found the story funny, it it inspiring. My grandmother was a kind woman, but strict and set in her ways. I lived with her and my grandfather for a few years in my youth and there were rules for everything, some of which you did not know about till you broke them. I decided one day to draw on my grandmother’s antique coffee table with the edge of Matchbox car, carving into the wood itself. Needless to say, my grandmother was furious, but my punishment did not come in the form of a switch, but rather enrollment into an after school program that taught the fundamentals of art, a program I attended every year (which she paid for) until I graduated from High School. That program helped me understand what it meant to truly be creative and helped me win a scholarship to go to school in New York, and my grandmother never had that coffee table re-finished.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
To say there is a time when I haven’t wanted to give up would be a lie. In fact, it happens quite often and requires a lot of strength to persevere. I’ve learned over the years to trust the creative process, but making it as a professional, building relationships and bonding with others over your ideas is challenging on good days. The process of sculpting and refining ideas and coming up with the perfect solution only to be told the creative is “not in alignment” can be heart-wrenching to hear. The amount of creative work I’ve done over the years that ended up watered-down or not fully realized due to some corporate opinion has killed my inspiration on many occasions, and had me asking, “why do I even bother?” And so, I’ve learned to take it in stride and put that energy toward my own projects instead.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
A truth in my life that I rarely articulate is that hard work matters. I’m not talking about laborious, back-breaking work. I am talking about time spent doing something and learning to master it. I apply this to being an artist and refining skills over time, but it can be applied to anything creative. There is no greater satisfaction than bringing and idea to fruition and stepping back and saying, “Wow! Look what I am capable of.” And all because the time and energy was spent learning a craft and mastering it. I will never forget attending one of the first VidCon events in LA and getting a bracelet in the welcome package for the event that said, “always be creating.” I believe the world would be a better place if this is how we all lived.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Perspective is something I think everyone can use more of. We are so divided into this idea of this or that, right or wrong, left or right, but there is more to life than one point of view. I think actively changing perspectives makes a person well-rounded and builds discernment. Right now, there is no trust, and trust is hard to build. But I think if people can find the will to change their perspective, make an effort to see things differently, they could realize how amazing life can be when we actively remove conflict and turmoil.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bangzoompow
Image Credits
Photography for Monochromatic and the Truth About Susie – Victor Marmolejo
