Today we’d like to introduce you to Rich Taylor
Rich, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Richard, and I’ve been an artist in various genres since childhood. Born and raised in NY, I studied hand artistry, specializing in Rapidograph, which involved intricate and detailed work that took a lot of time to create. While I loved designing by hand, everything changed when I first sat in front of a computer. Somehow, I intuitively understood the Mac operating system and Adobe programs without any formal training. I remember my teacher asking, “How long have you been using Photoshop?” I replied, “I actually just started using it today.” He was amazed and said, “You’re a natural and you are going to do amazing things.”
In my mid-30s, I moved to South Florida and ran a successful freelance graphic and web design company. Just like with Mac OS and Adobe, I quickly grasped HTML coding. I designed websites, brochures, business cards, logos, flyers, billboards, and more. After a few years, I felt I needed a change. People often told me I would make a great therapist due to my ability to listen and provide empowering guidance. Although I considered it, four years of school didn’t fit my goals at the time, so I turned to photography, another passion of mine. I bought a camera, took private lessons from a professional, and once again, I was a natural. My teacher said I learned in three months what usually takes three years. I soon found success in the industry, adding another artistic skill to my repertoire.
In 2015, I planned to move to Colorado but decided to stay in NC for a few months before the big move. During that time, I unexpectedly became the #1 creative photographer in Charlotte. My quick success, landing high-end clients and being booked up to a year in advance, kept me in NC. I earned respect, awards, and was published in many magazines. Everything was going great until 2020 hit.
The onset of Covid-19 shut down all of my current and future jobs. With the world in turmoil and unsure of the future, I moved to Denver, CO to explore new opportunities. Although I loved Colorado and experienced significant personal growth, work was hard to find, and the cost of living was rising. 2023 was a challenging year in my career. With things quieting down, I started considering going back to school for a psychology degree. A friend suggested I become a life coach, saying I’d be brilliant at it. After two months of research, I took the leap and went back to school. I am proud to say I just finished my first year, passing with a 99% on my final and obtaining my ACC (Associate Certified Coach). My goal is to attend school in Q1 of 2025 to obtain my PCC (Professional Certified Coach), and then my MCC (Master Certified Coach) in 2026. This new career move has been fulfilling, and feedback from clients like “life-changing” confirms I’m on the right path.
After living in Colorado for four years, I reevaluated what I wanted in life. Having lived in many states and experiencing so much in each, I realized my heart belonged on the East Coast. So, this past June, I moved back to the Carolinas and am currently settling in Greenville, SC. I look forward to establishing myself as a professional graphic/web designer, master photographer, and now, a life coach helping people find personal empowerment and continued happiness.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Whoever has a smooth road? As a photography teacher, I tell my students that I wouldn’t be the photographer I am today without my failures. Every failure is an important moment to pause, take a deep look at why things didn’t go as planned, figure out what would correct it, and then execute the goal again. Learn and grow from failures to better yourself. This advice has been a guiding principle in my life, especially during challenging times.
One of my biggest struggles was living in Denver, CO, where finding work was tough. The landscape was oversaturated, and the rise of cell phones and AI has crippled our industry. Despite the hardships, I chose to invest in myself rather than settle for a 9-to-5 job I disliked. My mantra is, “I got me!” I say this during both good and difficult times.
Many of my new friends in CO suggested that I become a therapist after I helped them navigate their challenges. This idea of investing in myself kept echoing in my mind. So, I took the leap and pursued a life coach certification. It was a year of hard work and overcoming the fear of returning to school at the age of 51. Interestingly, the mail just came, and I received my printed certification today.
I find struggles to be challenging but it is also an amazing gift of growth if you view it as a lesson life is giving you.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Graphic Designer:
I have had the privilege of working with high-end clientele, and my work has been showcased all over the NY landscape. The reason for my success is my commitment to delivering the best by going above and beyond. Often, this meant doing extra work that I wasn’t paid for because I believe my work represents not only my client but also the artist I aspire to be.
Web Designer:
I have built custom websites for a diverse range of clients, including lawyers, therapists, life coaches, product lines, tattoo shops, and even an architect. Each site is personalized for its industry. I also advise my clients on providing just enough information to encourage potential clients to make a call, as I believe human connection is the best way to build trust and close contracts.
Photographer:
As a master photographer, my work has been published in numerous magazines and has received awards. I enjoy photographing all genres, including portraits, families, pets, couples, documentary, landscapes, and composites. My work stands out because I focus on every detail, no matter how minor, to produce results that I am proud of.
Life Coach:
When I work with a client, I guide them to find worthiness and joy within themselves using a variety of coaching tools. Worthiness leads to empowerment, and empowerment leads to worthiness. Having grown up feeling unworthy, and by doing the hard work with a life coach, I now live a happy, healthy, peaceful, joyous, and harmonious life. I understand what it takes to transform automatic negative thought patterns into powerful self-reliance. My favorite saying is, “No matter what comes, I got me!” I teach people to empower themselves and become the leaders of their own lives.
What were you like growing up?
This is not something I have spoken about much, but soon, I will start to write my story of being born a timid mouse and my journey of transformation into a fierce lion.
I grew up a quiet, timid child, rarely taking chances and preferring to play it safe. Unfortunately, I grew up in a toxic family environment characterized by verbal and mental abuse, which led to me developing an anxiety disorder. One day, as a young adult, I decided I didn’t want to live that way any longer. I took a stand on myself.
I started therapy to face my demons head-on, and then continued with a life coach to further my journey towards a healthy life. It wasn’t an easy path; it required many difficult choices and sacrifices. However, from day one of my commitment to change, I told myself to sacrifice whatever it takes to protect the peace and harmony I wanted and needed.
Thankfully it paid off. Today I live a very happy, healthy, and empowered life filled with harmony and peace. And now I am teaching people to do the same through life coaching sessions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.richtaylorcoaching.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richtaylorcoaching/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richtaylorcoaching
- Twitter: https://x.com/RichTLifeCoach?mx=2
- Other: https://www.richtaylorphotography.com/
