To say Tyler Louie has a multitude of interests and talents is an understatement. The freshman is already using his imagination in a myriad of unique ways – from an Etsy shop that produces digital art based on his fave films, to handmade "Star Wars" helmets made from raw plastic. A celebrity mimic whose favorite pastime is collecting fresh eggs from his delightfully named pet chickens, this freshman has certainly found his flock. 

Talk about your journey to the Academy. What were you looking for in an undergraduate program? 

Throughout high school, I took a lot of different classes. When I told people that I was taking computer science classes, they’d ask if I wanted to be a software engineer. If I mentioned that I enjoyed my graphic design class, they’d assume I wanted to be a graphic designer. I couldn’t see myself studying one of those fields alone. My strong passion for both helped me decide I wanted an interdisciplinary program that would integrate technology and creativity. When I learned how the Academy combined art, technology, and business, I knew I had found the program I wanted to be a part of.

What are you most looking forward to in the Academy? 

I’m looking forward to spending quality time with Cohort 9, whether it’s working on group projects, hanging around on campus, or going on adventurous road trips. Everyone has amazingly unique interests and skills. I’m looking forward to having healthy debates to solve some real-world problems with disruptive solutions.

What is your proudest achievement to date? 

Starting my own business, which is an Etsy shop called “MinimalismMagic” where I sell digital artwork based on films that I love. It combines my interest in movies, graphic design, and business in a fun and unique way. It’s only been a year, but my shop has over 100 sales in six different countries and a perfect five-star rating. It’s rewarding to watch my shop grow and I look forward to collecting passive income while I’m in school.

Describe one thing most people don’t know about you.

I used to raise chickens in my small backyard. Their names were Oreo, Easter, Rodi, Honey, and Snowy. They each laid a fresh pastel-colored egg daily. Collecting (Easter) eggs every day remains a yummy and fond childhood memory. 

What is one thing a significant person in your life taught you that you’d like to share?

My parents taught me that the question to ask isn’t if something is hard, instead ask if it is worth it. I try to remind myself that most things in life that are worthwhile will require hard work and sacrifice.

Out of the five traits of a Trojan, which trait best applies to you? 

Courageous. I strive to make my presentations memorable by going out on a limb and doing something different. Throughout high school, I’ve impersonated Barack Obama, Jony Ive, and a wide cast of fun and wacky characters during class presentations in hopes of connecting with my audience in a meaningful way. It’s a bit scary to deviate from what everyone else is doing, but the courage to be different and uniquely me usually pays off.

What is one skill or thing you learned during the COVID-19 pandemic?

During shelter-in-place, I started creating helmets from my favorite franchise, “Star Wars.” I’ve made about ten helmets from raw plastic. I learned a lot of technical and creative skills along the way. There’s a lot of attention to detail required in the painting and weathering, but it’s super satisfying to see it displayed above our family’s kitchen cabinets. 

If you could be any kitchen appliance, what would you be and why? 

A fridge. I think I’m pretty chill, and I like to invite family and friends to come "chill out" with me. 

What do you like to do/watch/read during your downtime? 

I love watching movies with ambiguous endings, where I get to piece together how I want the story to end. “Inception,” “Blade Runner,” and “2001: A Space Odyssey” are some of my favorites.

People who have different perspectives than me. They inspire me to ask questions and seek understanding. I really enjoy hearing others' different points of view and I think that there’s a lot that can be learned when we listen. Even if I may not agree, gaining understanding and empathy is invaluable.

What do you consider the most impactful invention in history and why?

Cup Noodles. The moment when Momofuku Ando realized that he could fry noodles and provide an accessible and affordable meal changed the way many college students, busy families, and natural disaster victims eat. This invention 50+ years ago inspired many to think outside the “bowl” which led to countless other amazing inventions.

What would the title of your autobiography be?

To say Tyler Louie has a multitude of interests and talents is an understatement. The freshman is already using his imagination in a myriad of unique ways – from an Etsy shop that produces digital art based on his fave films, to handmade Star Wars helmets made from raw plastic. A celebrity-mimic whose favorite pastime is collecting fresh eggs from his delightfully named pet chickens, this freshman has certainly found his flock.

FRESH Encounters: Tyler Louie