We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Taylor Boyd. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Taylor below.

Taylor, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I have two children and I hope to leave behind a legacy they can be proud of. I think we all want to our children to be in a good place financially when we’re gone, but I also hope to leave them with the memory of what could happen if you pursue your dreams.

I want to leave my mark and inspire not only my children, but other creatives and my community at large. Magic happens when we pull from what’s in our hearts.

I want to show people that you can “make a living” doing what makes you happy. You can step outside the box and find success. If I can do it, you can too.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Taylor Boyd and I am an Artist. Ever since I can remember I’ve wanted to do this. I always took art classes that were available to me in school and went on to get a degree in Art and Communications from Virginia Wesleyan University in 2008.
I was recognized by the Associated Press for several of my illustrations for my college paper, The Marin Chronicle.
Fast forward to 2019, I had my two beautiful children and was working a 9-5. I decided to quit my job and work for myself.
I had always sold art on the side and I thought, “If I put the same amount of time and energy into my art work that I did at my 9-5, I could make it happen..”
August 2019, I took that plunge and I’ve not looked back.
I painted and sold art from home for 3 years and then in November 2022 I opened a brick and mortar Art Studio Gallery in Warrenton, VA called Taylor Boyd Studios.
The gallery room is filled with original paintings, prints, and merchandise. I use the secondary space to create and work during shop hours. I usually host 1-2 workshops a month, which I advertise on social media.

I found a lot of success within my first year of business. I won the Lifestyle Magazine’s Best of Fauquier Award for Best Local Artist 2022 & 2023 and 2023 Best Local Gallery. I also won Fauquier Time’s Best Local Artist 2022 & 2023.

In fall 2023 I was commissioned by Experience Old Town Warrenton to paint the “You Are Home” mural located on the Britches building on Culpeper St. in Old Town Warrenton, VA. It is my largest project to date, measuring 70×15 feet.
It pushed me to my limits, gave me exposure, and I learned so much during the entire process.
I was so grateful to be asked to paint this and I still can’t believe it when I drive by. It is one of the first things you see as you turn onto our Main Street and I am honored by the experience.

I recently had the opportunity to be the guest speaker at a couple of the local schools, where I discussed my art and the “You Are Home” mural.
Our youth is so important and I want them to know, if you want to be an artist, musician, writer, or any other creative, you can! I think a lot of us get discouraged at a young age and I want to be the one cheering them on.

I also am also on the board for The Warrenton Arts Commission (WAC), a group that hopes to get our 501c3 status within the upcoming year.
Our mission statement is:
“To invest in the arts of Warrenton, Virginia by supporting public art displays, fostering relationships with school programs, inspiring future generations, and promoting diverse artistic endeavors.”
WAC hopes to fill our public spaces with beautiful works and artists the opportunity to be involved and make an impact.

I am excited to see how my journey continues to unfold and how I can serve my community.

If you want to follow or see more of my work that is available, I’m on Facebook and Instagram @taylorboydstudios.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I started my social media art pages years ago, almost as a way to document the projects I had completed. It grew slowly and I did not post regularly, but I did post what I created when I created it.
Slowly my friends and family followed the pages and my following started to grow.
When I was ready to take the plunge and quit my 9-5, I had my base.
I started to use the accounts more consistently and took it more seriously than I had in the past.
For 3 years I sold my artwork strictly by using social media, before I opened my studio gallery. It was how I paid my bills.
Now I use it almost daily to release new paintings, studio hours, upcoming events, and to cross promote.

My best advice is consistency.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think you build your reputation based on consistency, authenticity, taking risks, and being vulnerable. I don’t try to be like anyone else.
I do my thing and be true to myself. Unless you put yourself out there, you’ll never know what doors could open up for you.
I’m telling you, if you lean into your passion, you path will light up!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TaylorBoydStudios.com
• Instagram: TaylorBoydStudios
• Facebook: Taylor Boyd Studios

Image Credits
Myself (Taylor Boyd) Freebird Imagery Unearthed Photographical