Meet Taylor “taylord” Barnes | Artist & Muralist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Taylor “taylord” Barnes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taylor “TAYLORD”, how do you think about risk?
Risk wasn’t just part of the journey; it was the spark that got me here. For nearly a decade, I was stuck in an industry that had nothing to do with art, showing up every day because I had to. I was so tired from working that I barely touched art, and when I did, it was uninspired. I knew I was never going to get where I wanted to be by following this path.

So I took a chance on myself. I packed up and moved somewhere that reignited something in me (Austin, TX). It wasn’t an overnight transformation because things like this never are, but it was the shift I needed. I found ways to make it work, picking up commissioned portraits, balancing bartending gigs, and carving out time to create. More importantly, I surrounded myself with artists who inspired me, plugged into the local scene, and let that energy fuel me.

That leap changed everything. I found my people, my flow, and most importantly, my passion again. It wasn’t just about making art. It was about believing in myself enough to build a life around it. That risk set everything in motion, and I’m still riding that momentum today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career as a muralist has been shaped by storytelling, emotion, and a deep commitment to creating work that feels both authentic and alive. I don’t just paint to fill a space – I paint to connect, to evoke something real, and to leave behind work that resonates. What sets my murals apart is their sincerity. I blend realism with bold, dreamlike compositions, balancing movement and stillness, vibrancy and depth. Whether it’s a portrait, a natural element, or a cultural narrative, every piece carries intention. I want people to feel something when they stand in front of my work – whether it’s nostalgia, curiosity, or a sense of belonging.

I’ve gotten to where I am today by staying curious and open; always pushing myself to explore new ideas, techniques, and perspectives. Growth happens when you surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and I’ve made it a priority to keep that kind of energy in my circle. Being around other artists, storytellers, and creators fuels my work and keeps me evolving.

One of my proudest moments is having the opportunity to paint in new places, traveling to different states across the U.S. and internationally. Every city, every wall, every new environment pushes me to adapt and bring something unique to each space. Painting in Mexico City, Portugal, and Costa Rica reinforced what I already knew: art is a universal language. It has the power to speak across borders, cultures, and experiences without needing a single word. Whether I’m working on a massive wall from swing-stage scaffolding or creating something more intimate, each project is a chance to leave a lasting impression.

A lesson I’ve learned along the way is that success isn’t just about landing big gigs, it’s about building up your community. The murals I paint aren’t just for me; they’re for the neighborhoods they live in, for the people who see them every day. Being part of an engaged and supportive creative community has been just as rewarding as any large-scale project.

At the end of the day, that’s what I want people to know: my work is honest, intentional, and deeply rooted in connection. I create not just to make something visually striking, but to leave behind something that matters.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let’s see, if it’s summertime in Austin, TX, we’re for sure stocking up on ginger kombucha and green juice from Sprouts – essentials for a scorching Texas day- then hitting a wall to paint and taking a dip in Barton Springs. We’ll be going out to support the local art show or catch a monthly Beat Sessions spray battle. Morning coffee at Spokesman South and street tacos for lunch. We’ll stay around East Cesar Chavez for other eats, like La Barbeque for (mandatory) Texas brisket. If we’re at my home base in West Texas, we’re grabbing coffee in Alpine at Cedar Coffee Supply, and I’m taking them to Big Bend National Park for a long hike and star gazing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Brittany Johnson (@brittpaintsalot) is not only a phenomenal artist but an even more incredible person. She has one of the kindest, most generous souls and has trusted me to assist on several of her murals. We started our careers around the same time about six years ago and have been supporting each other ever since.

Website: https://www.taylordpaints.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordpaints

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@taylordpaints

Image Credits
Taylord, Jon Sandheinrich, Gina Monti, Jair