Tye Thomas
Tye Thomas
Brand Designer / Founder, Ethereal Design Studio
New York, NY
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m equal parts thinker, doer, and creative aka INFJ. ”
I’m the founder of Ethereal Design Studio, a creative studio centered around designing a better world. Our focus is on wellness, lifestyle, and clean beauty brands and we’re adding interior design to our services in 2021.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
My background is in education & policy with a focus on equity and justice. I thought law school was the route and public policy the destination, but in 2018 I found myself exiting the workplace and journeying on the path of entrepreneurship. I started a few businesses which led me to realize how much I enjoyed designing logos and websites. I soon found myself enrolled in Youtube University and the rest is history! I’m a firm believer that we have many paths and purposes in our lifetime so I’m learning not to be tied down to one career or version of myself.
How do you stand out in your field?
One of the reasons I became a designer is because it allows me to tangibly create the world I want to live in. With design, I can go from idea to manifestation almost instantly. I use this power for good by exclusively working with people trying to change the status quo...the “do-gooders” of the world. Wellness, clean beauty, activism, sustainability efforts, that’s my wheelhouse. Staying grounded in that idealism is how I differentiate myself.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m working on a few fun things right now! I’m in interior design school, launching on a mini-course for "beautypreneurs", and of course working with clients. More importantly than what I’m doing now is what I’m looking to do in the future. One day I’d like to rebrand a city, design a school, and create innovative and sustainable solutions for affordable housing.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I’m a Pisces sun Libra rising so my style is ever-changing, but one thing for sure is I love beauty. Every time I’m like “yeah this is my style” I find myself like “oops just kidding”. I love beautiful things that create meaningful experiences for people. As a brand designer, I’m always thinking “how can we make this beautiful and impactful”. A recent project that makes me really excited is a branding & web design project for Uma, a women’s wellness clinic centered on reproductive justice.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Interior design for sure. I want to be able to combine my background in education and skills in branding & interior design to transform educational spaces and even cities.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I’m trying to find the balance between working ON the business and working IN the business. Between client work, marketing, networking, content creation, professional development, and learning how to do taxes, the to-do list is never ending.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Social media management for sure. I hate posting and thinking of captions.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Omg. In college I was SOOO eager to graduate and be in the “real world”. Now I’m like girlllll free rent? Decent cafeteria food? Kick backs and parties? The only real responsibility is my grades???? Take me back. If I could talk to her now I’d be like Sis RELAX and enjoy this moment.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Since I don’t come from a design background I’d love to talk to an expert about running a studio, hiring/managing talent, and building the capacity to take on bigger projects.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
We help wellness, lifestyle, and clean beauty brands make their mark. I’d love to work with passionate business owners who are looking to carve out their unique space in their industry through intentional branding and design.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Our ideal client is passionate about doing good, takes a collaborative approach, and is ready to invest time, energy, and money into making their business a success. They know what they want but also leave room for me to do my job. They trust my creative expertise and don't mind letting me lead during our dance together.
Who is a creative that has helped you elevate your work?
My business coach is Amber Mccue of Three Boudoir Photography, The Planathon, and Amber Mccue Co. She is kind, solution-oriented, and her energy is infectious. She’s AMAZING.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
The best way is to complete an inquiry form or schedule a call. But I’m also down for you to slide in my email.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Painting + scrolling art & design blogs.
This member profile was originally published in December 2020.