Taylor Gillis
@taylorgillis.com
👋 Taylor Gillis
I write about fatherhood, overthinking, and small personal disasters.
Also: poems, prints, children’s books in progress.
📍Upstate NY
🌐 taylorgillis.com
I write about fatherhood, overthinking, and small personal disasters.
Also: poems, prints, children’s books in progress.
📍Upstate NY
🌐 taylorgillis.com
Pinned
Taylor Gillis
@taylorgillis.com
· Jun 24
Free Crappy Art (Yes, Really)
For years, I’ve been making little paintings, sketches, prints—whatever you want to call them. Some were warm-ups. Some were experiments. Some were just me trying to figure something out with a brush or a brayer or a new ink. I kept them. Most of them, anyway. Not because they’re precious, but because they remind me that making things—especially imperfect things—is worth doing.
taylorgillis.com
I’ve started mailing strangers my worst paintings.
$8 covers shipping. I pick one and send it to you.
No guarantees, no refunds, no idea what you're getting.
Introducing:
🎁 Free Crappy Art
$8 covers shipping. I pick one and send it to you.
No guarantees, no refunds, no idea what you're getting.
Introducing:
🎁 Free Crappy Art
My wife just won a seat on the Troy NY City council and they went from a Republican majority to 7-0 Dems and I know I’m just shouting into the void, but I’m insanely proud of her.
November 5, 2025 at 4:00 AM
My wife just won a seat on the Troy NY City council and they went from a Republican majority to 7-0 Dems and I know I’m just shouting into the void, but I’m insanely proud of her.
The Mets have been slowly tanking for half a season. However, it’s the last day of the season and they still have a chance at the playoffs. This is way better than when I was growing up and they were out of it by June every year.
September 28, 2025 at 1:46 PM
The Mets have been slowly tanking for half a season. However, it’s the last day of the season and they still have a chance at the playoffs. This is way better than when I was growing up and they were out of it by June every year.
Reposted by Taylor Gillis
We want you to have more babies. We are also going to make it as painful as possible and ensure that you have to live with crippling guilt if anything were to go awry with that pregnancy. Then we will take away your food subsidies and cut school programs. We are the pro-family side.
September 22, 2025 at 11:21 PM
We want you to have more babies. We are also going to make it as painful as possible and ensure that you have to live with crippling guilt if anything were to go awry with that pregnancy. Then we will take away your food subsidies and cut school programs. We are the pro-family side.
The 8-in-1 Screwdriver
There’s a screwdriver. Red, plastic. It’s an 8-in-one. 8 little screwdrivers come up and fold down. Some big, some small. Flathead or Phillips. We keep it in the kitchen.You ask for it when you want to check the batteries in your toys. We call it Poppies screwdriver. I think…
There’s a screwdriver. Red, plastic. It’s an 8-in-one. 8 little screwdrivers come up and fold down. Some big, some small. Flathead or Phillips. We keep it in the kitchen.You ask for it when you want to check the batteries in your toys. We call it Poppies screwdriver. I think…
The 8-in-1 Screwdriver
There’s a screwdriver. Red, plastic. It’s an 8-in-one. 8 little screwdrivers come up and fold down. Some big, some small. Flathead or Phillips. We keep it in the kitchen.You ask for it when you want to check the batteries in your toys. We call it Poppies screwdriver. I think I called it that once, and the name stuck. Not because he owned it.
taylorgillis.com
July 27, 2025 at 6:30 PM
The 8-in-1 Screwdriver
There’s a screwdriver. Red, plastic. It’s an 8-in-one. 8 little screwdrivers come up and fold down. Some big, some small. Flathead or Phillips. We keep it in the kitchen.You ask for it when you want to check the batteries in your toys. We call it Poppies screwdriver. I think…
There’s a screwdriver. Red, plastic. It’s an 8-in-one. 8 little screwdrivers come up and fold down. Some big, some small. Flathead or Phillips. We keep it in the kitchen.You ask for it when you want to check the batteries in your toys. We call it Poppies screwdriver. I think…
Everyone is Making it Up As They Go Along 10×10
A gentle reminder for anyone who feels like they missed the orientation manual for being a person. This hand-lettered print is imperfect on purpose—because so is everything else. Hang it above your desk, in your studio, or wherever you tend to forget…
A gentle reminder for anyone who feels like they missed the orientation manual for being a person. This hand-lettered print is imperfect on purpose—because so is everything else. Hang it above your desk, in your studio, or wherever you tend to forget…
Everyone is Making it Up As They Go Along 10×10
A gentle reminder for anyone who feels like they missed the orientation manual for being a person. This hand-lettered print is imperfect on purpose—because so is everything else. Hang it above your desk, in your studio, or wherever you tend to forget that most people are just winging it too. Digitally designed in a risograph-inspired style Textured background for a tactile, analog feel…
taylorgillis.com
July 8, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Everyone is Making it Up As They Go Along 10×10
A gentle reminder for anyone who feels like they missed the orientation manual for being a person. This hand-lettered print is imperfect on purpose—because so is everything else. Hang it above your desk, in your studio, or wherever you tend to forget…
A gentle reminder for anyone who feels like they missed the orientation manual for being a person. This hand-lettered print is imperfect on purpose—because so is everything else. Hang it above your desk, in your studio, or wherever you tend to forget…
On the 4th of July, My Dad and I Marched in Full Feathered Headdresses.
It was the 1980s, and we were part of a YMCA father-son program called Indian Guides—a now-renamed group built around monthly meetings, crafts, and what I can only describe as deeply sincere cultural missteps.
It was the 1980s, and we were part of a YMCA father-son program called Indian Guides—a now-renamed group built around monthly meetings, crafts, and what I can only describe as deeply sincere cultural missteps.
July 4, 2025 at 11:03 AM
On the 4th of July, My Dad and I Marched in Full Feathered Headdresses.
It was the 1980s, and we were part of a YMCA father-son program called Indian Guides—a now-renamed group built around monthly meetings, crafts, and what I can only describe as deeply sincere cultural missteps.
It was the 1980s, and we were part of a YMCA father-son program called Indian Guides—a now-renamed group built around monthly meetings, crafts, and what I can only describe as deeply sincere cultural missteps.
The Contented Walrus 10×10 Art Print
Meet your new spirit animal: serene, self-assured, and totally unbothered. The Contented Walrus is a hand-drawn illustration, printed with subtle texture and soft blue tones that feel equal parts vintage and modern. With his eyes gently closed and tusks at full…
Meet your new spirit animal: serene, self-assured, and totally unbothered. The Contented Walrus is a hand-drawn illustration, printed with subtle texture and soft blue tones that feel equal parts vintage and modern. With his eyes gently closed and tusks at full…
The Contented Walrus 10×10 Art Print
Meet your new spirit animal: serene, self-assured, and totally unbothered. The Contented Walrus is a hand-drawn illustration, printed with subtle texture and soft blue tones that feel equal parts vintage and modern. With his eyes gently closed and tusks at full majesty, this walrus doesn’t need your approval—he already has his own. Perfect for nurseries, creative studios, or anyone in need of a reminder to just… be.
taylorgillis.com
July 3, 2025 at 5:17 PM
The Contented Walrus 10×10 Art Print
Meet your new spirit animal: serene, self-assured, and totally unbothered. The Contented Walrus is a hand-drawn illustration, printed with subtle texture and soft blue tones that feel equal parts vintage and modern. With his eyes gently closed and tusks at full…
Meet your new spirit animal: serene, self-assured, and totally unbothered. The Contented Walrus is a hand-drawn illustration, printed with subtle texture and soft blue tones that feel equal parts vintage and modern. With his eyes gently closed and tusks at full…
The [Redacted] Guides
My dad and I didn’t always know how to connect.But every now and then, we found something to do side by side. When I was a kid, my dad and I joined the YMCA Indian Guides—a father-son program built around monthly meetings, crafts, and culturally insensitive role-play. I…
My dad and I didn’t always know how to connect.But every now and then, we found something to do side by side. When I was a kid, my dad and I joined the YMCA Indian Guides—a father-son program built around monthly meetings, crafts, and culturally insensitive role-play. I…
The [Redacted] Guides
My dad and I didn’t always know how to connect.But every now and then, we found something to do side by side. When I was a kid, my dad and I joined the YMCA Indian Guides—a father-son program built around monthly meetings, crafts, and culturally insensitive role-play. I believe it's called "Adventure Guides" now. It was like Boy Scouts, but without the discipline, uniforms, or prestige.
taylorgillis.com
July 3, 2025 at 1:14 AM
The [Redacted] Guides
My dad and I didn’t always know how to connect.But every now and then, we found something to do side by side. When I was a kid, my dad and I joined the YMCA Indian Guides—a father-son program built around monthly meetings, crafts, and culturally insensitive role-play. I…
My dad and I didn’t always know how to connect.But every now and then, we found something to do side by side. When I was a kid, my dad and I joined the YMCA Indian Guides—a father-son program built around monthly meetings, crafts, and culturally insensitive role-play. I…
Oh, here he comes.
Oh, here he comes. That same sleepy look on his face. We’re doing this again, are we? I see him coming because he left me out on the counter last time—like an animal. Not in the sink. Certainly not cleaned and put away like I deserve. Yup. Cabinet opens. Glass jar. Red lid comes…
Oh, here he comes. That same sleepy look on his face. We’re doing this again, are we? I see him coming because he left me out on the counter last time—like an animal. Not in the sink. Certainly not cleaned and put away like I deserve. Yup. Cabinet opens. Glass jar. Red lid comes…
Oh, here he comes.
Oh, here he comes. That same sleepy look on his face. We’re doing this again, are we? I see him coming because he left me out on the counter last time—like an animal. Not in the sink. Certainly not cleaned and put away like I deserve. Yup. Cabinet opens. Glass jar. Red lid comes off. Oh, he’s got me. Blech.
taylorgillis.com
July 3, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Oh, here he comes.
Oh, here he comes. That same sleepy look on his face. We’re doing this again, are we? I see him coming because he left me out on the counter last time—like an animal. Not in the sink. Certainly not cleaned and put away like I deserve. Yup. Cabinet opens. Glass jar. Red lid comes…
Oh, here he comes. That same sleepy look on his face. We’re doing this again, are we? I see him coming because he left me out on the counter last time—like an animal. Not in the sink. Certainly not cleaned and put away like I deserve. Yup. Cabinet opens. Glass jar. Red lid comes…
I’ve been quietly working on something.
It’s a free email course for people who used to make things—or want to—but feel stuck or scattered.
It’s not about building a brand or optimizing your output. It’s about noticing things again.
It’s a free email course for people who used to make things—or want to—but feel stuck or scattered.
It’s not about building a brand or optimizing your output. It’s about noticing things again.
July 2, 2025 at 12:34 PM
I’ve been quietly working on something.
It’s a free email course for people who used to make things—or want to—but feel stuck or scattered.
It’s not about building a brand or optimizing your output. It’s about noticing things again.
It’s a free email course for people who used to make things—or want to—but feel stuck or scattered.
It’s not about building a brand or optimizing your output. It’s about noticing things again.
Our 3 year old, singing Joan Jett: "I love jukeboxes!"
June 28, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Our 3 year old, singing Joan Jett: "I love jukeboxes!"
New print in the shop:
Read Books, Not Posts
A gentle reminder for the chronically online (hi, me).
10×10, hand drawn, slightly smug.
🛒 taylorgillis.com
#readbooksnotposts #artprint #indieartist #handlettering #booksky
Read Books, Not Posts
A gentle reminder for the chronically online (hi, me).
10×10, hand drawn, slightly smug.
🛒 taylorgillis.com
#readbooksnotposts #artprint #indieartist #handlettering #booksky
Read Books, Not Posts – 10×10 Art Print
A gentle reminder, typed loudly. This 10×10 digital risograph-style art print features hand-drawn lettering and a bit of texture, like something you might find on a well-loved bookmark—or the back …
taylorgillis.com
June 28, 2025 at 2:01 PM
New print in the shop:
Read Books, Not Posts
A gentle reminder for the chronically online (hi, me).
10×10, hand drawn, slightly smug.
🛒 taylorgillis.com
#readbooksnotposts #artprint #indieartist #handlettering #booksky
Read Books, Not Posts
A gentle reminder for the chronically online (hi, me).
10×10, hand drawn, slightly smug.
🛒 taylorgillis.com
#readbooksnotposts #artprint #indieartist #handlettering #booksky
I’ve started mailing strangers my worst paintings.
$8 covers shipping. I pick one and send it to you.
No guarantees, no refunds, no idea what you're getting.
Introducing:
🎁 Free Crappy Art
$8 covers shipping. I pick one and send it to you.
No guarantees, no refunds, no idea what you're getting.
Introducing:
🎁 Free Crappy Art
Free Crappy Art (Yes, Really)
For years, I’ve been making little paintings, sketches, prints—whatever you want to call them. Some were warm-ups. Some were experiments. Some were just me trying to figure something out with a brush or a brayer or a new ink. I kept them. Most of them, anyway. Not because they’re precious, but because they remind me that making things—especially imperfect things—is worth doing.
taylorgillis.com
June 24, 2025 at 10:41 AM
I’ve started mailing strangers my worst paintings.
$8 covers shipping. I pick one and send it to you.
No guarantees, no refunds, no idea what you're getting.
Introducing:
🎁 Free Crappy Art
$8 covers shipping. I pick one and send it to you.
No guarantees, no refunds, no idea what you're getting.
Introducing:
🎁 Free Crappy Art
Eight years ago, I got hit in the mouth and forgot about it.
I didn’t even know I’d cracked a tooth.
I didn’t even know I’d cracked a tooth.
May 18, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Eight years ago, I got hit in the mouth and forgot about it.
I didn’t even know I’d cracked a tooth.
I didn’t even know I’d cracked a tooth.
I’ve apparently been apprenticing for this role since childhood.
New piece: Help Wanted: Awkward Overthinker
New piece: Help Wanted: Awkward Overthinker
Help Wanted: Awkward Overthinker
Help Wanted: Awkward Overthinker
open.substack.com
May 17, 2025 at 12:57 PM
I’ve apparently been apprenticing for this role since childhood.
New piece: Help Wanted: Awkward Overthinker
New piece: Help Wanted: Awkward Overthinker
New Substack post
The Awkward One
That time I walked into a party, overheard someone call me awkward… and decided to lean into it.New post on Cracked Open: The Awkward One
open.substack.com
May 15, 2025 at 10:23 AM
New Substack post
Reposted by Taylor Gillis
Carl Sagan when asked, "Are you a Socialist?"
April 21, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Carl Sagan when asked, "Are you a Socialist?"
Reposted by Taylor Gillis
Dance with Death, by Hieronymus Hess, 1841, 📸 via Vatican Media Pool
April 21, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Dance with Death, by Hieronymus Hess, 1841, 📸 via Vatican Media Pool
Our kids stand in the middle of the room and look up in the air to make requests to Santa just like this.
a man sitting at a desk with a peacock logo on the bottom
ALT: a man sitting at a desk with a peacock logo on the bottom
media.tenor.com
April 8, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Our kids stand in the middle of the room and look up in the air to make requests to Santa just like this.
Reposted by Taylor Gillis
Musk states "the fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy". Charles Darwin, who actually researched this stuff, showed it was empathy, specifically, that enabled humanity to flourish.
Government AI, defending DOGE and more: Takeaways from Elon Musk’s three-hour interview with Joe Rogan
The wide-ranging interview between the two prominent Trump supporters comes as Musk remakes the federal government.
www.politico.com
March 5, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Musk states "the fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy". Charles Darwin, who actually researched this stuff, showed it was empathy, specifically, that enabled humanity to flourish.
Make America Wait Again
March 5, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Make America Wait Again
AOC: I think billionaires should pay more so you can have health insurance.
Republicans: AAAAGGGHHHH SHE’S THE LITERAL DEVIL!!!!!
Republicans: AAAAGGGHHHH SHE’S THE LITERAL DEVIL!!!!!
February 26, 2025 at 10:45 AM
AOC: I think billionaires should pay more so you can have health insurance.
Republicans: AAAAGGGHHHH SHE’S THE LITERAL DEVIL!!!!!
Republicans: AAAAGGGHHHH SHE’S THE LITERAL DEVIL!!!!!
Reposted by Taylor Gillis
It may not be cool or hip in some circles, but we legitimately do need a massive amount of people to run for office.
Flood the school boards, councils, county seats, state legislatures, Congress, etc.
Big changes at the top happen when the ground shifts at the bottom. And that can start now.
Flood the school boards, councils, county seats, state legislatures, Congress, etc.
Big changes at the top happen when the ground shifts at the bottom. And that can start now.
February 22, 2025 at 8:07 PM
It may not be cool or hip in some circles, but we legitimately do need a massive amount of people to run for office.
Flood the school boards, councils, county seats, state legislatures, Congress, etc.
Big changes at the top happen when the ground shifts at the bottom. And that can start now.
Flood the school boards, councils, county seats, state legislatures, Congress, etc.
Big changes at the top happen when the ground shifts at the bottom. And that can start now.