Conversations with Tyler Browning

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Browning. 

Hi Tyler, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Ever since I was young, anyone who knew me would say that I was a creative guy. My science projects were always next level, and art class was where I found the most interest. That probably stands true still to this day. I’m a huge DIY junkie when it comes to house projects. I even took a certification class on interior design a couple of years ago and do consultations on the side. Anything to give me a creative advantage in today’s world.

I always joke that I only use the right side of my brain which is the creative side. I’m always thinking of how I can make something look better through some artist way. When it came to Oak & Ink, I knew I wanted something simple and was a throwback to a vintage look. The artwork replicates what you would have found in an old encyclopedia or textbook. The vintage line drawings give you a sense of heritage, but still an element of clean and modern. No fuss and definitely no frills, just classic.

Oak & Ink could probably be described as a blend of rustic and classic. The sentiment behind the brand makes for a classic, yet modern feel. While the appearance and aesthetic of our branding gives a more rustic and masculine feel. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The growth of Oak & Ink has definitely not come easy. I’ve experienced the normal ups and downs of any start-up company or small business. We all have those big names and industry giants, which can make for an easy defeat if you aren’t up for the challenge. I can’t say that I’ve had the fight in me every day. There have been many times I’ve been ready to throw in the towel over the past seven and a half years. Running a small business while working a regular 9 to 5 job is not for the faint at heart. 

We all want things to make life easier and more convenient. Not only was I introducing a new brand into the market, I was bringing back something that doesn’t exactly lean into the fast pace world we live in today. On top of that, men aren’t exactly the first ones to pick up a pen to write a letter, so I faced another uphill battle of convincing them that quality stationery was a worthwhile investment. The most common line I hear is, “I don’t really write that much.” To which my response is, “Do you have cool paper to use though?” 

I rode the emotional waves of owning a small business during the pandemic, which I thought would be the hardest thing. Boy was I wrong! COVID gave the company its best year. Then after the bottom fell out of my personal life last year, I was ready to pull the plug. And I actually did. I closed up shop with no vision in sight. But something clicked one day, and I knew that God was telling me there was a bigger mission behind the Oak & Ink brand. I made a promise to my followers and customers that I wouldn’t give up on them and vowed to come back bigger and stronger than ever. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Growing up in the South, good manners are engrained in every young man and a true, Southern gentleman always follows up a nice gesture with a handwritten note. The seed for Oak & Ink sprung from an endless search for masculine stationery back in 2014. While there were other brands around, there seemed to be a gap in the market when it came to designs geared towards men. I’ve always had an appreciation for family and heritage. There’s something special about looking to the past and paying homage to your roots, so I knew I wanted to draw inspiration from those who either came before me or those who shaped me into who I am today.

I really wanted to help revive something that used to be a standard in the business world and our society as a whole. The lost art of the handwritten note and its sentiment. But there was a drive to bring it back in the style and the class of the modern gentleman.

Oak & Ink does just that. The designs are a creative blend of modern style with vintage artwork, stemming from inspiration from the various male figures in my life. Some have come and gone, but their inspiration remains in the Oak & Ink collections. Each line is named after and designed with those men and their characteristics, hobbies, or occupations in mind.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking has always been a terrifying thing for me as a textbook introvert. It has taken me a long time to be comfortable approaching conversations in a creative world. But if you are going to sell any type of product, then you have to rummage up the courage to speak up. My biggest advice is just to take the leap of faith and put it out there. I have been blessed over the years to have a good support system of family and friends that have encouraged me to keep pushing forward. 

I’ve also tried to align with other creatives who see my vision, but challenge me to aim bigger. It’s those connections that really push me to think outside the box. And I don’t get stuck on just one person. I have my go-tos for good and honest feedback, but I cast the net wide when I want to brainstorm new ideas. Pick a wide range of people, who come from different backgrounds and have different styles. You never know where you will land on the scale.

Contact Info:

• Email: tyler@oakandinkpaper.com
• Website: oakandinkpaper.com
• Instagram: @oakandinkpaper

Image Credits
Cody Landrum
Oak & Ink