behind the brush with Shayne Taylor
Welcome to Behind the Brush, where we offer a peek behind the curtain through the voice of talented artists within our community. This week, we’re chatting with Shayne Taylor, an artist who thrives on variety—whether it’s painting murals, crafting custom pieces, or collaborating with brands to bring their stories to life. With a deep appreciation for research and storytelling, Shayne approaches each project with fresh perspective and intention.
How would you describe your artistic style in three words?
Elegant storybook expressionism.
What’s your favorite medium to work with, and why? Has that changed over the years, or are there any new mediums you’re hoping to explore more of in 2025?
I use water-based oil on wood, where I utilize the wood grain as part of the painting and not just a surface to cover. This has been my medium of choice for a long time now—since 2002! But I love experimenting with other mediums and working with unconventional materials. In 2025, I’m pretty stoked about the little sculptures I’m making with clay, wood, and fabric that will accompany a series of paintings on wood.
What’s the most unexpected place you’ve found creative inspiration?
Steel mills on the Detroit river.
How does painting a mural compare to creating a smaller piece for a home? What are some key techniques and considerations for successfully scaling your work to larger projects and murals?
Honesty, I think I approach all custom pieces similarly regardless of size. I try to visit each site so that I have a true understanding of the size and scope of the space before I start designing. I like to consider what the space is being used for, what mood should be conveyed, what the purpose of the artwork is and how and where people will be viewing the artwork. If I design a mural that can only be seen from a distance, I know that tiny details will be lost. For murals that may also be observed at arm’s length I make sure there are smaller elements for the viewer to enjoy.
Your art has uplifted countless businesses and has graced some pretty busy storefronts. How do you consistently create for many different brands that all have their own unique tone, voice, and creative guidelines?
I thrive when I have a variety of projects, so working with different brands feeds my creativity! I research every brand, company, location or client and, if possible, meet with them in person for a conversation. It’s often in these conversations when I’m told the fun little details like the origin story of the company, why they chose certain colors, how the logo or tag line was created, what makes them truly unique and what makes them so passionate about what they do. I love a good story, and every business has one, so I think of working with brands as illustrating their story.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to emerging artists?
Try to find fellow artists and creatives and encourage each other, challenge one another and celebrate together!
What tools and materials do you swear by when creating large-scale work?
Calculator, chalk, short throw projector, overalls and Dr Teals foaming bath with epsom salt (for the end of very long days working in awkward art-making positions).
What role do you think murals play in shaping communities?
I think murals can play many roles in shaping a community. They can simply beautify an area; or they can be a call to action, raise awareness, be a celebration or an homage. I believe they also inspire creativity, initiate conversation, promote community pride and can act as a catalyst for change in neglected areas.
Dream mural location—anywhere in the world, no limits. Where and why?
This changes all the time for me! I often daydream about creating artwork in different states and countries like Hawaii, Italy or Finland — all places I’ve never been. Lately it’s been the Straat museum in Amsterdam because I daydream about how my work could be displayed in a museum too.
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon?
A show of my new work! It’s been some time since I’ve produced a series of personal artwork and it feels really good. There are some big paintings, little paintings, layered paintings and sculptures. I don’t know where I’ll be showing this new work yet, but I’m hopeful that I’ll find the perfect spot soon.
Let the people know where they can follow you and keep up with your journey!
www.shayneart.com (where you can sign up for my newsletter to receive quarterly updates and special offers!) and @shayneart on Instagram & Bluesky.
