BJ Taylor: Artist, Fashion Creator, and Anime Icon
When it comes to cartoons and anime, if you grew up in the 90s, nostalgia runs deep in our veins when we see pictures of famous childhood characters that we spent our Saturday mornings binge-watching shows before that was even a thing. This peak childhood experience is important and rare because it was something that wasn’t really seen before the 80s and only lasted a while before most cartoons and anime shows were moved to the afternoon/after-school time slots.
Fast forward to 2022, where people are taking more time appreciating the past after going through a rough 2020-2021 stretch. An artist from Durham used that time to recreate childhood nostalgia moments into art and fashion for the world to enjoy.
Boyd Taylor, Jr, better known as BJ, is an African American artist who has made a public appearance in the social media world of anime. Born and raised in Durham, NC, he knew art was his passion from an early age.
From his love of art and desire to put to paper his vision of creativity, he picked up the paintbrush in 2017.
It was only 4 years later in 2021 that BJ developed his business, Naturally Bred Customs, that began to pique public interest. With the help of his girlfriend, Cortney, business for them both has never looked better. However, BJ wanted his art to mean something, and he incorporated his passion for anime into his artwork. As a painter and recent social media influencer, he has turned his successful anime paintings into a fashion trend that is beginning to take over North Carolina.
Naturally Bred Customs
BJ created NBC in 2021 with a “goal to make people happy and to spread positivity through his artwork.” Naturally Bred Customs, or NBC, is an Instagram business account in which BJ sells his anime designs. Realizing that he had a lot of people seeking to have artwork done on their favorite anime shows, he decided to finally begin a business.
With a little over 1,000 followers in the first year of development, he has sold several items and has grown in popularity at a tremendous rate. What makes this business unique is the personalization of his artwork and the amount of effort he puts into his designs; unlike other businesses who use graphic design to print off on material, BJ hand-paints his canvases upon request.
Varying from hoodies, shirts, pants, jackets, hats, and wood art, he creates vivid anime portraits that are brought to life on fabric. Each stroke of his brush, the usage of color, the careful consideration of placement, and the dedication in which this artist has is exceptional.
Anime Favorites
Beginning on Cartoon Network in 1997, Toonami became an anime gateway for millions of millennials; for two hours every night, the channel was dedicated to broadcasting action cartoons like Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, and Naruto. Like many children who grew up watching Cartoon Network, BJ fell in love with the characters, art, and plots of these anime shows.
Taylor states, “once I discovered the Toonami channel, I eventually just wandered the Internet and found everything.” Not surprisingly, most of his artwork incorporates these three shows he grew up watching from a young age that inspired him to pick up a paintbrush.
As an anime lover and artist myself, I was excited to get in touch with BJ Taylor to find out about his anime favorite; like myself and millions of others, he is a major fan of Naruto. Naruto, first coming out in 1999, became a multi-millionaire production. It tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a parentless child who is hated by his village for containing the nine-tail fox.
This young, adventurous, and outgoing ninja is followed throughout his journey of seeking recognition from his village in hopes of becoming Hokage. As a young boy who perseveres through challenges, makes the best of every situation and stands his ground on doing what is right, audiences fell in love with his determined personality of achieving his dream.
Similarly, having the opportunity to talk to BJ for a short while myself, he resembles this hard-working personality of the character he loves. He states, “Naruto is my favorite by default. We have similarities in our morals, and his personality is so close to mine. He has a sense of humor and will always try to see the good in people.” BJ Taylor, or the Naruto Uzumaki of the art and fashion world, is a passionate, hard-working, and humorous artist.
Favorable Moments
Not only does BJ want to spread positivity through art, but he wants to “inspire kids to chase their dreams no matter what.” One of his favorite art pieces, although not anime-inspired, was a Kobe Bryant mural painted in his living room. He had the opportunity to show a couple of kids the work he had done a couple of years ago, and he remembers vividly that they went crazy in excitement.
Taylor states, “I enjoyed seeing that I had made a positive impact on them.” These positive impacts are what keep him going– the smiles, excitement, and joy that his art produces forwards him to continue producing high-quality work.
Working On Now and a Special Shout-Out
Currently, BJ and his girlfriend, Cortney Bell, are working on a Gigi Bryant Mural at Duke assistant coach Nolan Smith’s house. Landing this big opportunity, BJ hopes that it will open up more doors for his business.
Although he has put a lot of work into his business and is the prime artist, he credits his girlfriend for her major support.
He states, “I give my girlfriend Cortney a lot of credit. She has helped me a lot with murals and clothes; not only is she my support system, but she is also my partner as well.”
What is Next for BJ and NBC?
Not a lot is known about what BJ is doing next for NBC. However, for you anime fans and lovers of his work, we do have a small hint.
“More dope pieces are coming soon. That’s all I can give you. Just be on the lookout for what’s next.”
What do you think BJ will create next? Another Naruto jacket, or perhaps a Dragon Ball Z hat? Whatever it is, grab your wallets and support this small business; he is an icon you do not want to miss.
Pricing, Customization and Social Media
It is important to note that these fashion items are hand-painted and customized. While the prices are negotiable, they remain at a fairly reasonable amount based on the amount of work put into these paintings and designs. Since NBC is a small business, it is only BJ making this artwork himself, with the occasional help of his girlfriend; the art produced usually takes about 2 business weeks to produce the best results.
- Adult Hoodies and Jackets: $150 and up
- Pants: $130 and up
- Shirts: $120 and up
- Hats: $50 and up
IG Account: @naturally_bredcustoms
For more information about pricing and to get in contact with BJ on specific work you want to be done, please contact him via Instagram.