Taylor Eby shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Taylor, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I am extraordinarily proud of building my self-confidence. I think that to work in any artistic field, you must be your own greatest cheerleader. I’ve spent a long time reframing the “no’s” of my life to “not right now’s” and continuing to push forward despite setbacks. That’s what I am most proud of.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Taylor Eby, and I am a full-time graphic designer, illustrator, and storyboard artist. I focus my work on merchandise design and children’s animation. My approach is bright, colorful, and fun. I seek to spark joy with my work. I am very inspired by pop art, cartoons, and pin-up work, and that’s very clear in my illustrations. I currently work full-time producing merchandise for independent companies, both big and small. On the side, I run a small business, storyboarding and doing freelance concept art.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I think my relationship with my mom most shaped how I see myself. She is always my biggest fan and has always encouraged all of my pursuits. My mom has always told me that I could do/be whatever I wanted in this world, and when you have someone who believes in you so much, you start to believe that they might be on to something. Even to this day, she’ll tell me, “You sparkle and you shine.” Every time a big opportunity comes my way. She is the biggest fuel behind my delusional confidence.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that they are good enough. I used to have this idea that I could only go after something if I was “prepared” or “talented” enough. Particularly when it came to opportunities to sell my work in my adolescence, I never considered myself “ready”. Now I would tell my younger self to just go for it! That I was good enough even then to do what I wanted to do.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think right now the film and animation industry keeps telling us that there are no opportunities; I vehemently disagree. Now, to say that the job market is flourishing would be a lie; however, I do firmly believe that the opportunities are there if you make them. I personally have found a lot of success reaching out to smaller companies, independent studios, and one-off freelance jobs. People need illustration; all you have to do is remind them that they do and help fill a need.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as a hard worker. I work in a very tumultuous industry, so when opportunities do come my way, I want to go above and beyond for the client. I think tenacity and hard work are far more valuable than raw talent, as they show care and passion for what you do. I want people to remember me as the woman who worked for everything she got.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ebytaylor.com
- Instagram: @taylor_eb14
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorebyillustration
