Star City Six – Robert Taylor
Ebbeka Design Co. (www.ebbekadesign.com) creates visual communications and corporate identity packages for businesses on the local, regional, and national levels. With an emphasis in design, the company develops and implements marketing strategies and websites for both business-to-business and direct-to-consumer clientele. Robert Taylor is a graphic designer at Ebbeka Design Co.
Tell us a little about your business.
Ebbeka Design, located in the Haymarket, has been in business for 18 years. I’m new to the team, and I’m really enjoying settling into the amazing team of designers we have on staff. We have a wide range of services, from web development and logo design, to photography, and videography.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Starting over with a new career path. I spent most of my adult life working in restaurant management, but always felt creatively unfulfilled. At the age of 27, I ended up going back to school to get a degree in graphic design. I joined the GD|MA program at Southeast Community College and I was challenged from day one. I’m really grateful for the classmates and teachers who helped me make it to where I am today.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Being awarded at the annual AIGA SHOW graphic design competition for the last three years. This event is an opportunity for students and professionals alike to submit their best work from the past year to be considered for awards by a group of nationally renowned designers.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Skateboarding with friends and volunteering at The Bay!
Who inspires you?
Mike Smith, Phil Burcher, and Dave Nelson all come to mind most readily. They put so much thought into building their community. Seeing their hard work reminds me that my hard work has an effect on others too, and it makes me more mindful and intentional with my actions.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Compassionate.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
I’m a pretty great tailor. I worked in the costume shop at Nebraska Wesleyan University when I was 18. I didn’t know a thing about sewing when I started, but I picked up a lot working there for two years.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
An actor. I spent three years as a theatre major at Wesleyan, and it’s still very much a part of who I am. I love to tell stories and share important messages. Helping businesses craft their stories is why I’m a designer, and it’s the same reason I love acting.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
I’ve volunteered at The Bay since it opened in 2011! It’s really great to be a part of an organization that is working to help our community create a safe space for kids to find themselves. We provide mentorship for kids, meals to at-risk youth, and programs to help kids connect to a digital art space that will help them grow skills to use in the real world.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
If I Understood You, Would I have This Look on My Face?: My Adventures in the Art and Science of Relating and Communicating by Alan Alda. It’s a great story about his quest to communicate better.
What is your favorite TV show?
Doctor Who.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
AmuManu Ramen Bar.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 441-4649; Email: info@ebbekadesign.com; Website: www.ebbekadesign.com.