We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tay Marie Higgs. Check out our conversation below.
Tay Marie, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: When was the last time you felt true joy?
A few days ago, I was going through a rough time, and a girlfriend of mine drove with me to one of the most beautiful spots on the island to catch a sunset and drink some coffee. We talked and listened, and I just had a moment of being really grateful for her and happy to be her friend.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi there! My name is Tay Marie, and I’m an Illustrator, Visual Development Artist, and Small Business owner of handmade jewelry, from Nassau, The Bahamas.
I graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Illustration (2022) and have since been creating anything that transcends reality and reignites your inner child, from fantasy concepts to more commercial work. I’ve also stepped into a few teaching roles since being home, instructing Ceramics classes alongside a good friend and leading Illustration workshops to create a more established community for Communication and Digital Arts in The Bahamas.
You can find me working on my latest project with cartoons or the band ‘Sticky Fingers’ playing in the background, while my two cats practice their WWE moves.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad has always been a very consistent part of my life, and I’ve grown up seeing him always show up to his job, in which he rose through the ranks at the same company from the age of 17 to now, running and overseeing everything. He’s taught me the lesson of do it tired, do it scared, do it when you are unsure if it will work or not, because consistency and perseverance go a long way. Even though he is not in an artistic field, those same principles still apply to my mindset.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I hit a very slow point when it comes to freelancing recently, and it was admittedly really scary. The line of work that I’m in relies on a few projects a month, and it got very quiet, which had me looking for more of a routine job to get by. Although it was discouraging to feel like I would have to put my work/passion on hold, I still showed up because, at the end of the day, this is what I want to be. I will keep fighting for that.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that honesty, humbleness, and empathy really matter to me. If you can go through life with those under your belt, I think you’ll find yourself in rooms that you’d never think to be in. No matter how big your work gets, if you are a genuine and humble person who can listen and care, you’ll continue to grow even further.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that people will tell my story as one of kindness and goofiness. I’m a firm believer that no matter how old you get, you still have to keep your inner child alive because that’s where the most wonder is. I hope that when I’m gone, people will see my work and know me as a person. Know that I was in my 90’s and still geeking out over cartoons and cool music, while cherishing the time I have with my friends and family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taymariehiggs.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taymariehiggs/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-higgs/
Image Credits
Alia Knowles at Casa Bah Ceramic Studio
