Today we have a special feature and conversation with @TaylorCutFilms, who has his genesis NFT drop on KnownOrigin today. We caught up about the ideas behind this drop, his creative roots, and his thoughts about the NFT space.

Can you begin by introducing yourself to our audience? Your full name, where you are based and the mediums you work in?

My name is Jordan Taylor Wright. I’m based in Los Angeles, grew up in New York City, and parents are from South Africa. I’m a filmmaker, producer, and creative director that enjoys making art in the forms of video, photos, and music.

I’d love to dive right into the exciting part of this conversation and work our way backwards. You have your genesis NFT drop launching, a thrilling moment and big leap forward in your already impressive creative career. How did this all come about and can you tell us more about this specific drop?

Been a huge fan and collaborator of digital artists within the 3D / CG space for a few years now. Have fortunately got to create with a handful of them on our social media platforms, and also on some commercials and music videos. With this newer boom of NFT it’s really given the artist the ability to showcase their abilities and add a value to their creations like no other time in history.

For this specific drop I felt motivated to create 3 individual artworks that could be viewed in succession to tell a cohesive story. As for the message, it’s title is “Infinite Beyond.” I recently went back home to visit my family because my grandfather is unfortunately suffering from Alzheimer’s + Parkinson’s. My younger sister is engaged, however her wedding isn’t for another few months. With my poppy fading away more and more each day, she wanted to have a mock wedding ceremony, so that my grandfather can be present to see her get married. It was an incredibly touching experience, and what birthed the idea of these 3 pieces.

I wanted to try and explore the journey of what happens to us after “death.” With all that being said, the 3 artworks I’m dropping for this genesis launch are called “Where Our Spirits Go”, “Through The Astral Plane”, and lastly “Infinite Beyond.” Hope the story can resonate with others as well.

That’s so moving. Thanks so much for sharing that story with us, I think it’s a great cause and an important backstory for this artwork. As someone who has been so successful with social media, I’d love if you can compare and contrast your experience with social media pros and cons with the potential of this new NFT space. Could this market fix some of the pitfalls of social? Is it a better way for artists to engage with their communities?

A more recent con of social media has been the almost forceful need for creators to constantly post in order to keep up with algorithms so they can get exposure for their work. The feeling of “needing” to make art in order to stay relevant is not a conducive environment for creativity however. What’s nice about this new NFT space, is the sense of patience and attention to story / meaning for the pieces being created.

I do feel a reinvigorated sense of community as well, not too dissimilar to the boom of Instagram, vine, YouTube etc. Now on Twitter, discord, and Clubhouse, there feels like an inspired community of artists and collectors wanting to engage and support one another. In that sense it’s been a really nice change of scenery.

Love that. Couldn’t agree more, and it’s also a really cool new layer that ideas are floating through, all sorts of creative collaborative efforts are unfolding. Do you recall a moment or a phase of life when you realized you wanted to pursue a creative career? What brought you to this sort of work and lifestyle?

I started making videos in middle school actually, using a VHS camcorder my dad used to own. I would film myself and my friends skateboarding or adventuring around the neighborhood, and then we’d re-watch everything at the end of the day. That was my earliest form of creating / knowing I wanted to get into telling stories through visuals. I took a video production class in high school, and learned how to use Adobe premiere my freshman year. I would make music videos of local artists / film teacher’s wedding and what not lol. I then majored in Film at university.

Once I graduated I got an internship at a production company in NYC being a cam op / PA for shows like Man vs. Food. And then I luckily got a gig touring with a musician who was signed to Pharrell / opening up for T-Pain and Gym Class Heroes. From there my work got around and ended up touring with Usher where I got to make all his visuals for over 3 years. It all kind of snowballed. But honestly I can’t remember a day since high school where I haven’t been either filming or editing something. That creative process is what keeps me going.

Love it. Sure seems to after talking to so many people that creativity is a calling, something that some people truly can’t live without. What advice might you have for someone who is heeding that call but might be just beginning?

Greatest advice I could give is do it because you love it, and don’t compare yourself. Tell the stories that inspire you. If you feel blocked, practice patience. When you’re ready to create you’ll know it, inspiration is like a fire shining inside you just waiting to come out. Don’t be scared of what other people think of you, as long as you’re proud it’ll resonate with someone else. Be honest with your expression and speak your truth. Art isn’t a competition, there isn’t a finish line, it’s simply about appreciating the journey. Never let the things you want make you forget about the things you have. And lastly, have fun.

Beautiful advice. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your perspective with us today. To the reader, make sure to check out Jordan's genesis drop on Known Origin, and connect with him across the internet by clicking here.