I’m a visual strategist and cultural researcher fascinated by how we build enquiry in creative and cultural projects, and I’m often concerned by how the internet is changing our perception, and how we see, search and feel.

My process questions what 'research' is within an acadmic and creative context. Through dialogue and experimentation in an onging project – Atelier Index – I am interrogating of codes in our visual world relating to metadata, semiotics, research, looking, archiving.
I am interested in exploring the synthesis of intuitive, (sub)conscious human looking, and binary, programmed computer looking, and how this shapes how we understand the worlds we live in today.

In a professional or applied context, much of my research concerns how cultural organisations remain relevant for the needs of audiences and society in the future, and how public engagement can develop with contemporary society. This includes authoring 'Mindsets for Museums of the Future' with The Liminal Space, a sector facing piece of research commissoned by UKRI, and 'Science and Discovery Centre Futures: Missions and Opportunities' with The Liminal Space commissioned by UKRI and Wellcome. I also work on a consultancy basis with design studios and creative organisations in this capacity

Topics I am currently interested in exploring are:

Metadata and the Language of Looking

Vernacular Technology and Gestures of Visual Research

Empathy and Creative Connection

Innovative public and cultural engagement

Encouraging multidisciplinary approaches to image making and storytelling, considering and speculating upon the future of Illustration and Visual Communication

Designing and implementing Virtual Learning Environments

Encouraging methodologies for Visual Research to inform both design problem solving and personal practice

Fostering collaborative, empathetic and connected learning spaces and approaches – building methods of self reflection through research and experimentation.

Liv Taylor is a Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication at the University of Brighton. She runs the final year Illustration course, and has contributed to teaching on Graphic Design and on the MA courses.
Her interest is in contemporary illustration and visual communication and how this shapes the world we inhabit – online and offline. In 2018 she curated an exhibition 'Representing Realness', bringing together international illustrators and image makers to explore illustration as a counterpoint as photography in the context of dialogues around #metoo, mental health and social media.

She is also a Visual Strategist and Cultural Researcher working with brands, creative organisations and other academic institutions such as UCL and Birmingham University.
Working with The Liminal Space, she has contributed and consulted on exhibitions at the Natural History Museum and Museum of the Home, as well as completing strategic research for UKRI, Wellcome, Barbican, the BSA and various international museums.
In other work she has contributed to Viewpoint Magazine, exhibitions and projects for the V&A, Google and Nike. She has taken part in panel discussions during London Design Festival, Northern Design Festival as well as at the Museums Association Conference.

Visiting Lecturer at:

Royal College of Art
ESDIR (Spain)
London College of Communication
Cambridge College of Visual Arts
Bath Spa University
Plymouth College of Art
Clevelend College of Art and Design
Cardiff School of Art and Design
John Cabot University (USA and Italy)