ArtCenter Photo student and Outreach Ambassador Rebeca Castillo interviews her classmate Ty Mullen about the inspirations behind his recently published and sold-out book, "26"

What inspired you to create your recently published book, 26? Could you explain the importance of having the images formatted as a book?
This project came to me one day while sitting in LA traffic, as so many of us do. I was reflecting on my journey so far as an artist, student, and overall as an individual. I was born on March 26, so this book is also a celebration of my “golden” birthday. Turning the project into a book allowed me to face my fears as an artist and, because it’s something tangible, I can hold it in my hands and say, “I made this”.

Is there a specific significance for the locations and the people you decided to photograph? Is there a relationship between subject and location?
Yes, there is definitely a specific and significant relationship with both the location and the models. This project blends my love for luxury advertising and fashion, with my appreciation for the landscapes where I was born and raised on California’s central coast. I am lucky enough to have incredibly talented and lovely friends to photograph in the clothes, and landscapes that inspire me.

Can you describe your process? From photographing, to printing, and then publishing, what was your favorite and least favorite part of the experience?
I have to admit, although it’s extremely time consuming and stressful creating a book, let alone financially draining, I truly had the most incredible time creating it from start to finish. I loved creating the story first, then pulling all the pieces together, like finding the clothes, subject, and the right location. Then, once it all comes together and it’s the day of the shoot, it is the most incredible feeling watching your ideas come to life in real time!

Printing each image in the darkroom was extremely time consuming, I think I spent well over 100 hours working diligently to get the correct colors and mood I wanted for each image! Having a friend and colleague like James Armas to help with the publishing was such a blessing, I could not have made the book into a tangible piece of work without the support of James and his publishing company, permanentrecorder.

Out of all the images made for 26, was there any one shoot that stood out for you?
I would have to say that it would be the shoot with Emma in Maison Margiela, out in a cattle field off the backroads of my hometown. To me, it is the perfect blend of all the elements that I love: natural light, a minimalistic landscape, beautiful clothes and someone with incredible energy to shoot them in!

When you think about your work, who are the artists/people that have inspired and shaped who you are as an artist?
SO many people, probably too many to count. A few incredible artists that have inspired me are Zöe Ghertner, Stef Mitchell, Harley Weir, Colin Dodgson, Jamie Hawkeworth and Sam Rock.

What are your plans for the future? What do you see yourself creating next?
I want to continue pushing myself to create new work, learning, and growing as an artist. I want to enjoy the process and journey as much as I can. I will also begin working on another book project that will come out next year. I am so thankful for all the incredible people who have helped and inspired this project.

To inquire about future publications contact Ty: tywmullen@gmail.com
Explore Ty’s work: tywmullen.com + Instagram