Meet Kathleen Taylor | Contemporary Folk Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathleen Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathleen, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
There was no grand plan. I was working as a toy designer for a major soft toy manufacturer. It was a fun creative job but it also involved commuting in New Jersey traffic. We had four school age kids who had their own activities, etc. and had just moved to a farmhouse in the NJ countryside ( yes, it does exist!) that had six outbuildings. My husband suggested that I turn one of the buildings into a studio and try to freelance my design work. I don’t think I would have had the courage to try that without his push and am forever grateful for that.
It worked and I was able to support myself with the freelance business. I then started hand painting antique furniture on the side. I opened a little shop selling the furniture, antiques and home decor. I also sold the furniture to stores in Manhattan.
The reality was that I had no great vision for my business. I did what I loved, one thing led to another and now I am a painter who sells her work via social media and in galleries. It was kind of like following a trail of breadcrumbs through the woods.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been drawing since I could pick up a crayon. Making art has been a part of my life always.
I never had a big career plan but was lucky to have found creative work along the way to founding my own studio. I have been a childrenswear designer, magazine editor and writer, plush toy designer, interior stylist and shop owner prior to Kathleen Taylor Studio. You’ve got me thinking back about whether it was easy or hard. I had two small children when I started out. The small companies I worked for were helpful to me in balancing my work and home life. The bigger companies were places where I couldn’t mention that I even had children. They paid well but made my life difficult.
After 10 years I decided to create my own brand. Kathleen Taylor Studio produced prints of my original artwork. I sold them framed to retailers nationwide. I exhibited at the Atlanta and New York Gift Shows and also did regional art shows. I hired women to frame, pack and ship for me. I learned who my demographic was and my target market that way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my bestie to Rabun County and show her the beauty of the north Georgia mountains. We’d stay at the Lake Rabun Hotel, hike some of the local trails and eat at Universal Joint in Clayton. I’d show her Sautee Nacoochee, the great junk hunting at Culpepper’s Otto Depot ( right over the state line in NC) shopping in downtown Clayton. There’s also Tallulah Falls to visit and the three lakes there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband has been my best supporter and cheerleader. Our daughters have always been proud of my work. I also feel that I was able to model for them that you can have a career and a family.

Website: KathleenTaylorArt@etsy.com

Instagram: paintedpieces

Facebook: Kathleen Taylor Studio