Rising Stars: Meet Taj Gaines

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taj Gaines.

Hi Taj, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am an illustrator and a musician at the root. Out of High School, I pursued an Audio Engineering and music career for years in LA, then in Atlanta, GA. I interned at recording studios such as Dallas Austins’ DARP Studios and Outkast’s Stankonia Studios. After starting a family, the music industry wasn’t conducive to motherhood, so I returned to my Illustration roots and attended the Art Institute of Atlanta. In 2009, I graduated with honors and the Best Portfolio Award with a Bachelor’s in Illustration & Design. At that time, there were no jobs. Because of the lack of opportunity an inability to secure a creative position, I began my own creative design firm, Enosa Design. I created brands and marketing campaigns for small businesses throughout the U.S. I hustled hard to get clients and build the experience, branching out into motion graphics and production as well as radio commercials and voiceovers.

Eventually, I would get freelance jobs at various creative agencies here and there, even working for a short stint in Tyler Perry Studios Art Department. Shortly after, I moved to South Georgia to work at Florida Blue in Jacksonville, FL, as a Multimedia Designer. After three years there, I went back to running my own business and opened a brick-and-mortar clothing store. I learned a lot about business in those two years and where I wanted to be. After closing the doors of my clothing business, I continued running Enosa and opened it up to offer production services. In 2020, I accepted a position at Walker & Dunlop as a Senior Designer. Within the three years there, I was been able to utilize all of the audio, production and design skills that I learned and fortified over the 12 years since graduating college. I have been promoted twice since and I am now a VP Senior Art Director.

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?
Of course not! That’s life. Being a mother of five, the challenge is to balance being here for your family and pursuing your goals. Finances, being told no, and people not seeing your value is all a part of the growth process. Within each challenge, there is the opportunity to learn and grow or to shut down and become comfortable with mediocrity. I was and will never be comfortable with mediocrity.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have a passion for music and art. The best collaboration of both skills I found is video production. Within that medium, you can create motion graphics, control the look and feel of the piece, and enhance the experience with audio. I think that’s the field where I am landing and settling as an Art Director.

I have been successful in bringing that medium into a growing company and had the creative space to do it.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I am a Creative Jack of Trades. I am always looking to collaborate with local artists on music and video production.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.enosadesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enosadesign/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taj-gaines-40645323/
• Other: tajgaines.com

Image Credits
Photography by Daniella Almona