We had the good fortune of connecting with Kyler Steele and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kyler, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started off as a software engineer working a basic 9-5. I realized quickly that this lifestyle was not sustainable for me. I worked the 40 hours a week but none of it felt like any enjoyment.
I thought if I worked at something I was more passionate about then the 40 hours wouldn’t feel bad and I would maybe even work 60-80 hours of hard work.
It started off as a side hustle (like most businesses do) but eventually the side hustle took more time then my actual job did. I ended up officially starting my business because I loved the work I was doing and wanted to continue doing it.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Becoming an artist was very hard for me. I have a very logical brain and wanted my art to be technically perfect. Breaking out of this desire of perfection was something that I really struggled with and still struggle with today.
I ended up spending months studying past and present photographers. I even studied painters and artists in other fields such as sculpting. Seeing how other artists created work that was past my barriers of thinking really opened me up to a new world.
I decided I wanted my color of my photographs to be a journey for the viewer. I wanted the color to take them out of the realism of the photograph and draw the viewer into the photograph. I learned that the more my art steps into the creative side, the more people will be confused and question it. I love this questioning because it is a reminder to me that those people that question my art are what I once was when I was first beginning.
I would like the world to know that art doesn’t have to be completely perfect or absolutely creative. It can be a mix of each and that balance is up for the artist to decide.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents deserve the biggest shoutout. They have supported all my decisions in my life and been very excited to cheer me along the way. Throughout the pandemic and work from home, I’ve found the journey of starting my business to be very lonely. However, my parents are always their to direct me in the right path and offer some help when I need it.
Website: https://www.kylersteele.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylersteele
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kyler_steele
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KylerSteele
Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylersteele