Meet Tyler Phan | Actor & Illustrator

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

Hi Tyler, what principle do you value most?
I think being excited about the projects I take on and enjoying the process of making them is super important. At the end of the day, I’m making entertainment for people and if I have fun with the work I do, it imbues itself into the piece and helps breathe life into it. I feel like audiences are able to tell when the creators have put their heart in their project too, somehow it makes the work more digestible and enjoyable. Maintaining even a shred of optimism is also helpful. It gives me the drive to keep looking for the next exciting, inspiring thing.

I’m mainly interested in stories that help people feel less alone while also inspiring them. Movies are able to reignite our passions and make us feel seen, personally whenever I watch movies I never really feel alone. I really do believe that movies are magic and I want to help create magic.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an Asian American who grew up in a predominantly American demographic, I find a bit of disconnection when watching Asian American films that place more emphasis on Asian culture. I don’t often find stories that allow us to prove, as actors, that we are much more than our culture. That we are just as capable in telling universal stories as anyone else. While I think it’s important to celebrate Asian culture in film, I’d like to get to a point where our characters aren’t always deeply rooted in their culture.

I love to incorporate at least a little comedy into all my work. I’m really fond of the levity that humor is able to bring. Movies entertain us by making us feel something either about the characters or the story. Comedy is a great way to elicit a feeling and make us want to stay for more. I still love working with drama though, I think the genre allows us to explore really dark places without fear of not being able to come back. When it comes to drama, I like to think that adding a splash of humor acts as a palette cleanser that helps the story not feel so taxing to the viewers.

When I’m not pursuing acting, I’m putting my efforts into Visual Development. I’m currently a part of Pending Animation Studios, a student run studio focusing on 2D animation, aimed to create a collaborative environment for members to gain experience working in the animation pipeline. I’m really excited to make some amazing projects alongside them and share them with the world!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I absolutely love going to the tide pools! My favorite place to visit is Heisler Park, the tide pools there have varying depths so I’m always able to find a plethora of interesting sea life. Gelato Paradiso is my favorite place for gelato, it’s a great place to visit after exploring the beach. I’d love to be able to free dive in Laguna Beach one day, the marine environment in California is so beautiful and lush.

I also really like hiking, especially along creeks. I have a huge fascination with aquatic life, I just really like the variety of animals you can find and also how easy it is to spot wildlife where there is water nearby.

Film fests are also the greatest thing to me. I find myself walking away feeling so inspired every time I attend one. I love talking to the filmmakers afterwards, it’s fun to learn what kinds of stories people are passionate about telling. I get so nervous at these events but there’s also so much exhilaration behind it that I keep coming back for more!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I had the pleasure of being taught by Svetlana Efremova. As an actor, I feel my skills were sharpened immensely because of what she taught me. Technique is something I value a lot, it’s the foundation that I build off of as an artist and something for me to fall back on at the same time. Svetlana provided me with invaluable technique that I don’t think I’ll ever go without as an actor.

I’m currently part of a program called CareerActivate. Everything I have learned from this program has made me feel so much more confident in navigating this business and constantly reinvigorates my excitement to keep getting out there and meeting new people.

Website: https://imdb.me/tylerphan

Instagram: Actor: @t.jphan Art: @relytart

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerphan888tjp

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@relytart

Image Credits
Kenneth Dolin Photography, Annie Fang, Jack Hillyer, Campbell Moore, Tyler Phan