Meet Taylor Renz | Artist

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

Hi Taylor, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I like this question because I feel like it’s so relevant to everyone’s life- especially with today’s climate and how priorities have shifted due to the pandemic. Between juggling work, managing relationships, maintaining your health, pursuing goals and squeezing in downtime for yourself, it’s incredibly difficult not to be overwhelmed. I think it’s important to recognize when you’re stressed, pinpoint the main reasons, and work on changing them. Realizing I have the ability to say “no” to things, prioritizing my mental health and trying not to overextend myself have helped me significantly. I’m also fortunate to have a job I enjoy that gives me flexible “off time” & friends who are understanding- so I can focus on my personal goals (creating art, shipping orders, marketing myself, attending vendor events, etc.) and wellbeing (general downtime, movies, cooking, watering my plants, etc.). People get so lost in the hustle that life becomes bland and unappealing and while it’s important to stay motivated and work towards what you want in life- it’s also important to appreciate the things you already have and love. People often talk about what success is, but fail to realize that success can be as simple as enjoying everyday life and that’s where I find the best motivation and balance.

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.
I’ve been an artist and creator since I was a wee tot and have chaotically grown into my own style and continue to mold that style everyday. My art has always been extremely inspired by my own day to day emotions. It’s my way of coping, almost like a diary, very therapeutic. The largest challenge I’ve been faced with was myself, unfortunately. I never saw greatness within me and it was only because of the love, support and encouragement of those around me was I able to see clearly. I once believed no one would want to buy my art because it was so personal to me, however, I’ve noticed people are able to project their own life and philosophies into each painting- and I find that incredible.

I feel like my brand is that of where it began- raw emotions. There is a diverse feel when you look at my art, because on one side you’ll see a painting of a girl who’s in tears and on the other you’ll see a cute painting of a bee with the message “bee kind”.

I’m proud of what I’ve become and where I am in my art career- and I only see myself growing.

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.
Oh gosh- what a treat! My favorite spots to go and support are in the heart of Deep Ellum. Three Links, Double Wide, Twilite Lounge & Charlies Star Lounge are all wonderful if you want to catch a great show (whether it be punk, post punk, rock, jazz, drag show, comedian show- etc etc!) and grab a few drinks with some friends. Thunderbird, Tiki Loco & Planta Potosi have incredible food- with vegan options too. If you want to get tattooed- Nary Huval or Brandon Kemp are the go-to. Want to shop local? Flea Harvey, Three Links, Thunderbird & Doublewide host monthly flea markets.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
From a very young age I loved anything art- whether it was painting, drawing or sketching on my notepad at school instead of paying attention to the lesson. I can’t say my parents necessarily understood, but my mother encouraged me to apply for an art magnet high school, which I did, and got accepted into- and that’s what really sparked something for me. I then had the accessibility to endless tools, different mediums, and with the help of my incredible art teacher (Ms, K), I was able to create things freely, without any restrictions. She saw something in me that I hadn’t- and that really changed everything for me. It’s incredibly refreshing to have someone look at you and your passion and say, “you’re doing great, keep going!”. After high school, I got a job and continued to paint in my free time but eventually life become more and more hectic each year and I slowly started painting less and less. It become something I only did when I was sad or depressed and had to get my emotions down- almost like a diary.

During the pandemic, being stuck inside a house, I had what seemed like… endless time. I started painting, FOR REAL. It ate most of my time and I was genuinely thriving despite what was going on around me. My boyfriend saw what I was creating and asked, “why don’t you sell your art?”. I probably stared at him like a deer in headlights. SELL my ART? I’d never even considered or had the notion. It was just something I did for myself. Besides all that, I genuinely didn’t think anyone would want to buy my art- but nonetheless, that little question stirred up something it me. I continued to paint throughout the lockdown and once the mandate was lifted and I started back up at work… I still was painting. I started making prints of all the paintings I’d done over the quarantine and hesitantly put them up for sale online. To my surprise, people… bought them. Like, people actually wanted and paid for my art. It was mind-blowing to say the least.

Fast forward to now- I’ve expanded and now sell paintings, prints, patches and stickers. I have my own website, frequently work as an art vendor at events, and take commissions. It’s thanks to everyone who told me “you’re doing great, keep going!” and the people who buy from my small business that make any of it possible. I’m forever grateful and happy to be where I’m at now- all thanks to the love, support and encouragement of those around me.

Website: TaylorRenz.com

Instagram: Rugido

Image Credits
Portrait Photo by Jillian Antonia