Crystal Thompson, Features Editor  

This is the final part of a two-part series. 

Last week, The Carolinian featured Tyrone Hall’s remarkable journey from isolation during the pandemic to creating t-shirts, but how he became an artist is just as interesting and tells a story of trial and triumph. 

Hall was born in the small town of Clinton, North Carolina, where his grandparents relocated to from New York, seeking a different pace of life. He admits that he knew, even at an early age, he seemed to be marching to the beat of his own drum. “As an only child, I had a happy, if somewhat unconventional, childhood. I was surrounded by friends and cousins, but my journey always felt a bit different from those around me,” says Hall. 

At the age of four, he underwent a heart-related surgery that changed the trajectory of his early years. The physical restrictions that followed were tough: no basketball, no football, not even the school band, but he had options and a devoted mother who made sure he was equipped with a mindset and attitude for a successful future. “My mother was incredibly protective and worked hard to shield me, but what she gave me, and what mattered most, was permission to dream,” says Hall.  

Hall was just eight years old when his mom took him to New York City for a few months. He was intrigued and knew he’d be back for good. “The energy, the scale, the creativity, it all lit a fire in me. My mom sensed it too, and she never stood in the way of that dream. In many ways, it became the anchor that carried me through years of health limitations and personal sacrifice,” says Hall. Since then, his path has been anything but linear. He’s lived in Denver, San Francisco, Germany, and, of course, New York City. 

It was during Hall’s time in Germany that an eye test revealed him to be colorblind, something he’d always suspected but felt unsure about. However, he continued to persevere and create art. “The doctor who made the diagnosis assured me I’d be fine and cleared me to continue my work as a medical illustrator,” Hall says. 

At UNCG, enrolling in art classes became a form of therapy. His creativity not only flourished but was actively enhanced by professors who truly understood and supported him. “My African American History professor, Frank Woods, and my religious studies professor, John Sopper, profoundly impacted me by fostering an environment where I could explore ideas my own way. They allowed me to dream and provided the foundational support that nurtured my creative spirit,” says Hall. 

Beyond the encouragement he received from his professors at UNCG, he also draws immense inspiration from individuals like Lonnie Johnson, the engineer and inventor behind the iconic Super Soaker water gun, whose entrepreneurial breakthrough didn’t occur until he was 40 years old. “His journey underscores that success can materialize at any age, whether you’re 22 or 46. The key is to remain consistent in your efforts, continuously learn and adapt, and always be prepared for when your moment arrives,” says Hall. 

When addressing his future plans and endeavors, Hall is emphatic about his work. “My vision for the future, both personally and for Musssee.com, revolves around an early “retirement” that redefines work,” he says. This doesn’t mean ceasing to work entirely but rather pivoting to focus on endeavors that deeply align with his interests and allow him to inspire others.  

“I’m passionate about problem-solving, and I anticipate continuing to engage in that, albeit within different contexts. Ultimately, my future involves building a life where my work is an extension of my authentic self, providing value to others through creativity and thoughtful solutions,” says Hall. Part of that future involves continuing to travel. Australia and Africa are still on his travel wish list.