Maintaining one’s creative identity can be challenging when working in technical and corporate environments. This was especially true for Ty Hall, whose creativity suffered under the constant yet required adaptations of the fields in which he worked.
However, despite the challenges he experienced while working in corporate environments, Hall eventually felt a spark to return to his creative roots, mainly as he reminisced on his hardships during childhood. He would go on to found Musssee.com, which would eventually transform into a brand that sells unique graphic t-shirts.
Formative Moments During Youth
While Hall’s family was originally from the state of New York, he was born in the small town of Clinton, North Carolina, where he experienced what he describes as a “happy, if somewhat unconventional childhood.”
At the age of four, Hall underwent a heart-related surgery that changed the trajectory of his early years, preventing him from not only playing basketball and football but even being in the school band. His mother’s encouragement fostered Hall’s early talent for art. A “permission to dream,” as Hall states, was all that was needed to push him on the path to his future.
“I hesitated at first, but ultimately leaned in,” Hall says. “Art, after all, was one of the few things in life that felt limitless and subjective—where I could truly make my own rules.”
Adapting to Challenges, Big and Small
Hall’s efforts to hold on to his creative muse would continue to follow him throughout his years in college, where he attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The limitless, boundary-breaking aspects of art would allow him to begin his career in Denver, where he worked on maps at the US Geological Survey before eventually transitioning into medical illustrations in Tübingen, Germany and then returning to the states to start a career in fashion advertising in New York City.
A passion for travel inspired him to found Musssee.com, which was initially meant to highlight under-the-radar destinations across the United States, such as those in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and Sea Ranch, California. However, a creative spark during the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Hall to shift gears and create an independent t-shirt brand, where he now sells his creative t-shirt designs.
“The experiences I missed out on in childhood taught me how to value imagination, how to bet on myself, and how to keep moving forward — no matter the fear or doubt projected by others,” Hall says. “That little kid who couldn’t play basketball but could dream endlessly is still very much a part of me.”
Looking to the Future
If Hall is sure of anything, it’s that it is impossible to map out the future with certainty. What works best for him is taking intentional steps forward while remaining nimble enough to pivot when necessary.
“Looking ahead, my dream is simple: to work smarter, stay aligned with my purpose, and make sure that I’m living a life that feels true to me—not one that’s shaped by comparison or someone else’s version of success,” Hall shares.
From funny dog t-shirts to bold statement tees, Ty Hall has shown that creativity should never be put on the back burner and that dreams should be chased regardless of their impossibility. His trajectory might not have gone how he imagined it would, but his effort and dedication have paid off in the end.
You can learn more about Musssee and find them online on their website, TikTok, and Instagram.
Presented by: APG
