Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Taylor Miller. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Taylor, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

What I wish I knew looking at all the sparkling Instagrams of successful designers on Instagram is how long it not only took them to gather the team and skills to present so polished but how long it actually took to make each branded asset.

Taking a risk and starting a business is a tortoises race. I am constantly having to take a step back from my day to day successes and struggles to grasp the big picture. Success is a slow road and healthy happy businesses take a lot of time to develop and a concentrated of effort to keep on track.

I’ve gotten to the point where I reach out and even financially invest in help when I need it to market Downstream Creatives, which is a funny concept because I essentially work on other people’s marketing all day long. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned in the last year is to take my own advice and hire out when I need to to make sure that tasks get done and get done well. “If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together”.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Taylor Miller and I run two digital creative businesses, Downstream Creatives and Taylor Miller Photo.

The first, Downstream Creatives, is a digital design and marketing firm. We create high end websites, design assets, and strategies that help small businesses, freelancers, and nonprofit organizations scale. Our edge is our knack for storytelling and diverse set of skills to help our clients do so. We create custom graphics, commercial imagery, fully optimized websites, and other marketing materials that help folks reach their clients in ways that are authentic to the work that they do. We believe in creating downstream momentum for our clients so they can see their passions and business goals come to life.

The second is my photography business Taylor Miller Photo LLC. I am an outdoor recreation professional and activist. My photography work is often related to natural landscapes, the outdoor industry, or documentary style portraiture. I capture authentic moments for not only the people who reach out and want my services but the landscapes of the South West that are constantly threatened by environmental injustices and political disputes.

Overall I see my work at both businesses as an opportunity to work with others to tell and share their stories with the world.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

OTHER PEOPLE! I wish I would have reached out to my community sooner to collaborate and grow. I think there is so much wrapped up in being vulnerable with your ideas and saying you need help but this is a huge key to every successful project with scope and reach.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I really want to even the digitally monetized playing field. Digital literacy is a term that I learned in my undergrad and I am so grateful I have had the opportunity of building the concept of digital literacy into my business at Downstream Creatives. I love sharing the WHY of what I do with my clients, of course only if they want to know, and I find that the more I teach business owners about what I do the more their work grows and thrives.

The stories of others and helping folks tell those stories in ways they have always creatively dreamed drives my work. Digital literacy and creating equity online for small businesses, freelancers, and nonprofits is the backing of that powerful storytelling narrative.

Contact Info:

• Website: taylormillerphoto.com
• Instagram: @tayymill @downstreamcreatives
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Downstreamcreatives/ https://www.facebook.com/tayymillphoto/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayymill/

Image Credits
Taylor Miller at Taylor Miller Photo LLC & taylormillerphoto.com