Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Ty Clark @samo4prez

1) Tell us a little about yourself. What are you doing now and where do you come from?

Ty Clark has been creating in multiple genres since he was 4 years old. Ty grew up in a family imbued by culture. His uncle was Conway “Jiggs” Pierson, the world renowned Sculptor and Raku artist, who impacted his drive and passion for the arts at an early age. He has been exhibiting nationally for over 15 years and in 2010 was named one of America’s Brightest Young Influencers by Catalyst.

In search of “the thin places”, places on earth where the “Divine Presence” is so strong that they serve as portals from this world to the next, Ty has traveled the globe. He has traveled to 5 continents while spending time living, serving, creating and learning in over 20 countries, and cultures around the world.

An artist, writer, designer, activist, and filmmaker, Ty has shown his work in over 15 states across the US. In addition to the influence of his uncle “Jiggs” he studied under American sculptor William Catling while attending Azusa Pacific University’s School of Fine Arts. Also known as SAMO4PREZ, Ty is a founding member of the Veritas Artist Collective, 5D Artists Group, and The ANWA Collective. He has spearheaded collaborations with other artists, organizations, and communities around the world for the past two decades, advancing support and dialogue around issues regarding arts, culture, community building and poverty alleviation. This August he will be spending a month painting in Budapest Hungary at the Hungarian Multicultural Center artist residency program.

2) What are your topics of interest? What do you post on Instagram the most?

Mainly art, travel and short timelapse videos within Instagrams 1:00 time constraint.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

It is a nickname I was given from artist peers of mine during school. One of my major influences in the art world is Jean Michel Basquiat, his street name was SAMO- one of my favorite “tags” of his was “SAMO for President”- I got the nickname SAMO4PREZ from that:)

4) What are some apps you use to edit your photos? Share with us your photo-editing routine!

I use Snapseed and VSCO exclusively. I usually begin with Snapseed for my first edits, then I adjust in VSCO with a preset filter or their editing functions.

5) Any Instagrammers whom you really like? Which Instagrammer inspires you the most?

I would have to say @ChrisBurkard, @jonathanbcombs and @ebcombs @jacobtcombs

6) If there’s one thing your fellow Instagrammers just gotta try now, what’s it gonna be?

Creating mini-films in the 1 minute category.

7) What’s your favorite part about being an influencer?

Connecting brands I love to those who follow me.

8) What are some of your top tips to brands for running campaigns? How do you maintain authenticity?

I built a very large influencer platform for @kammok and built their IG page and what worked for me was staying connected on a personal level with my influencers, always sharing their work and connecting our customers to their individual work and pages.

9) What would your advice be on the importance of quality and original content?

It is the most important. Your page needs to maintain the original feel of your personal style, while adding in products or branding, keeping a grass roots and original feel.

10) What do you like best about partnering with brands?

Obviously testing new products before they hit the market. With my background in product design, marketing, ideation and design, I feel like I have the ability to truly help the brand with how the market/consumer reacts and feels about the brand.

Topics:

• Art
• DIY & Crafts
• Education
• Film, Music & Books
• Food & Drink
• Gardening
• Humor
• Photography
• Technology
• Travel

Country:

United States of America