Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Oates.
Taylor, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was spending the night at a friend’s house, and as we were watching tv, she started to draw. I watched her and she was really talented! I took her artwork and recreated it…perfectly, shocking myself; I can draw too! I was 11 years old, too old to be discovering I could draw. After learning I had a new talent, I decided to take an art class at my middle school. I did pretty well and learned how to draw with technique.
I’m now 14 years old. Social media is starting to be a thing. While the rest of the country was on MySpace, where I’m from, Birmingham, Alabama, everyone was on Bebo (which was very similar to MySpace). I began my graphic design career and didn’t know it by editing photos and making custom Bebo “skins” (themes) for my friend’s pages. They were paying me, too.
For college, I attended Florida A&M University (Go Rattlers!) where I discovered it was a name for what I’ve been doing all these years, Graphic Design. I quickly changed my major. After winning a Florida Print Award for my designs, I decided to take it seriously. I started doing graphic design internships and also became deputy art director for my college magazine.
Immediately after graduation, I move to Houston. Adulting was kicking my a** and eventually had to move back to my hometown to re-coop. While I was in Alabama, living with my parents, I was fortunate enough to not worry about rent for a while and really focus on my dream, starting my own business. I’ve always freelanced but business started to pick up so I decided to take advantage of it. In March 2019, I launched Taylor, The Creator, a creative agency that specializes in logos and websites. I’m seven months in and so thankful for the support and business I’ve been getting. I plan on adding more services very soon and also hiring more people to my one-man band.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it hasn’t. Outside of Taylor, The Creator, I’m still working a 9-5! It has been a challenge to balance working two fast-paced jobs and my personal life. Everyday is a challenge but I eventually want to work for myself full-time. I know I have to put in the hard work now to benefit from it later.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Taylor, The Creator – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in logos and websites. I help start-ups and current businesses that need revamping. I’m most proud of seeing my client’s dreams come true. The first thing a business needs is a logo and a website and it’s just fulfilling to bring visions to life. What sets me apart from others is that not only do I help businesses create a brand that stands out but my business also has a brand that stands out. My logo and website are eyecatching and I use unconventional colors for a business. My company’s brand is different from any other graphic design businesses I’ve seen.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future is adding more services that I cannot discuss just yet! I also plan on creating a bigger social media presence.
Contact Info:
- Website: taylorthecreator.com
- Email: projects@taylorthecreator.com
- Instagram: @tay__o
Image Credit:
Malik Alrahim
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