We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joshua Taylor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Joshua, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I would say my purpose found me. What began as what I initially thought was a hobby while navigating life growing up on the South Side of Chicago. Living in environments that often presented parallels of difficult circumstances. I would often wake up to news stories that painted pictures of everything other than hope or what I personally believed. I turned to drawing and watching cartoons as a means of escape, which later evolved into my practice now, which is photography.
I’ve been a creative my entire life; this artistic outlet became one of the most powerful gifts and has literally saved my life. It has provided me with a space to express myself when I felt there were others I couldn’t. It was more than just a hobby; it’s a genuine gift, now a career that proved to be much larger than I initially realized.
Taking a chance to believe that it was more, creativity has allowed me to take control of the narratives I see and help others do the same. My journey has taught me that life is the sum total of the chances you take and the amount of faith you are willing to deposit. I’ve come to realize that while fear is real, it is not impossible to overcome. Through it all, I’ve learned that my purpose lies in using my creativity to challenge viewpoints, offer new narratives, inspire hope, and encourage faith within my community and beyond.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am currently a full-time photographer based in Chicago, IL. My practice spans across Documentary, Portraiture, Commercial, and Fine Art Photography. I enjoy the many facets of visual storytelling, bringing out the essence of individuals, collaborating with brands, and creating work for my own art.
I am excited about the prospect of showcasing my work through exhibitions, creating a physical space for these stories to come to life. Currently, I will be exhibiting at the Black Creativity Exhibit at the Museum Of Science and Industry here in Chicago, starting in January.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I remember in high school, my teacher once told me, ‘No one owes you anything.’ I hold that close and consider it a privilege for anyone I have the opportunity to work with. I would also add that it costs nothing to be kind, and every experience is a beautiful lesson if you choose to see it as such.
My advice to anyone on this path is simply to love what you do, and the rest will follow. It makes the journey worth it. Have love for the craft and the people (if you work with them); it ignites a fuel like no other and becomes a part of everything that you do. I would recommend practicing enjoying the mistakes and always leaving room for wonder. Being able to capture something is a gift; approach it as such.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Overcoming perfectionism has been one of my biggest challenges. I’m a person who, if I can’t do it right, I don’t want to do it. I’m learning that there’s a difference in quality and perfection. The goal is always to do my absolute best. The key is that if we put the time in behind the scenes, when it’s game time, it will be fine. I think that also embracing that perfectionism will delay you; don’t let it. You have so much more to create and experience. Keep going; there’s always going to be something you can change. It’s natural when you love what you do; you operate on a whole another level. Trust your instincts, and you’ll be fine.”
Contact Info:
- Website: thesirtaylor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesirtaylor/
Image Credits
Joshua Taylor
