Check Out Olivia Taylor’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Taylor

Hi Olivia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I learned the base of my skills in undergrad studying communication design – I was lucky to have been taught digital skills while also taking printmaking, life drawing, and other classes that introduced me to more physical mediums.
I fell in love with hand lettering during my time studying in London at Central St. Martins, where I did a project on hand painted signage, and ghost signs around the city. This got me started sketching and painting, but I didn’t fully fall in love with the more analog aspects of art and design until I started working in New York City. I had a pretty lengthy subway commute, so I spent my time practicing hand lettering or sketching my surroundings. It was here that I painted my first couple murals in my apartment, or on friends rooftops; my favorite made of giant plants that said “Explore”.

My art has always stemmed from the spaces I inhabit, and the city certainly didn’t lack for inspiration. I remember doing a series of illustrations of my friends wonky apartments, especially the ones filled to the brim with plants, where I would add in secret staircases or little eyes peeking out.

A desire for sunshine and mountains led me to Los Angeles, where coworkers encouraged me to not only continue sharpening those skills, but bring them into my design practice. I fell in love with the environment, and was constantly inspired by the vibrant art scene, varied types of landscapes, architecture, and especially the flora of the region. The giant mountains, birds of paradise, palms, and cactus were so different from my east coast visuals, I couldn’t help but draw them constantly. COVID gave me all the time in the world to paint, so with my friends and family a supportive force, I went for it. Since then i’ve been painting on anything I can find, creating imagery that helps move me through feelings, or just make me smile.

Living in Denver has been a new burst of inspiration. The patterns, textures, and sheer scale of the nature I’m surrounded by daily – not to mention the incredible community of friends i’ve found – have pushed me into a new space of creativity that has been a joy to move through.

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?
There was a period of time I stopped creating art that stemmed from an intense climate anxiety and fear. I was overwhelmed by the size of the footprint I was making from the supplies I used, the paint, markers, canvases, digital storage space etc. etc. I feared by creating, I was adding to the excess that is harming our planet, and had a hard time continuing. Luckily, I have my amazingly talented artist, earth & social justice advocate Aunt as a guide, who showed me the importance of not only the final product, but the process in creating and the positive effect it has on myself and others. Since then i’ve changed my practice to focus on using secondhand or recycled supplies, up-cycling canvases, and repurposing anything I can to continue creating.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a queer graphic designer, painter, illustrator, and general maker. My work draws inspiration from the natural world and community that surrounds me, incorporating elements like plants, animals, sunlight, and water that reflect the environments I move through. I primarily use recycled materials to create my pieces, aligning my artistic practice with sustainable principles. I’m most proud of my recent series of bouquet paintings, especially the one on my old surfboard, it brings me so much joy!

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The graphic arts community is already experiencing significant change with the introduction of AI, and it’s only going to continue. This shift is impacting not only the tools we use but also how society perceives and values art created by humans. I’m hoping it will move in a positive direction as technology expands, but that’s an answer only the future me can provide!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.oktdesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okayokt/