Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Rivera.
Hi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
From a very young age, I always remember a spark inside of me that needed to create to express to inspire. That spark inside of me would be the fuel I needed to survive my small-town upbringing. I grew up in this sort of limbo of culture and identity always feeling somewhere in the middle. Never feeling fully embraced by my Mexican or American culture and likewise within my queer community at times. This feeling led me to cling to the one constant in my life the one place where I felt I could be authentically me, my artistry. I fed that spark throughout the years with music, creativity, fashion, poetry, photography, and performance. At some point, that spark became a flame that engulfed me and allowed me to become who I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m not sure you can honestly get through life without having a few bumps in the road. I think you take from those experiences what you can and try to learn and grow from them. I’ve had my fair share of rejection, loss, and heartache. I’m always looking for the light in those darker moments. Trying to find a sense of inspiration to create something beautiful again or to find the lesson within the struggle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Well, first and foremost I would call myself an Artist. A term I feel best describes my array of creative disciplines. Among my creative skills, I’d say what I’m most known for and have had the most success in has to be creative directing, wardrobe styling, and hairstyling. I’ve been lucky enough to use my creative talents to help bring a plethora of photo shoots, music videos, and film to life. Working alongside some amazingly talented artists such as Yves Tumor, Allie X, SSION, MNDR, Calvin Arsenia, Lava Dreams, and Martine Gutierrez. As well as helping to bring other people’s visions to life I try to take time to work on my own personal art. After creating my photo series “Identity: A Queer Evolution”, I’ve been trying to shift my focus to music and performing again. I’m excited by the thought of bringing my unique sense of art, fashion, and visual storytelling from still imagery to the stage. With so much happening in the world right now I have something to say and I want to empower others to do the same through my own lyricism and self-expression. Leaning into that side of myself just feels like a natural part of my creative evolution.
What does success mean to you?
Short answer is Jennifer Coolidge. A longer more well thought out answer might be fulfillment. Success to me is about feeling fulfilled in what I’m doing in life. Does it bring me joy or love or passion does it inspire me to want to be a better human being. Success is the feeling I have knowing that I’ve fulfilled a deeper meaning and higher purpose within myself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @theartist333
Image Credits
John Brant, Libby Zanders, Kelly Powell, Lava Dreams, Gabe Brison and Taylor Rivera, Dennis Dorrell
