In an exclusive interview, Tysen Knight, the internationally acclaimed artist, muralist, and award-winning filmmaker, shares his journey, passions, and the impact of his purpose-driven work.

Interviewer: Tysen, thank you for joining us. You’re celebrated as a versatile artist, muralist, and filmmaker. What inspires your creative journey?

Tysen Knight: Thank you for having me. My journey has always been fueled by a deep love for art and creativity. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been drawn to anything that allowed me to express myself visually. Cartoons, airbrushed designs on jeans, and my fascination with street art all laid the foundation. My art reflects my desire to connect with people and share stories that inspire.

Interviewer: Your style is deeply rooted in pop and street art, and your murals are transformative. How did you develop this unique approach?

Tysen Knight: I see the world as my canvas. Street art, for me, is about taking spaces—walls, vacant buildings—and turning them into vibrant expressions of life and thought. My style blends pop and street art, which allows me to communicate bold, relatable messages. I’ve always wanted my work to provoke thought and spark conversations in public spaces.

Interviewer: From art to filmmaking, you’ve also made waves with your documentaries. What inspired that transition?

Tysen Knight: Storytelling has always been at the heart of what I do. My first documentary, The Art of Hustle: Street Art Documentary, was a way to shine a light on the positive aspects of street art and its role in culture. The success of that project, and the recognition it received, encouraged me to delve deeper into filmmaking. My second documentary, The Art of Hustle: Homeless Street Artist Documentary, was born out of my passion for showing resilience and humanity. It earned me the Best Director Award at the Marina Del Rey Film Festival, which was humbling.

Interviewer: Beyond your art, your philanthropic efforts have touched many lives. Can you tell us more about that?

Tysen Knight: Giving back has always been important to me. I’ve been fortunate to partner with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Midnight Mission, where I’ve helped build homes and prepare meals for those in need. Through The Tysen Knight Scholarship Fund, I support aspiring artists, and my partnership with the Riverside County Office of Education helps mentor at-risk youth, encouraging self-expression and reducing dropout rates. Art is a tool not just for expression but also for empowerment.

Interviewer: Your work has earned you numerous accolades. What do these recognitions mean to you?

Tysen Knight: Awards like the Visionary Award at Artexpo New York or the Spotlight Award at Red Dot Miami are incredibly meaningful. They validate the work I’ve done and remind me of the impact art can have on people. However, what matters most is knowing that my art and initiatives inspire others and make a difference in their lives.

Interviewer: What’s next for Tysen Knight?

Tysen Knight: The journey never stops. I’m always looking for new ways to push boundaries, create meaningful art, and expand my philanthropic work. The goal is to continue inspiring others, particularly the younger generation, to pursue their passions fearlessly.

Interviewer: Tysen, Your work is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Tysen Knight: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.

Tysen Knight exemplifies the power of art to transform lives, inspire communities, and create meaningful change. His work goes beyond the canvas, leaving a legacy that inspires generations.