Meet Ty Parks | Art Person & Coffee Enjoyer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ty Parks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ty, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am most inspired by other artists around me, especially all the friends I’ve met from interacting and posting online. Getting to see everyone move forward in either skill or status in their art career/hobby is nothing but inspiring. Seeing how they’ve all improve in one aspect or another always gets the creative gears moving for me to either study up or practice in art and see where i can improve with my art. The same goes for the people that i have in my life, physically, maybe even more so, as I’d say that there is even more of a wide range of different art in terms of all the different mediums I’ve seen art used in, in person, which always has me even more inspired to step outside of what I personally know about art and drawing, to try and learn what I can from everyone else!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I basically grew up as an artist, considering a lot of the friends I grew up with and some of the family I had always encouraged the doodles and drawings I did when I was younger. Nowadays I tend to lean into a lot of digital art and character design, mainly drawing characters of my own, characters that my friends have made and, even fan-art of a bunch of different characters from pop culture that enjoy. I’ve even been lucky enough to do some small time commissions for people online who were cool enough that they would want my art in general! But getting here with my art has definitely had its ups and downs, thankfully I’ve had a lot of help from my dad, whom has always taught me things here and there. Even now I’m taught things not just from him, but from a lot of the friends I’ve made, especially teaching me that constructive criticism and critique can truly help any artist take the next step in their art journey if they’re willing to listen and take said advice. Just a month ago I was given really important advice to make my own art pop out more, making me feel as if I’m taking that next big step with how I draw!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Too many good places in Colorado honestly. I’m a giant nerd so I like going to a lot of local game-shops and comic book stores and even cafes to draw at. Some of the best places that I try to frequent are-

Level 7 Games: A game/coffee shop- If I were to wanna get anyone into any card, board, or video-game, it definitely at this place! The staff, regulars and, even the coffee is great! They have a bunch of themed drinks for whatever new game is coming out, events for customers to participate in and they even have books to pick through- A true nerd paradise!

Mutiny Information Cafe: A tried and true classic in Downtown Denver. A huge catalog of books, comics and, manga, any creative in Colorado has to have been here. Great vibes and even greater coffee!

Chain Reaction Records: Of you’re into the punk or metal scene this is the place for you! One of the last truly independent DIY stores you can find out there right now! They recently had some renovations so go check it out here soon!

Mewo Wolf Denver: While it’s the more well know place here in Colorado, I still think it’s worth mentioning. Genuinely one of the weirdest places I’ve been to in the best way possible. If you haven’t been yet, all I can really say is be ready for some funky looking art and decorations to put it lightly.

Bardo’s Coffee: Just a regular coffee shop if I’m totally honest, but both locations have a great atmosphere and a killer hot chocolate- one of my favorite places to draw!

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 Dad! Even if it sounds a little cliche, I truly wouldn’t have the passion for art without him! As a kid, I’d get to go to these artist meet-ups called “Drink n’ Draw”s down in Denver. I got to meet a bunch of local artists, writers and, creatives in general. Granted I didn’t really know that as four-year-old, but it helped start the first few sparks of a young artist in me, and I wouldn’t have been put on that track if it wasn’t for my Dad, who even now still takes me to those Drink n’ Draws. Not to mention how much he’s acted as a pseudo-art-teacher for me, helping me fix pieces that I’ve struggled with in the past and even now!

Instagram: @tylikesstuff

Twitter: @TyLikesStuff

Other: I’m most likely always have the tag, Tylikesstuff so if you’re curious if I’m on a different site, look me up!

Image Credits
All images Draw by Tyler Parks