By Krystle J. Bailey
Glenn Taylor has spent his lifetime building a fruitful career in sign painting. What began in 1967 when he was enlisted in the United States Army has become his life’s work. Taylor, who was born and raised in Pleasantville, NJ began lettering US Army helicopters during his three years of service in the Vietnam War.
Taylor had always been skilled artistically so when he was drafted to the war as a helicopter mechanic after high school, he found his creative niche in lettering and sign making. In addition to painting letters on the helicopters, Taylor would create elaborate, hippie-inspired designs on the mosquito nets of his fellow soldiers, painted helmets for Army Generals, along with a variety of other creative projects for the armed forces.
Upon returning home, Taylor found it particularly challenging to land himself a job as an African American Army Veteran. He was often told that he would be better off staying enlisted, as the jobs he sought were not offered to men of color at that time. Ultimately, with the help of the NAACP, Taylor was able to find printing work but soon decided to pursue sign painting as a civilian.
Growing up in Pleasantville, Taylor knew many of the local business owners who offered him the opportunity to paint signs for their storefronts. One sign led to the next and soon, Glenn was painting up and down Main Street.
Still, as he pursued more work, he was faced with the challenge of navigating a career path that was not welcoming to him based on the color of his skin. This challenge did not deter Taylor from pursuing his dream of creating art. Time and time again, Taylor showed up with a paintbrush in his hand and a mission on his mind. The ignorance of others at the time only pushed Mr. Taylor to prove them wrong.
Taylor wanted to learn from the best sign makers of the times. He would show up in Atlantic City during the summer to pursue creative work alongside men that assumed he could not read or write. In true Glenn Taylor fashion, he set out to invalidate their ignorance-based beliefs. Through resilience and consistency, he soon became one of the most reputable and dependable sign painters of his time.
When he was told by a leading billboard company that a black man would never paint the front of one of their billboards, Taylor found a way. As with most of his life’s adventures, he was curious and persistent. He knew that he had the skill set for the job, therefore he would make a way to achieve his goals. Through the process, he became one of the most sought-after billboard painters in South Jersey.
When his friends and family would inquire as to why he tolerated such ignorance, Taylor explained in great simplicity that he wanted to learn how to paint and refused to let their ignorance stand in his way. He wanted this career and he was adamant about changing the narrative and stigmas around black and brown creators.
Glenn Taylor’s refusal to back down led him to many lucrative opportunities including owning his own sign shop, Taylor Signs, in the 1990’s. He has gone on to paint murals across the country alongside some of the greatest in the industry. From a 26-story painting of Shaquille O’Neal in Los Angeles to full scale murals in Amish towns, Taylor has seen his career evolve exponentially since the 1970s.
Taylor, who now resides in Mays Landing, has notable work throughout South Jersey. His first local mural, painted in 2017 can be found in the Bungalow Park section of Atlantic City. “Greetings From Bungalow Park” features images of postcards that include historical images of the neighborhood.
A larger-than-life mural painted in 2019 of renowned singer Sammy Davis Jr. on the side of King’s Pizza in Pleasantville pays tribute to the rich history of music that took place at the old 500 Club next door. The club, which is now a parking lot, once was a stage for some of the greats such as Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra.
Taylor completed a “Jazz Legends” piece for the Chicken Bone Beach Jazz Foundation this year and has begun work on his fourth local mural.
The latest piece, which is currently on a hiatus due to injury, will take over the side of Mel’s Furniture on Atlantic Avenue in Atlantic City. This piece, when complete, will celebrate the Bacharach Giants, a Negro League baseball team that played in Atlantic City during the 1920s. The mural will pay tribute to the elaborate parades that were once held by the Bacharach Giants team during their baseball career.
Glenn Taylor prides himself as being a husband, father, and man of God. Taylor says he will be painting as long as life allows him to do so and continuing to teach others the skills that he has picked up along the way.
“It’s the same technique whether it’s a big sign or a little sign,” explains Taylor in reference to his work. The same can be said for how Taylor has shown up for his life. From the smallest challenges to the largest, Taylor approaches life with a sense of grace, compassion, and resiliency that deserves to be celebrated. Visit Glenn at www.glenngraphics.net.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.
Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
