BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2025 February 23, Sunday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
editor@blairtoday.com – Facebook
A vial of blood and a watercolor brush might seem like opposing tools of the trade, but for Blair-area artist Taylor Johnson, they represent the perfect synthesis of her dual careers. As a clinical research scientist, Johnson spends her days in precise, methodical work. By night, she transforms into a surface pattern designer whose art graces everything from wallpaper to fabric designs.
“I have a science degree and my full-time job is in clinical research,” Johnson explains. “I kind of did this art thing on the side.” That “art thing” has evolved into a sophisticated design business, one that marries her scientific attention to detail with natural creative talent.
From Lab to Easel
After moving from Omaha to an acreage near Blair seven years ago, Johnson found herself drawn back to art, a passion she had set aside in high school. Her return began with hand lettering, which led to an ever-expanding collection of artistic tools and techniques.
“I accumulated watercolor, gouache – you name it, I probably have it,” she says. This experimental phase mirrors her scientific background: testing, observing, refining. The results show in her diverse portfolio, from delicate coral-pink florals dancing across white space to sophisticated monochromatic botanical prints created through gel plate techniques.
Nature as Muse
Johnson’s work reveals deep ties to her Midwestern surroundings. “I’ve been researching Midwest specifically because I want to make a collection about the prairie – prairie animals and prairie flowers,” she explains. This regional focus appears throughout her work, from atmospheric watercolor landscapes featuring solitary canoes on purple-hued waters to detailed studies of strawberry plants in vibrant reds and greens.
Some pieces carry profound personal meaning. A cardinal illustration, rendered in her characteristic delicate style with sage green leaves and coral-pink feathers, emerged from grief. “I was thinking about my dog we had to put down last year. Cardinals are said to represent visits from those who have passed.”
The Science of Surface Design
Johnson’s approach to pattern design demonstrates the same precision she brings to her scientific work. “When you’re designing patterns for products like wallpaper,” she explains, “you have to consider how the colors coordinate with current interior design trends.” Her scallop patterns, for instance, are specifically colored to match popular paint choices from major manufacturers.
Her technical process combines traditional artistry with digital precision. For a playful pattern featuring skateboarding dinosaurs, Johnson describes a multi-step approach: “I drew them on paper, scanned them in, and used Adobe Illustrator to trace over them with the pen tool and digitally fill them in.” The result is a whimsical design that maintains professional polish.
From Concept to Commerce
Currently, Johnson sells primarily through Spoonflower, a print-on-demand platform where customers can purchase her designs on various products. But she has broader ambitions. “My ultimate goal is to secure licensing deals while also working as a freelance designer for companies,” she says. This business model would allow her to maintain creative control while expanding her market reach.
Local Roots, Global Reach
Despite creating designs that could grace homes anywhere in the world, Johnson maintains strong local connections. She’s particularly interested in collaborating with Blair businesses. “We have a quilt shop here in town,” she notes. “Maybe they need some kind of customized fabric.”
Her work ranges from sophisticated floral repeats suitable for high-end wallpaper to cheerful ice cream cone patterns featuring carefully rendered waffle textures. Each piece, whether it’s a moody landscape or a whimsical pattern of dinosaurs on skateboards, reflects both her scientific precision and artistic vision.
The Future Canvas
“I’m still trying to get out there,” Johnson says, contemplating her artistic future. “My style will evolve over time. I might try new things, and it might be totally different.” This openness to evolution, combined with her methodical approach to both art and business, suggests Johnson’s dual career path may be more harmonious than it appears at first glance.
After all, both science and art require keen observation, attention to detail, and the ability to see patterns in the world around us. Johnson just happens to make those patterns beautiful enough to hang on your wall.
Find out more about Taylor and her art through the links on her bio site: Taylor Johnson — Bio Site
