The Creative Journey of Jael Tyes

Dream Big

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Live True

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Dream Big 〰️ Live True 〰️

Growing up at the dawn of the digital age, I witnessed firsthand how storytelling evolved with innovation. hailing from a severely underfunded and politically unrepresented community within my city, the outlets for creative expression were sparse. Now, one may say that everyday life in rural areas can feel mundane, but I had a contrary experience; it was there in those empty grass fields I found my imagination to be more vast than I was able to understand.

As technology improved, the potentials of creative media and modern storytelling began to bloom. The rise of smartphones in the late 2000s was especially pivotal for me—these devices, primitive compared to today's standards, became portals of creativity. Suddenly, the world was in our hands, offering endless outlets for self-expression. It was this era that sparked my fascination with creative media, as I saw artists, writers, and filmmakers gain the tools to tell stories with unprecedented immediacy and detail. The democratization of content creation had arrived, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that movement.

*Central High School of Fine and Performing Arts* - Tulsa, OK

My formal journey began at Central High School of Fine and Performing Arts, where I immersed myself in music, particularly Dance and Music Production. These disciplines laid the foundation for my creative understanding, but it was during my time at the University of Oklahoma, studying Creative Media Production, that I truly began to experiment with various forms of storytelling. From film and photography to podcasting, my education gave me the freedom to play with different types of media, and in my spare time, I returned to my first love: music production. This blend of disciplines helped shape my skills and opened new doors to creative possibilities.

*Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication - University of Oklahoma*

One of my first big projects was a short film/PSA titled "Manic", a class project that I later published online. The film tells the story of a couple whose romance takes a tragic turn during a lover’s quarrel. As one of my earlier, less-polished works, it gave me my first real taste of the creative process—from writing and directing to producing and casting. Being in charge of an entire production put me in a position of creative control like never before, teaching me valuable lessons in decision-making, leadership, and execution.

Soon after, I took on the role of cinematographer for another short film, written by my mentor. This experience allowed me to focus solely on the visual aspects of storytelling, honing my eye for detail and developing what I believe to be some of my best camera work. Through this project, I came to understand how important each individual role is in a production, from lighting and set design to scouting locations and choosing the right actors.

My next venture was a different kind of creative outlet: podcasting. "Hate to Be That Guy" was born from a desire to address topics that are often overlooked in young adult conversations, like political literacy or toxic masculinity. Unlike my previous narrative work, this podcast challenged me to engage an audience without the structure of a script. I explored sound design and editing, and learned the nuances of being an engaging speaker. The podcast was an experiment in spontaneity and authenticity, and it deepened my understanding of what it takes to hold a listener's attention.

Throughout these experiences, I’ve been commended for my storytelling abilities, and my skills behind the camera and in the editing room have continued to grow. My journey into video editing began in middle school, and over the years, I’ve adapted to various editing software, developing a versatile skill set. I’ve also worked with different types of cameras, from studio broadcast cameras to handheld professional models and many, many smartphone lenses, all of which have helped refine my eye for photography.

Try everything

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Finish Something

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Try everything | Finish Something |

At my core, my passions lie in both music and film, two art forms capable of conveying emotion in a way that transcends boundaries. Yet, my true aspiration is to inspire individuality and authenticity in art—both in what we create and in what we consume. Through my brand, ProjectEXO, I hope to highlight today’s most captivating and inspiring art, while also serving as a model for the future of the creative industry.

But the road hasn’t been without its challenges. For a long time, I struggled with finding my creative identity, my “niche.” I switched my focus from STEM to the arts during college, which opened up a world of possibilities, but it also left me overwhelmed. With so many different mediums to explore—music, film, photography—I often felt paralyzed by the sheer number of options. This creative fatigue slowed my progress and made it hard to feel grounded in any one discipline.

My mother, in her infinite wisdom, gave me the advice that changed everything: "Finish something." Whenever I felt stuck, juggling too many projects and losing momentum, she reminded me that the root of my stress was trying to do too much at once. Her words taught me the importance of focus and completion. Since then, I’ve sharpened my ability to see projects through, and each finished work has only strengthened my resolve to keep pushing forward as a creative professional.

As I continue to build on this foundation, I remain committed to honing my skills, exploring new mediums, and sharing the stories that inspire me. Whether through film, music, or something in between, I aim to be a voice of authenticity in a world that increasingly craves genuine, personal connections through art.

Among Many Things, Creative