We recently connected with Adam Taylor and have shared our conversation below.
Adam, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?
For me, creating an inclusive workplace means making sure the stories we tell and the people telling them reflect real, diverse experiences. I consistently highlight Black and queer stories in my work, and currently, I’m producing a feature drama about two Black queer boxers in the 1950s, which is being produced by a Black woman. It’s essential to me that the people behind the camera reflect the communities we’re representing, as it leads to richer, more authentic storytelling.
Adam, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I moved to LA 11 years ago as a personal trainer until one of my clients put me in a film they were working on. I caught the acting bug, and that same year, I was modeling and acting for Target, Reebok, and LinkedIn. Being on set, I always found myself talking to the crew and realized I’d rather create my own art than be in someone else’s.
Since then, I’ve directed music videos, films, commercials, and fashion shows, with my skill set taking me overseas to work in India, Singapore, and Qatar. I’ve been booked for NYFW to direct and produce campaigns, photos, and fashion shows, helping brands share their vision in a clean, elevated way. What sets me apart is that there’s no BS. I’m upfront with everything I do, and full transparency and communication are pillars of my brand, ensuring clients always feel clear, supported, and seen throughout the process.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
As much as I love what I do, I had to learn not to take people at face value. A lot of people will say anything to get you to work for them for the low or for free. Now, I’m not opposed to working for free when it makes sense, because not all gains are monetary, but like many people, I’ve been scammed into doing projects for “fashion stylists,” “model agents,” “producers,” and more who couldn’t back up what they promised. Since then, I always do my research. If people have worked on projects worth noting, it can be fact-checked, and it’s important to know who you’re working with before you commit.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My whole brand is about uplifting Black and queer people. Growing up, the only time I saw Black gay men in media, they were HIV+ or coming from a troubled household. That’s not to take away from those real issues and stories, but that’s not all of our stories. It wasn’t until Noah’s Arc in 2005 that I finally felt seen as a Black gay man. My mission is to keep amplifying those voices and creating work where we can see ourselves in full, living, loving, and existing in our joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taylordproduction.com/
- Instagram: TaylordAtoms
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@taylordproductionsla
