Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor A. Baird.
Taylor, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am originally from Utah; I made my way to Savannah College of Art & Design and got a bachelor’s degree in Production Design with a minor in Themed Entertainment. While at SCAD, I did the Disney College Program, working in Operations on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. While there one of my managers found out I did graphic design and asked me to help create some signs for backstage areas of Magic Kingdom. I made each sign relevant and “in theme” with the area it was going. My work there led me to an Internship with Universal Creative, which became a full-time job. There I was able to work as a Creative Designer on many of their latest and upcoming attractions, including Race Through New York StarringJimmy Fallon, Fast and Furious Supercharged, Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure, Super Nintendo World, and Universal’s Epic Universe. Unfortunately, in 2020 many designers in the Themed Entertainment Industry were laid off due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, and I was one of them. As that day approached, the only option I saw was to start my own freelancing LLC, Beaux Creative & Design, and see what I could find. Using LinkedIn and reconnecting with people I have met during my years in the industry, I have been very fortunate to have relatively consistent work since then, working with several companies on projects across the globe. In 2021, since I was able to do my freelance work from home, I felt I had the time to serve my community more, and I decided to run for and was honored to be able to be on the Board of Directors for the Independence Community in Winter Garden. I can bring my design eye to maintain and enhance our community’s beauty. It has been an incredible learning experience to work with our community in combating challenges that naturally come up and try to find the best solution. My wife and I have enjoyed living in Winter Garden and the benefits of living in our unique city of Orlando.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
No, there have been many different types of challenges. Going from a job with a large company like Universal, where for years I was able to go project to project, then jumping into freelancing was an adjustment managing clients, time, and always searching for the following projects. I would also say you have to re-think your finances doing freelance because differences in taxes and the lack of work consistency mean you can’t bank on a paycheck the following month and have to plan, save, and budget accordingly.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
To generally put it I do Concept Design for Theme Parks and over the last couple of years, I have been doing more Art Direction. So basically, I draw a pretty picture and someone else builds it. I wish it were that simple, During the design process of building a theme park or attraction it takes hundreds of people with a variety of specialties to make it a reality. In the early phases of a project, I will create images using a variety of tools including Photoshop, and SketchUp to explore potential ideas. In the early phase, it is usually big ideas like the layout of a land or ride, what the main buildings may look like, and what big story points could be. As we explore hundreds and thousands of ideas, we get a clearer view of what the project could be within the restraints of our budgets, available land, etc. With each progressive phase, we focus more and more on the details, getting down to what the door hinges and light fixtures should be to support the story we are trying to tell. As we get into those details I work closely with engineers, architects, lighting designers, and many more to solve problems that arise and I utilize my expertise in the visual style and intent of the project to hone in on solutions that meet everyone’s needs. I have worked on projects where we are weeks out from completion and an issue arose from which I was able to use my design skills to help solve the problem and maintain the guest experience we were intending. I can’t share yet what I am most proud of because it hasn’t opened yet. But I will say that I am very proud of the work I did on Fast and Furious Supercharged, there are varied opinions about that attraction, but when I see the details and the work we did as a design team to tell the best story we could with challenges and limitations that come with every type of project. There is magic in seeing what you drew on paper become a real physical thing that you get to experience which keeps me going. Other than theme park designers are generally a niche career, I feel what sets me apart is that I am an optimist who tirelessly looks for the best ideas to make an excellent guest experience. In the end, we are making things for people and families to enjoy, and making sure they are kept front of mind is key to delivering world-class attractions people will enjoy for decades to come. Designers have a variety of tools, and as one of my mentors told me, in the end, it is not so important what you use to share an idea, but the fact you can use the tools you have to communicate the idea and get it built.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
To be honest there have been so many people who have supported me and helped me on the journey I am on. Most importantly my parents Brad & LaWynn who always believed in my career choice. I have had so many mentors including Zane Jensch, Steve Tatham, Eric Gordon, Mike Devine, Rick Bluhm, and many more it would feel like the movie credits. I have tried to pay it forward to people I have gotten to know and admire and on my portfolio website, I have a page of some of those people with links to their sites or LinkedIn pages. https://www.taylorabaird.com/payitforward
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taylorabaird.com/
- Other: https://www.beauxcreative.design/
