TAYLOR O IS A STUDIO WITH A UNIQUE FUSION OF A PRODUCT DESIGNER AND ARTIST. THEIR WORKS ALWAYS BEGIN WITH COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH AND END UP AS ORIGINAL DESIGNS THAT ARE BOTH EXCITING AND SIMPLE

TEXT: TAYLOR O
PHOTO COURTESY OF TAYLOR O EXCEPT AS NOTED

(For Thai, press here)

WHO

Taylor O is a product designer/artist. That’s the image we aim for people to remember about us. We want people to look at our work and studio and have that impression.

WHAT

We’re a product design studio that loves and is incredibly passionate about product design, especially if we’re creating something that has never been created before or something that requires original ideas—something that not only breaks away from conventions but redefines preexisting images and notions. We like materializing the abstract into a tangible creation.

We aspire to be a studio that combines the science and artistry of product design with a unique fusion of a product designer and artist. Each work we create reflects ideas, stories, origins, values, and the distinct identity of the brand. This results from the collaborative journey between us and our customers, culminating in works that excite and resonate with both parties.

WHEN

I began with small-scale freelance projects of diverse sizes and scopes immediately following the completion of my studies. With each subsequent project, the thrill of embarking on something new became a recurring source of excitement. Over time, a discernible sense of direction emerged, aligning with personal preferences, leading to the establishment of the studio and the name Taylor O around the end of 2018.

WHERE

Ramkhamhaeng, Bangkok, Thailand.

WHY

For those in search of a unique perspective or aiming to make a visual and conceptual impact, Taylor O is prepared for collaboration!

How would you describe your work?

In defining my design style, I find fulfillment in cultivating a design characterized by simplicity and tranquility—something profound and sophisticated. I’m also drawn to designs that challenge conventional perceptions.

What is your inspiration and guiding principle for each creation?

Inspiration is omnipresent, drawn from the studio environment, places I’ve visited, the beach, leisure activities, and even mundane events like watching movies or taking a bath. It’s a spontaneous occurrence, sometimes unfolding effortlessly. Attempts to intentionally conjure ideas often prove challenging and yield inconsistent results. It seems like we have to patiently await the opportune moment for ideas to naturally surface.

At Taylor O, our working principle undoubtedly involves the establishment of project timelines. We begin by accumulating comprehensive information about the project, sourced independently or provided by the client. These details serve as a beneficial foundation, shaping our design interpretation. As we immerse ourselves and gain familiarity with the project, the design undergoes refinement and enhancement, consistently resulting in something that excites and satisfies us.

What project are you most proud of?

‘RANAD (Thai Xylophone) 2021.’ It’s a conceptual project realized from a question arising from a question I had about how everyday objects we’re familiar with from childhood, things that have existed for a long time but remain almost exactly the same as they did in the past. I wondered about how things that look and feel quintessentially Thai would look like if they were reimagined or presented in a more contemporary light, through a new design language. This led to the inception of the ‘Re-Thai Campaign’ project. Just the idea of working around this concept had me excited and driven from the get-go, thinking about what I could create and what could come out of it.

Ranad came up as the first object in my mind. This traditional Thai musical instrument, or the Thai xylophone, has such a clear impression in my mind, and I started to work around the idea of what it could look like if it were reimagined in the year 2021. But to tell you the truth, while the excitement and fun were there, it felt like I didn’t know which way to go or how to begin working on the design.

I produced countless sketches, experimenting with minimalist and modernist styles. Some turned out alright, others not so much, until the right one came along. I didn’t know what to expect when I published the design or what my peers’ feedback was going to be like. But I developed the design, thinking that I wanted to create something that I would be satisfied with. I wanted it to represent the many facets of Taylor O as well as the unique, inherent character of Ranad that people would immediately recognize.

Upon publication, the work ended up being my first design that went viral. It exceeded all my expectations. I never thought people would like it this much, especially the feedback from the Thai music community. Musicians told me how they’d always wanted to see this type of instrument being made. The project has really shaped my creative vision and approach.

Which stage of the design process do you like the most?

The stage I find most gratifying is when a project concludes successfully and turns out just as I had envisioned or even exceeds my initial expectations. They’re usually works that fill me with a great sense of pride. It feels like a moment of reflection on the entire journey, acknowledging, “Wow, reaching this point wasn’t easy.” Most importantly, it is the joy of knowing that the client not only recognizes but also shares a similar vision for the work. I’m over the moon whenever that happens.

If you could invite a ‘creative’ to coffee, who would you invite and why?

Without a doubt, Nanake Kathsepsawad Palakawong Na Ayuthaya! (Laughs) To be honest, I have several personal idols, but when it comes to genuine creativity, Nanake stands out. It’s because of his personality, work ethic, creative thinking, life experiences, and numerous other factors, particularly his inclination to defy conventions. I believe that a chat over coffee with him, if given the chance, would be exhilarating. It could open up opportunities for us to do many more fun, amazing things together.

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