We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Taylor Victoria a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Taylor, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
From a very early age, I found solace and joy in the realm of art and creativity. I discovered the act of creativity as a refuge that allowed me to transcend the mundane into magic. My innate creativity became my sanctuary, providing me with the strength and resilience that would later be needed to navigate life’s challenges.
During my college years, I found myself amidst a tumultuous period in my personal life. I had been studying to become a Kindergarten teacher and life around me was unraveling. I turned to drawing as a form of meditation. The repetitive act of drawing geometric symbols became my comfort and act of coping. Little did I know that these drawings would mark the inception of my artistic career.
Fueled by passion and determination, I ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, launching a business centered around my art prints, henna tattoos, and even a yoga line adorned with my original designs.
Once graduating from college, my talents garnered the attention of a renowned tattoo artist based in California. This influential figure recognized my potential and extended an offer for me to apprentice under his guidance. Freshly graduated and brimming with excitement, I seized this opportunity, bidding farewell to Phoenix and embarking on a new life adventure.
Immersed in the realm of tattoo conventions, I soaked up knowledge like a sponge, honing my skills and expanding my artistic repertoire. I reveled in the thrill of learning how to handle the tattoo gun, and yearned to absorb every ounce of wisdom that came my way. I was being introduced to high value individuals whose influence could push me further along. This was a dream come true, a stepping stone towards my envisioned success.
However, my dreams soon took a nightmarish turn. I found myself entangled in an unthinkable situation. The mentor whom I had put all my trust into, began subjecting me to sexual violation, sleep deprivation, violent outbursts, and unrelenting degradation. I was living in a continual state of confusion, fear, and shame. The sparkly promise of this opportunity turned out to be a mirage. While outwardly it seemed as though I was living a glamorous life of traveling overseas to conventions, mingling with celebrity figures, and acquiring a version of artistic success, inwardly I was trapped in a living hell.
In the face of adversity, I felt my world crumbling. I believed that following my passion had led me down a path of pain and disappointment. I questioned my own judgment, doubting my ability to navigate the artistic realm. It was honestly such a dark moment that I felt it could have extinguished my creative flame forever.
Despite feeling broken down and no longer trusting in myself, I found the resolve to seek help and embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Therapy became my compass, leading me towards growth and transformation. In that process, I uncovered an inner strength I never knew I possessed.
Through this arduous journey, I learned that I was capable of enduring the most difficult of trials. I realized that I had the power to rewrite my own narrative, to challenge my self-perception, and to reclaim the dream that had driven me from the start: becoming an artist. It was in this pain that I learned that resilience could be the force in which I rebuilt my foundation.
Today, I stand as a testament to the power of resilience, an embodiment of the strength that arises from the darkest of times. I no longer define my success by the hands or promises of others; instead, I recognize my own worth and relentlessly pursue my artistic aspirations. The scars of my past have become a testament to my strength and a reminder of the journey I’ve traversed.
My art has become a vessel for self-expression, a medium through which I share my story and inspire others to embrace their own. I am now able to create artwork at large scale as a way to bring happiness into the lives of my clients. It is through creativity and unwavering determination that I continue to forge my path, knowing that I have the power to overcome any obstacle that may arise and contribute to beauty in the world.
As I reflect on the twists and turns of my artistic journey, I am grateful for the hardships that tested my spirit. They taught me that resilience is not just about bouncing back; it is about reinventing oneself, finding purpose in pain, and transforming adversity into fuel for growth. My resilience is a testament to the unyielding human spirit and the unwavering belief that, through art, we can heal, empower, and create a brighter future.
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?
As a full-time mural artist, I have been fortunate enough to turn my passion for art into a flourishing career. My canvas changes week to week as my paint brush and I breathe life into spaces and places such as commercial buildings, local businesses, franchises, yoga studios, restaurants, schools, and more. The scope of my work varies greatly. I collaborate with interior designers on custom home projects and add a touch of whimsy to Airbnb spaces with vibrant murals. I take joy in adapting my artistic style to suit the preferences and aesthetics of my clients. From bold and expressive designs to intricate and detailed compositions, I delight in bringing clients’ visions to life.
While my main focus lies in creating inspiring and uplifting murals, I am equally passionate about nurturing creativity in others. Through my Creativity workshops and retreats, I guide both children and adults on a transformative journey of self-discovery. I firmly believe that art can serve as a catalyst for personal growth, and I strive to empower individuals to build their own intimate relationship with creativity. By incorporating color, imagination, and play into their daily lives, participants tap into their inner reservoirs of inspiration, unearthing their untapped potential.
Witnessing the transformative power of artistic practices, I have made it my mission to share this gift on a broader scale. In the near future, I am excited to launch online courses, expanding my reach and empowering even more individuals to embrace their creative selves. These courses will provide a platform for individuals from all walks of life to learn, grow, and express themselves through art, regardless of their geographical location.
For me, art is not just a profession; it is a way of life—a vibrant tapestry that weaves together passion, purpose, and connection with others. I strive to leave a lasting impact on the spaces I transform and the individuals I inspire. The world becomes a richer, more vibrant place as creativity blossoms and spreads her glorious wings!
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 recognize three qualities/focuses that have played a pivotal role in shaping my path as an artist and entrepreneur. These qualities have not only propelled my own growth but also serve as a valuable wellspring for those embarking on their own creative journeys. The first skill is Consistency. Consistency has been my BFF, my ride or die, my Jim to my Pam (where are my Office fans at?). When you set your sights on a particular pursuit, make consistency your north star. Commit to showing up every day, dedicating time to honing your craft and developing your skills. It is the accumulation of small, consistent actions that produces that desirable “Boo-Yah!” in results over time. There are going to be moments that feel slow and arduous, and obstacles will arise. Just give a little wave and then keep plugging along.
Another valuable nugget I’d like to extend to any early journeyer is to not get so busy working “on” the business, that you forget to work “in” the business. When I was still beginning in my art career, I became caught up in the intricacies of running a business. I spent excessive time and energy on the administrative tasks, neglecting the core essence of my creativity. It was a valuable lesson: do not let the business side overpower the art itself.
With the business side in mind, I did have a lot to learn (and always will). My number one piece of advice is to make it a point to surround yourself with individuals who possess greater knowledge and expertise. I recognized very early on that although hanging around other creatives is inspirational and fun, that ultimately my fellow hustlers were not going to be the ones to pay my bills. And, ya girl’s gotta eat! I actively sought out environments where I could be the least knowledgeable person in the room. I became the resident clueless wonder! Taking steps outside of my comfort zone *consistently* (there’s that word again), has pushed me into realms of magic that Narnia could only dream of. Go attend seminars, seek mentors, delve into the world of networking, and ask your questions to anyone kind enough to give you the time of day. Continue seeking opportunities to step outside your comfort zone and place yourself in rooms where you are once again the novice.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
For me, the most impactful thing my parents did for me was provide me with the resources and time to activate my passions. We had a hallway closet downstairs that was stacked with craft materials. When my parents saw how much I loved to create, they granted me my own craft cabinet upstairs in my bedroom. There was nothing overly fancy about the materials we had, but by simply having art materials accessible in the house, I was able to escape into my personal world of magic whilst creating for HOURS. In addition, they were supportive. They fed my enthusiasm by showing interest and being caring in their commentary of what was clearly the defining joy in my life.
Contact Info:
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Website: TaylorVictoriaArt.com
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Instagram: @Taylor.Victoria.Art
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Facebook: facebook.com/art.taylor.
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Youtube: Taylor Victoria Art
Image Credits
Jessica Elaine Photography, Kenzie Rich Photography
