Artist Spotlight: Taylor Heberle
Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an artist? What sparked your interest in art?
My artistic journey began at a very young age. In first grade, my dad took me to a Wyland art gallery in Laguna Beach, and from that moment, I was captivated. I started creating and drawing everything inspired by the ocean, and my love for painting took root. Over the years, I realized that painting and drawing came naturally to me. What began as a simple hobby has now evolved into a full-time career, allowing me to pursue my passion every day.
Who are your biggest artistic influences, and how have they shaped your work?
Robert Wyland has been an artistic influence for me ever since I first visited his gallery. I was captivated by his large-scale murals, designed to command attention from anyone passing by. As I embarked on my own artistic journey, I found myself increasingly inspired by Werner Bronkhorst. The use of unique materials in his pieces sparked something in me; his style is unlike anything I’ve encountered. Much of my inspiration now comes from observing how he has successfully built a brand for himself online. It’s fascinating how modern artists can turn a passion into a career through social media, a path I, too, have pursued.
Could you describe your creative process? How do you typically begin a new piece?
Describing my creative process step-by-step is challenging, as it’s more intuitive than linear. I strive to make each piece more than just a painting on wood. I often start by gathering inspiration online, helping me decide on the subject of my next work. Many of my pieces feature vintage cars, and when I have a specific car in mind, I enjoy focusing on certain sections—like a close-up of the front or back—to highlight and enlarge the intricate details. I then choose the wood’s size and cutout shape to best showcase the artwork, ensuring it flows naturally and stands out. Creating a piece that captivates from every angle requires a lot of thought and careful planning.
What are some key tools or materials you use in your work and why are they important to you?
Wood is the primary material in all of my pieces, serving as the foundation of my branding and artistic style. I prefer acrylic paints, as I’m experienced with their versatility and vibrant results. To complete each piece, I apply a glossy finish, which enhances the colors and gives the wood a polished shine from every angle.
What has been the most challenging project or phase in your career? How did you overcome it?
The most challenging phase of my career has been building it from the ground up. Developing a brand is complex and involves much more than just creating art; it requires balancing the roles of both an artist and a small business owner. I’ve had to learn this all on my own, relying on self-motivation and an intense passion for my work. This deep dedication has been essential in transforming my passion into a sustainable career, making the journey both rewarding and fulfilling.
Can you share a particularly memorable moment in your artistic career?
A memorable milestone in my art career has been selling out my first set of originals. The first five paintings I created were intended for my own apartment—I never planned to sell them or turn this into a career. But when they all sold, it gave me the motivation and confidence to pursue art professionally. This experience showed me that my passion could become something more, and it was the spark that set my career in motion.
How do you balance the commercial aspects of being a professional artist with your creative process?
It took a lot of time and thought to develop a brand and style that felt true to me. My goal is to create work that reflects my authentic vision while also connecting with my audience. To maintain this balance, I dedicate specific time to pure creative exploration, free from any concerns about marketability. This keeps me inspired and helps me bring fresh ideas into my work.
What advice would you give to artists trying to gain more exposure for their work?
My primary piece of advice for emerging artists seeking exposure is to leverage social media. For me, social media was the key factor in launching my art career. Having a great product is important, but without the ability to effectively market it, sales can be challenging. My background in marketing, which I studied in college, provided me with valuable insights into reaching the right audience. This knowledge has played a significant role in my success as an artist and in building a strong market presence for my work.
How important is community to your work as an artist? Are there any groups or networks you’re a part of?
Creating a community around your work as an artist is almost as important as the creative process itself. It goes hand in hand with understanding how to market to a specific audience. Building a supportive community can provide both the motivation and the sales opportunities needed to thrive. While the art world is still relatively new to me and I’m not yet involved in any groups or networks, I’m eager to connect with one in the future to further grow both personally and professionally.
Have you collaborated with other artists or brands? What was that experience like?
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with another artist and brand, Manic Cherry, which creates innovative concepts on skateboard decks. This collaboration involved my artwork being printed on their skateboards, resulting in a truly unique concept. I believe that collaborations are incredibly valuable in the art world, as they not only support small businesses but also allow for the creation of something distinctive that appeals to both audiences.
If you could change one thing about the art industry, what would it be?
If I could change one aspect of the art industry, it would be to make art more accessible and inclusive to all artists, regardless of their background or resources. The industry can often be exclusive, privileging those with established networks. I believe there should be more opportunities for emerging artists to display their work and succeed on a level playing field, free from barriers related to social status.
How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue creating new work?
Staying motivated and inspired to keep creating can be challenging at times. Personally, I’m so passionate about developing my own brand that it’s often hard to stop and take a break. However, I’ve learned that being deeply passionate about what you’re working on is just as important as taking time to rest and recharge. Balancing both is key to sustaining creativity and long-term success.
What upcoming projects are you excited about? Can you give us a sneak peek into what’s next for you?
Currently, I’m dedicating most of my focus to the commissions I’ve committed to. Recently, I’ve started being more selective about the custom paintings I take on, choosing those that align with my brand. This shift has made me even more excited about the projects ahead. Many of these commissions feature iconic vintage cars, which is a theme I’m particularly passionate about.
Where do you see your artistic journey taking you in the next five years?
Determining where my artistic career will take me in the next five years is difficult to predict. At the moment, I’m focused on staying committed to my current path, with the hope that my business will continue to grow. I’ve dedicated time and effort to building a strong foundation and brand within the art community, and my goal is to keep expanding that, both in reach and impact.
How has working with The Stackhouse impacted your work or opened new opportunities for you?
Working with The Stackhouse has had a significant impact on my business. It has provided me with the opportunity to expand the range of products I offer, allowing me to showcase more than just original paintings. While I focus on creating high-quality artwork, The Stackhouse has enabled me to maintain that level of quality even with prints, ensuring that my art remains exceptional across all mediums.
What do you think about the role of technology, like high-quality art printing, in today’s art world?
The role of technology in today’s art world is incredibly rewarding, both for the art printing industry and for small artists. It offers artists the opportunity to generate income without dedicating extensive time to creating original pieces. As many artists know, creating an original piece from scratch can be time-consuming, so having the ability to sell prints and other products on the side can be an essential part of expanding.
