10 QUESTIONS WITH @TYRATHEZOMBIE

At only 22, artist and photographer Tyra Mitchell (aka @tyrathezombie on Instagram) is already making waves as an imagemaker for some of our favourite brands - you know, just names like Saint Heron, Opening Ceremony, Brown Girl Collective, and Rookie. In addition to having a knack for creating dreamy, hip editorials and curating exhibitions, Tyra also has amazing personal style, fusing streetwear with sophisticated tailoring and a 90s twist. It's safe to say that she has us feeling mega-inspired, and after you read her wise words of wisdom about feminism, creativity, and perseverance, we think you'll know what we mean. What do you do and how did you get started? I am an artist, mostly known as a photographer. I have been shooting most of my life, but began taking my craft seriously around my junior year of high school. I always knew that I wanted to do art and have been creating since I was very young. So as I got older, I had to begin thinking "how can I make a living off of this?" What are you currently working on?

Recently, I've been very lowkey exploring other creative mediums and things that make me happy. I definitely plan on doing more shows and such for young girl artists with substance because lately these girl power "movements" have been super watered down and I don't want them to forget why we yell !girl power! in the first place. How do you stay motivated? I always think of the bigger picture. As a young creative, it gets tough. But you have to remember what you stand for. You have to constantly be working if you want to see any progress. What's the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? Check my email and social media (bad habit! Haha).

What store do you never leave without buying at least one thing?

Opening Ceremony, I love everything in there! I have a lot of friends that work in the store so they're always showing me new cute things they know I can't resist.

Go-to outfit?

Anything cozy. Which is majority of my closet. I have a lot of menswear pieces that I love to style with my girly-er items.

Trend that never dies?

The nineties tomboy look.

Where do you see the fashion industry headed in 10 years?

Hopefully more progressive. I have a few designer friends that I can't wait to see glow up and change the game.

Proudest moment?

So far, my proudest moment in my career has been my Girl Artist Takeover showcase that I put together March of last year (2015). My blood (maybe not), sweat, and tears went into that showcase and it was such an amazing turn out. Made me realize that anything is possible if you work hard for it. What advice would you give to your 17 year old self? Stop worrying about things that don't matter.