Meet Taylor Schenker | Founder & Designer

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

Hi Taylor, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Through my experience working as an Urban Designer and Land Use Data Analyst, I realized that the number one thing preventing meaningful work and successful partnership was poor communication. So many organizations are doing incredible things but fail to get others on board because they can’t explain their research, ideas, etc, in an accessible way.

I created Schenker Creative Co. as a design firm focused on helping people visually communicate their complex ideas. After all, 65% of people are visual learners.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My creative journey started when I was a kid. I was an eager artist who took every art class and camp that was available to me. I was able to translate my creative and artistic skills to urban design and the built environment in college and graduate school. I think my early work in the traditional arts and the understand of things like form, contrast, composition, etc help me to create better visuals.

I love creating graphics that support the work of mission-driven organizations. I am grateful to work with so many wonderful businesses doing amazing things (developing day care for single mothers, affordable housing, sponsoring restorative programs for nurses, etc). I love pushing boundaries and creating punchy pieces that make people stop and think. They trust my creative vision, even when it feels bold, and for that I am grateful.

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.
If my best friend were visiting Asheville, I would take them hiking to my favorite places along the Blue Ridge Parkway. We would have to swim under a waterfall so a trip to Whaleback, or a float down the Pigeon River would be a must in the summertime. The food in Asheville is amazing so it would be hard to choose just a few places. A burger at Baby Bull and tapas at Red Ginger would be a must. I’d end the trip with a coffee and morning walk in the River Arts District, followed by some antique shopping and a beer at The Wedge.

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?
Dr. BD Wortham Galvin was my professor, director, boss (as a graduate assistant) and mentor. She was the Director of the Master of Resilient Urban Design program when I was a student. She was a wonderful role model when I was in school and starting my career. When she needed to hire a faculty member to teach a half-semester intro design course, she hired me. I had a lifetime of art and creative experience but no official teaching experience. She took a chance on me and I will forever be indebted to her for opening that door. Teaching is one of the greatest joys of my professional career and I am entering my 5th fall teaching that intro design course this year! Now I feel grateful to call BD a friend in addition to a mentor and colleague.

Website: https://www.schenkercreative.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schenkercreative.co/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-schenker/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@schenkercreativeco9986

Image Credits
images #1, 3, 4, 5 – Bailey Page
image #2 – Caroline Rose Frady