Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Varron.
Hi Taylor, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Cary, North Carolina. Ever since I was little, I always had a passion for art. I took many art classes throughout school, but it wasn’t until college that I truly honed my drawing skills. While studying art abroad in Florence, Italy for a semester, I discovered my love for portraiture. Even after returning home, I continued drawing in my spare time, but always viewed art more as a hobby rather than a career.
In 2020, I ventured into painting and slowly started receiving pet portrait commissions. From there, I continued to expand my practice and grow my hobby into a business. I always loved exploring new subject matter and ideas. A couple of years later, my friend rescued a stack of old vinyl records that had been left beside a dumpster in the rain. I didn’t own a record player, but I did own plenty of paint. Instead of letting them go to waste, I decided to give them a new life. I began painting portraits of musicians directly on the records, listening to their music while I worked and allowing it to inspire the piece.
Today I continue to repurpose damaged or unplayable records into beautiful works of art. Every piece is both a tribute and a connection to the artist, their music, and their fans.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. When I graduated with an English degree, I thought I would end up working at an editorial firm. Instead, I bounced from job to job trying to find where I belonged. Still to this day, I work a part-time job while I continue to grow my art business.
One of the biggest challenges I have faced has been feeling like I need to have everything figured out. For a long time, I worried about finding my “niche” and felt pressured to have all the answers before I had even begun.
Eventually, I stopped waiting until I felt ready and simply started saying yes to new opportunities. I knew I would figure it out along the way. From painting pet portraits to creating murals, to exhibiting my work and teaching others, I’ve discovered that saying yes has opened new doors I never could have planned for.
I’m still learning as I go, but that’s one of the things I love most about being an artist. It’s not a clear linear path. There’s always room to grow and shift directions. Always a new idea to explore, a new skill to learn, or a new opportunity waiting for me around the corner.
One thing that has remained constant throughout has been the encouragement and support of my family and friends. They believed in my art long before it became a business, and their support has given me the confidence to keep pursuing what I love.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an acrylic portrait artist who also loves to teach. I create commissioned artwork as well as original pieces that involve repurposing damaged vinyl records into unique works of art. My pieces tend to be portraits of iconic singers. While I paint, I listen to the artist’s music to gain inspiration for the piece.
Alongside creating art, I’ve started teaching beginner-friendly paint & sip classes to give others a creative outlet. Whether someone has painted before or is picking up a paintbrush for the first time, I want to provide a creative experience that allows them to be present, create, and enjoy the process.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’ve taken a few artist entrepreneurship courses and have read various books by other artists, which have helped me build a strong foundation for my creative business. More than anything, though, I’ve grown through the connections I’ve made within the community. Talking with other artists, entrepreneurs, and small business owners has been the most valuable to my growth and continues to shape the artist I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taylorvarronart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorvarronart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylorvarronart
