Bens Lens: An interview with Taylor Corey
[BB]So aside from being my social media management, who are you?
[Taylor] I’m not really sure who I am yet. I’m a fresh 24 years of age and I’ve been living in the town of my dreams for almost five years now. I’m reaching a point in my life where I’m ready to take the next step into furthering my education, and I’m ready to put my brain to work for the betterment of all human beings. I enjoy all things outdoors and thankfully I have the downdest dog to adventure all the places with. I enjoy board games, and I love cooking up new recipes for the people around me to enjoy.
Three first names, huh?
I know… It’s always been a point of contempt for me. Every season when my pass gets scanned, I’m always told, “Have a great day Corey.” It’s kind of funny now, especially when people hit me with the Corey Taylor joke. He’s the lead singer of Slipknot.
What have you been doing at the studio lately?
Trying to keep a grip on our Instagram and making sure we have daily fresh eye catching content. Sometimes, I feel as though my ideas suck.. But it’s nice having a team of dedicated peers that all want to see the business flourish. Apart from Instagram, I take care of our Artist Interview blog posts and I make sure we stay up to date on our client email chains. When I’m not focusing on those things, the team and I are brainstorming funny videos and new ways to photograph products. Sometimes it’s with the pup, action figures, or whatever other knick knacks we have kicking around the studio. Or, we just make Gianneti do the uncomfortable stunts..
How did you find yourself at Bat Country Studios?
I knew skinny was here taking photos with you, and I wanted the opportunity to work in a more relaxed environment centered around art and creativity. There is not a lot of work opportunity out here besides the hospitality industry when you don't have a degree, and I don’t want to be tied down into that side of the Valley. It’s funny because I was actually responding inadvertently to an ad put out by yourself looking for internal help at the studio! Before responding to your post I did not realize that you were the same Ben from the studio where Skinny was working. Perfect timing.
Certainly! Tell us about a day in your life up here in the Vail Valley.
I tend to live my life in circles just like the rest of us. I wake up and hang around for a while while I make some coffee. Next step is hopefully yoga, and then letting out my ever so patient pup for a walk around the neighborhood. I typically head into the studio around 11:30 and get some work done till about five and then I try my best to fit in time to work out, see friends, and hike the dog. The winter time tends to be more of a crafty season for me. I enjoy projects like puzzling, painting, embroidery, baking, and honestly really any of the old lady hobbies you can think of. Summer time is different though, I guide on horses and spend more of my time outside than under a roof. I also volunteer with my Climate reality group year round and occasionally with a local horse rescue and Zero Waste Vail. Camping has to be my all time favorite activity though and there is ample opportunity to commingle hobbies like overnight raft trips or taking the bikes out to the desert for a few days. I honestly try to do it all, why limit yourself? Although, the price for toys tends to slow me down a bit..
Have you mentioned our designated shop dog Lana Beans yet? What kind of dog is she?
I have! She’s kind of my pride and joy. She’s a three year old Brittany Spaniel. I’ve raised her since she was eight weeks old! Gosh, you should’ve seen her then. The cutest thing around with no neck for miles! Now she’s all grown up, and I can’t keep up with her insatiable thirst to bound endlessly through all of the fields from here to the front range.
How’s your cup collection?
I’m lacking… I admittedly only own one Drinking Vessels cup. It was made by you and is a twisty scalloped glass with a sandblasted D.V. logo. I tried to use it for milk and cookies one night but the mouth was too narrow, which prompted me to ask you to make me a custom cookie milk dipper glass. That I am just now telling you about… so you better get started! Employee Christmas gifts are a must and the Holiday season is fast upon us Ben.
Noted! What is your favorite cup that you have seen since you started?
I honestly really enjoy @edwolfesgotglass cups. They are consistent, clean, and continuously sell which only makes my job easier! I just love the variety. From tall boys to tumblers to mugs, he just can’t make anything I don't like. I do also have a fondness towards our @merge_scientific because it is so uniquely crafted. Sadly we are sold out now, so I don’t have the joy of admiring them in person anymore. One last addition to the list is @mr.voorhees because I’ve never seen faces made out of glass the way this dude crafts. They’re aesthetically fantastic!
Anything from the site on your holiday wish list?
I have yet to even consider Christmas shopping! Too much excitement going on in my life currently, but I will be sure to let you know what I’ve got my eye on when the time comes.
How would you describe Bat Country Studios to someone who has never been?
It is definitely an artists den. We entertain 420 friendly vibes which helps smooth out the work day but we also clean up for ourselves and our clients. It’s a proper mix of both worlds, though we do have our upside-down days too. You’re pretty much guaranteed a visit from a dog whether it be Lana, Marty, or Ghost. There is no lack of diversity when it comes to the walks of life that frequent our studio and that is something definitely unique to most businesses here around the valley.
What can you share from behind the scenes at the studio that our readers might not know?
There are always retakes whether it be a reel deal, content photos, our website layout , and or our instagram layout. We are constantly adapting and trying to get funny yet quality content for our viewers. Sometimes we have heated debates on how to take a step forward, and other times we flow seamlessly. It's honestly a constantly evolving environment which I enjoy. With all that being said, I feel all of us as individuals are properly grounded so it works out, even when it seems hectic.
What is your favorite part about working here?
Being around personable people who are out here just trying to make it work yet also be as active in the community as we can be. No matter how that looks for us individually.
What is your least favorite part?
Ben’s ADD
What? Me? What are some of the challenges you have encountered here?
Haha no, never you! Trying to stay focused in a fluid environment. Sometimes it’s hard to stay on task when you’re in charge of yourself and it’s easy to get distracted by the moving parts of this business. It’s overall been good for me to grow as a person though and experience a deeper sense of discipline as I have little experience with this type of work. (Social media and Marketing Management)
Are you the meme queen?
Hardly. Although I’m hoping to gain status in my quest to achieve contextual graphic comedic gold.
LOL! What kind of music do you like to play at the studio when Skinny lets you?
I play everything from country, which you hate, to electronic, bluegrass, rap, funk, rock, and reggae. You’ve said it yourself, my playlists are all over the place. I can go from Old Crow Medicine Show to J. Cole to TOTO real quick.
True on all accounts. Do you have a favorite band?
I love Billy Strings. I’ve seen him a few times, as well as Greensky Bluegrass. But like I said my taste in music is an unmanageable range so it's hard for me to choose only one.
What’s your favorite movie?
I’m not the movie type but if I had to pick one guaranteed to make me laugh it’s really anything with Paul Rudd. I suppose Wanderlust could be a fitting answer but I’m just truly not much of a movie watcher. Funny enough, if anyone ever turns a movie on around me I can never stop watching it. Even if people are asleep,it's like a shitty curse someone put on me.
Some studios have shows playing on televisions but ours is mostly playing music. I know you love to get outside; what is your favorite hike around the valley?
I would say Deluge Creek Trail, Lionshead Rock, or the Ever Krisp Trail. I’m constantly exploring all the nooks and crannies this state has to offer though so I don't limit my enjoyment to Eagle county alone.
Do you ski or snowboard?
I enjoy both, but with the ACL tear a few years back I take it easy now. I really only get out five days a year in the winter as I try to save my body parts for the summer activities. I tend to get hurt less when my feet aren't strapped into things.
So we will get some laps in this year! What other hobbies or activities are you into?
I did mention I loved camping of course but that's just a small part. I enjoy riding my mountain bike on the trails in Eagle and taking my paddleboard out on the river with friends. I love fly fishing and any anything river related, let’s be honest. I also sincerely enjoy glow in the dark bocce ball and really any other group games. Some of my favorite days are summer volleyball days with the boys. Really anything physical or artsy I enjoy. I’ve been steadily progressing in my yoga practices as well, and staying dedicated to being physically fit. Although I do slack from time to time. It’s hard to be your own boss, coach, mentor, provider, and encouragement all in one every day.
Do you have a favorite food?
Anything cheese. Let’s be honest.
Classic! What about a favorite condiment?
Sweet and Spicy brown mustard.
Yum. You tried your hands at melting some glass in the beginning. What was that like for you?
I enjoyed it and I would like to continue to play around with it and try to make more things. The biggest issue was glass is an unforgiving medium. It takes thousands of hours of practice and repetition to even begin to feel comfortable in the art which I, unfortunately, still wasn’t ready for the mental and physical commitment I'd need to feel comfortable getting started in that department. I still have hopes of making trinkets though so don’t give up on me and I won't give up on trying to learn yet either!
Whenever you want to make the time we will make it happen! Anything else we should know about you?
I just want to make the world a better place for the people around me and hopefully people I’ll never directly meet just through actions I’m able to accomplish in my own life. Cheers to the future, it’s full of knowledge.
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
