When you watch one of our videos, you will notice a red neon Komedia logo flying across your screen. That’s the work of Brighton-based animator Taylor Asher, who is not only an excellent marketeer, but also a brilliant technician for some of our Studio shows. And he knows how to pour a good pint too!
We sat down with Taylor to talk all about his love for animation, being brave, and how his favourite thing at Komedia is the sound of the washing machine…
Glasgow to Brighton
Komedia: Hey, Taylor! Always a joy to see you. Tell us, what was the moment you first fell in love with animation?
Around 20 years ago in the Glasgow Science Centre – they had a stop-motion animation station! I loved making my own play-doh models and building storylines for the characters. Creating a whole new world with my bare hands was so exciting to me, I loved how much creative control I had over everything in the scene. It was my favourite place in the whole world, and my first experience of feeling drawn to animation.
Komedia: What a lovely story! We fear it can’t have been that wholesome for the entirety of the learning journey…
No! A big challenge for me was actually believing in myself. Easier said than done! Getting out there and talking to people felt terrifying, and promoting myself to potential clients felt more intimidating than anything. Although my confidence has definitely grown, I’m sure it’ll always be scary – but then I suppose I’ll just always have to be brave!
Komedia: And you don’t have to do it alone. Who are the people cheering you on?
My parents are a constant source of support, without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I’m also extremely lucky to be surrounded by the most fantastic friends who celebrate all that I am – they challenge my ideas, invite new perspectives, and most importantly never fail to make me laugh. I have grown so much since they entered my life, and I will treasure them forever.
Let's talk about Komedia, baby!
Komedia: And you’ve brought of all that creativity, insight, and laughter to Komedia too. What inspired you most when making the animated logos for us?
As a comedy club, Komedia is obviously full of fun and laughter, but to me it’s also a safe space to explore who you are, share your experiences, and find your community. I wanted to create an animation that captured all the joy we find here, as well as the importance of community for those that don’t see themselves celebrated or represented elsewhere. When I walk into Komedia, it feels like home – that’s the feeling I wanted to portray.
Komedia: Aw, shucks! Working across so many departments (operations, tech, marketing) you really see all sides of the venue. What’s the one thing that makes working here so special?
I couldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t mention the sound the washing machine makes. There’s no greater joy in the world. Joking aside, my favourite thing about Komedia is the people I work with. I’m unbelievably lucky to be part of such a great team, some of them have become close friends I’ll keep for years! I really don’t think I’ll ever work within such a supportive, diverse, brilliant team of people again – we really are one of a kind. The washing machine does come close second though… Ask anyone!
Komedia: Get a room, haha! Okay, one last question. What is your dream project for the future?
This one is a hard one… I have too many! At the moment, I’m creating a mobile app and having so much fun designing something from the ground up. I definitely want to try mixing my skills in animation with the lighting skills I’ve learnt from Komedia – designing for live performances/festivals sounds like a very good time. Ultimately, dream projects are any that allow me to experiment and push the limits of my creativity!
Check out more of Taylor’s work on Instagram, or click here to email him directly.
