We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Taylor Jarvis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Taylor , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
As cliche as it may sound, I can say I have always stayed true to who I am as an individual. Overtime, I think doing that has made myself and work stand alone..because my work is just another piece of myself but in physical form..if that makes sense! I didn’t have too many friends growing up and at home my options were: using my imagination with my little sister, being outdoors until sunset, and creating. I truly believe the more in-tune and true an Artist is with themselves is where the individuality of their work(s) and success lie. Personally, I think “success” can have multiple interpretations. If you are considered an Artist by others, that’s success. If you get to create for a living (whether its part-time or full-time), that’s success. Success shouldn’t be based solely on popularity and sales. Some of the most beautiful things come from just being genuine and unique – whether we believe it or not, every individual has the ability to tell a story through creating Art. That’s the best part about Art…it becomes whatever we create it to be. The biggest advice I could ever give: stay true to who you are. Be yourself, unapologetically. There is only one you…that is how you can be effective and “successful” as an Artist.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I officially launched Pale Girl Photography in 2016 – I have shot over hundreds of shoots, have a variety of works published, and have worked with many well-known brands, companies, and individuals. I specifically love editorial/conceptual photography and try to tell a story, theme, emotion with each image. Fast forward a few years t0 2020, when the world shut down for a few months, I began painting again (to help pay bills) and that’s when that creative outlet was ignited. I officially launched Pale Girl Creations this year and have had an incredible journey. A con of being a creative is I’m full of ideas…hence why I started PGC, it encompasses anything and everything I make..whether it’s photography, ceramic teeth (yes, you’ll have to see them!), art, and more. Until this year, I had never officially made photography prints available…and I wish I would’ve done it sooner! It’s an honor when others want to buy a piece of my art and it’s even more beautiful the way others interpret it/makes them feel. A few of my prints and other works are on my website but I also do pop-ups at different local markets – so be sure to follow my social media to see where I’ll be next. I’ll be at the CHS Night Bazaar next Saturday (08/19) from 5-9 at Edmunds Oast – come see me and check out my quirky pieces!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think for any Artist who wants to become a small business or “successful” you have to: have something unique to offer, the drive (sometimes it comes easy, most times it doesn’t so you have to persist), and love people. The most important out of all of these is to love people – if you want to expand and grow, connecting with others is key. I have grown so much over the years not by being alone, but by connecting with others, learning from people I admire, and growing alongside other artists I now consider close friends.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would absolutely love to collaborate with other local businesses, magazines, artists, and individuals who want to be captured through my photography. I plan to have some of my work(s) in a couple of local stores as well as gallery shops this fall and I am so excited about that! The way to connect with me is through my social media (IG: @palegirlphoto/@palegirlcreations).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.palegirlcreations.com & www.palegirlphotography.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/palegirlcreations & www.instagram.com/palegirlphoto
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/palegirlcreations & www.facebook.com/palegirlphoto
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/palegirlphoto
Image Credits
English Alexander, Bailey Adams, Sabine Ginsberg, Chris Motley.
