Meet Taylor Alley | Art Director @ Apple TV+

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

Hi Taylor, what role has risk played in your life or career?
There is this philosophy in life that you can’t plan or expect too much because it will never look that way. So why not say yes to something that feels scary but could be that life-changing opportunity. For me this simple two-word statement “taking risks” was vital for my path and success. It’s incredible how we’re taught to always have a place to land before we leap. But, I think taking risks is essential in life. If you don’t try for the things you want, one day you’ll wonder about the “what if’s” or, even worse, stay content. (which, let’s be honest, creativity and art are not created with contentment) Secondly, you must have faith in yourself, which can be tricky. The constant comparing creatives put themselves through affects their confidence and stirs up that good ole imposter syndrome feeling, which through the domino effect, makes people not believe in themselves and that taking a risk is too vulnerable to even chance. But, authentically believing in yourself, your work, and taking a leap will always give you the chance to grow and improve. Risks are these little pushes that make you uncomfortable, driving you to figure out your path, navigate new spaces, and challenge yourself. And, no one who has ever created anything impactful without taking a risk at some point in their life.

So risk-taking has played a big part for me. When given the opportunities, I go, sometimes ending up on a different friend’s couches (never too long) or an air mattress with no furniture for months until I settle. Through these wanderlust-like moments, I’ve had the fortunate experience of already having a robust career. Even with some significant losses, I still owe it to “risks” for my creative endeavors. It has given me opportunities but, even better, a community of friends and creatives.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well, honestly, answering this question really stumped me. At the time, I was asking myself these exact questions. Which can spiral into the classic “what am I doing with my life?” existential crisis. My art… well, in all honesty, what guides my life and purpose is a job in marketing. I still wonder if the things I do can be considered “Art,” but we don’t have to break that down for character count sake. Honestly, I am happy and feel like that is hard to accomplish. Maybe that’s what sets me apart; I wake up every day excited about work.

I didn’t think I would be here, especially this young. It’s so hard to mix creativity and financial stability. But I found the happy medium, and I am excited to keep learning and growing. But it was not easy to get here. As I talked about taking risks, it took a lot of sacrifices, facing myself, therapy, and even losing people. I like to be honest with these things. It takes a lot of time and energy to fight resistance and keep focusing on your goals/purpose, and there will be circumstances and people who don’t ride along with you. But it’s not a question of self-worth or that person; it’s just the way life works. I have overcome these moments by being kind to myself and others. Nothing is what you envision, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t on the right path. We just have to be more flexible and keep going. This constant pressure artists and creatives put on themselves is debilitating, so maybe I am at the point where is say, “fuck it,” I can do this, and I am going to keep going and do things that feel good for me. Not others. I don’t know if I have a story to tell; I just feel fortunate and that the belief in myself was vital for where I am currently. I think you have to believe in yourself to get to the places you want to be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, easy. Food spots. I am not talking about Michelin star fancy restaurants because those things are nice, but I love food with grit. For balance, the high and low is a comfortable spectrum. By nature, being a spawn of restaurant owners, I love food, drinking, and the connection that happens through gathering people.

So recently, my best friend came into town, so here is a three-day out of a seven-day itinerary of food (I live in Silverlake, so I might be biased to more East Side joints) :

Day One:

Breakfast: Millie’s Cafe (close to me but also reminds me of the energy and breakfast spots I would go to during college in Savannah, GA. and my best friend and I went to high school and college together, so mutual nostalgia)

Lunch: We overate at breakfast

Snacks: Muddy Paw on sunset has delicious empanadas. A great coffee shop that loves dogs.

Dinner: Lasita *chefs kiss.

Day Two:

Breakfast: I love a bagel, and next door to me is Maury’s, which I will always be a stan for.

Late Lunch: Koraku, a great art district, spot Japanese comfort food.

Dinner: I went to McCall’s, my local butcher, to make a nice pork chop dinner.

Day Three:

Breakfast: Okay, kinda fancy but a personal favorite, Republique.

Lunch: a nap…

Snacks: I am a big fan of street food, so some tacos.

Dinner: My favorite restaurant right now in Silverlake is Bacetti. Excellent Italian food and wine selection. But really close to going to Greekman’s instead.

Honorable Mentions: Crawfords, Jay’s, Night + Market Song, The Little Jewel of New Orleans (a little piece of home), Mh Zh (RIP :[ ), Woon, Ye Rustic Inn (vibes), Found Oyster ($$ but good), Jones (classic) and to be honest, the list could go on…

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?
Wow, can the answer be everyone in my community and my family? I am so lucky to be influenced and supported by so many people. My parents are pretty free-spirited and, in rare form, guided me into the arts. They are people who believe in others doing what they want no matter the circumstances. Growing up, we owned a restaurant, so maybe they somehow knew what the labor of love could do for you.

Also, I am lucky to have the most amazing friends and community anyone could ask for. Without a doubt, every one of my friends has influenced me. It’s the reason I am who I am and why I am creative. I really owe it to them for seeing things I had difficulty seeing in myself and inspiring me to go beyond what I felt was “good enough.” Friends, family, and even peers/ coworkers are the foundation of my confidence. I can see the world from their different perspectives, which has influenced my work symbiotically.

Website: tayloralley.com

Instagram: _tayloralley_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayloralley/

Image Credits
The one of me on the beach: Dan Stretron IG: stanelyshetron The one of Diane Keaton is just what inspired my profile picture