PHOTOS BY: SHAHANAH ZAYNAH & KIRSTEN ROY

Team Dimemond collaborated with Tyrell Gough, also known as Thai Go (probably the best nickname ever), to finally give him a great spotlight on what he has been able to do, so far. He's a hungry, smart working, young driven individual, who has been able to exceed at completing some great goals and achievements, only to want more, nothing less. We focus on highlighting his perspectives of what it means to go through self growth, and self awareness, how his art form and craft of photography began, and we also learn more about how Tyrell continues to stay fresh through his fashion and lifestyle choices. If there is a way to summarize Tyrell's mentality, it is all about having the drive and the confidence in quality, 100% of the time.

DM was fortunate enough to come across Tyrell initially through his social media platforms. Tyrell, 24 years young going on 25, is a bred Vancouverite, who entered his creative experiences right at the ripe age of 17-18 years young, just out of high school. When he first discovered his interest for photography, it came out of a personal experience and chapter in his life. It soon became a consistent passion, and outlet for Tyrell, and soon opportunities for growth and further networking.

TYRELL x PHOTOGRAPHY 

Tyrell and his interest for photography first came about in 2010.

He went through a personal experience, with a close friend being in the hospital. He recalls visiting her everyday, continuing to look for ways to continuingly bring positive energy into their visits. He remembers baking a cake for his friend, and bringing a camera into the visit as well, to only be able to capture both the moments of healing, and the moments of being supportive. From then on, he realized a camera is a powerful tool to create stories, memories and relive lessons and moments that are vital to be able to share and express as an art form. That is when ThaiGo Photography developed, and Tyrell began to make his name, his brand.

Since his initial experience being able to photograph and document his friends process of becoming better, and healing; being able to share her story, and their story together, Tyrell has been able to build his reputation and interest for photography, and as a photographer, to a higher level. However, for him to reach that level of confidence, to be able to express himself through photography, accept contructive criticism, and knowing that his attention to detail, sticks, he had to step outside of his comfort zone. 

What is particularly special and unique about Tyrell's blogging technique is how much he opens up to his viewers and audience. He explores many elements of his life, in which he ties his identity with in very smart and attractive ways, visually. When hitting his blog, Life & Thai, you are welcomed to a clean and simple introduction to Tyrell, and what interests him. What makes it different? The interactivity he opens up the audience. You are welcomed to "Thai Go Photography", his photography, "Go Thai Go", which focuses on his reblogs, and interests, "Travel With Thai", where he shares his travelling experience(s) and photographs.

When discussing with Tyrell how 'creativity' started for him, he admitted he wasn't born an artist nor a creative. The idea behind individuals being organically or naturally talented within an art form, or creativitiy is hard to believe. Some of the most creative people in the world, definitely do not come out of the womb waiting to draw or paint on a canvas, or better yet know the rule of thirds for a quality composed photograph. What makes a real artist, and/or creative individual, great, is their journey. That's what DM is here to share.

Two of Tyrell's favorite artists, whom inspired him to pursue his art and craftwork within photography, are Jean-Michel Basquait and Andy Warhol.  Both artists portfolios and art work, inspired Tyrell to "open his eyes" to photography. After reading about both artists, biographies and philosophy behind their work and their mentality, it is definitely evident that Tyrell is inspired by them, as both are fairly critical artists both born in the late 80's, early 90's era, truly changed the norms and conformity, as well as the time line and progress of visual art. Tyrell speaks of his art, photography, and as well as his individuality with true confidence; alot of confidence in which you could imagine that Basquait or Warhol would speak with, concerning thoughts, opinions and criticisms about their visual language.

TYRELL x FASHION

Another authentic quality about Tyrell Gough, that is quick to notice, is his sense of fashion. Whether if it is his own styling and wardrobe, but also his awareness of infusing himself within the fashion culture, and shopping with a purpose. When discussing with Dimemond his experience of creating some of his outfits and wardrobe choices, he admits when he goes shopping, he has a very straight forward process. He described that he knows exactly what he's looking forward, chooses at least 3 shops, and makes sure to only go for that item when shopping, nothing else. It is a very a "point A to B" process.

He also shared his experiences of his transition of being more attentive when it comes to fashion. He keeps it very simple. Simple is a very broad word to be using, but it is the only word to be using when describing Tyrell's apprecation for fashion, and his choices.

While collaborating with Tyrell, we made sure to get him to create some outfit grids, which effectively present his choices and his process. He also discussed, as he was going through his transition and change into becoming more outgoing, confident, and also more creative, he began caring more about the little details when it comes to dressing, and into his individuality and fashion sense. He especially appreciates colour blocking when it comes to his 3 favorite colours to wear: black, white, and grey.

When asked who Tyrell looked to for inspiration, when it comes to fashion in particular, he replied with Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and T.O.P from the infamous Korean music group, Big Bang. And with T.O.P being the most surprising name said, Tyrell also mentioned his appreciation and admiration for the Korean fashion culture. He truly believes that Koreans have the best fashion sense when it comes to putting outfits and unique styles out. Not only does he appreciate the fashion culture within Korea, but he also hopes to one day live in Korea, to have the full experience!

TYRELL x LIFESTYLE

One aspect about Tyrell Gough which cannot go unnoticed when having meaningful conversations with him, is the way Tyrell presents himself. Not only presenting himself physically, but also intellectually, his spirtuality, and his incredible mentality. What is especially enlightening about Tyrell, is his energy to be honest, and real, about his experiences, of how he got to where he is as an individual today, and not scared to share his story about growth. Growth is an aspect about Dimemond Mentality that is heavily important to rememeber when presenting quality individuals. All stories presented on this platform matter, and to be able to share not only successes as well as accomplishments, but also share the major dips that occur in self awareness, is incredibly appreciated.

Tyrell shared that post high school years, he went through a phase of "reinvention". The reinvention phase he went through, included networking with new friends; being unafraid to meet new people, as well as knowing that it is okay, to be selective who you associate yourself with. With coming to the idea of being selective, you have to be able to be unafraid of 'awkward situations'. 

Tyrell Gough heavily believes in the concept of working smart, as oppose to working hard.

This is heavily reflected in the way Tyrell has been able to exceed in his many opportunities that have begun to arrive in life currently. One true example of Tyrell exceeding at the many goals he has in life currently, is that he will make his way to New York, some how, way, shape or form. Having Tyrell share his story on Dimemond Mentality, he was also able to share that he is actually going to be achieving that one goal. He has managed to exceed in his choice of workplace, to only have the brand and company, believe in his ability to lead, as well as teach, and now will be sending him on his way to the infamous 6, also known as Toronto this coming September. When asked how he felt about having this opportunity to arrive for him, he simply answered with "you just have to work smart".

Tyrell believes that work and chasing goals, doesn't necessarily have to be hard work, but it requires you to think smart, and work smart. This includes how you manage your time in the day, understanding which part of your life requires the most time, if you are willing to sacrifice but understand why the sacrifice will pay off, then you will begin to see, you are able to succeed at your list of daily tasks, goals you set as an individual, and even dreams that you eagerly want to excel in.

Dimemond Mentality was very fortunate to catch Tyrell and spend some time to collaborate on this feature, before he begins his next chapter in Toronto, come September. However, we are in zero doubt or hesistance, that this will not be the last time Tyrell Gough will be making big head waves, and this is certainly only the beginning for him. He is one the most ambitious Dimemond's we've been able to have on this brand, platform and roster. He has helped further define what it means to persistent, confident, and most of all courageous, especially when opportunity arrives!

Tyrell Gough is top quality. Leaps and bounds of various journies and adventures are definitely forseen within his future. If there is one last thing you can take away from Tyrell Gough, as a quality, driven individual is that, "if you want something, work for it".

How doe Tyrell Gough stay hungry?

TIME: Time to Tyrell is simply irreplaceable, and not an opportunity to waste quality in time. People are always complaining there is never enough time. He believes if you have routine, structure and scheduling, time in your day can be used efficiently and effectively.

WORK ON YOURSELF: If you do not consistently take time to reflect on who you are, and how you can be better as an individual, you're missing the opportunity to grow out. Always work on yourself. The process is not alwas 'pretty', however, for you to over come fears and doubts, we have to face the pros and cons about ourselves, and continue to become the best person we can be.

NETWORK: Try and be particular about your network that you keep in your life. Maintain an ambitious circle of friends who motivate you, inspire you and most of all support you on your grind.