Meet Morgan Taylor Bradley of Volker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Taylor Bradley.

Morgan Taylor, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been a film and commercial editor for the better part of 2 decades. While I’m originally from Kansas City, I spent most of my career in Chicago and San Francisco before returning home to KC in 2019. Most of my experience is in advertising and commercial editing, but I’ve also worked on some feature and short films and music videos. At the start of this year I decided to go freelance after exclusively working on staff at several high end post houses. I’ve loved every minute of my freelance experience so far, and feel great about how I’ve positioned myself to endure an unpredictable time in our industry.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an editor is interesting because you have very little control over the work that comes your way. Clients have so many options when it comes to editorial, so you really need to be top of mind for them when it’s time for them to choose an editor. Also the advertising industry is forever changing, with shrinking budgets and shifting priorities, making things even more competitive. I focus on the genuine relationships I’ve made along the way, and try to stay fresh in my craft. The last few years the industry has been slower than ever, which can make for some long periods of time between projects. While this still makes me a little squirmy, going freelance has helped me learn to embrace these times to stay inspired. My husband is also a freelance artist in the industry, so we focus on making and taking in art and travel during those times.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve always been sold as a “visual story telling” editor, and I love that. While I’m experienced in all genres, my preference is beautiful montages and emotional stories. I was a ballet dancer growing up, and I really call on the musicality and movement from those days in my editing. My sense of timing, and attention to detail have always been a strength. I’ve also been enjoying documentary and doc style editing a lot lately. It’s exciting that you can do a job for so many years and still evolve, and find your tastes and approaches changing.

I’m also passionate the relationships and friendships I’ve made in my career, and find them so fulfilling. Especially since going freelance, I’m so moved by the people who continue to support me in my work. I’m amazed to still be working with some of my earliest clients. There’s a lot that makes my job special, but the people are at the top of the list.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I’m an only child, and I’ve always been confident and outgoing. I was raised by a single mom and Scottish grandmother who encouraged me to try new things and be bold. I was always drawn to the arts and travel, and my family pushed that too. I chose to go away to Lake Forest College, a small liberal arts school an hour north of Chicago. This was truly a Sliding Doors moment for me (one of my favorite movies and ways to think about life), because I believe my time there and the people I met really shaped me into who I was meant to be. I also spent a semester studying at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, and that was truly the mind expanding icing on the cake to my college experience.

I stayed in Chicago after college, and there’s really no better place to spend your twenties. I threw myself into my career early and it paid off, advancing quickly from assistant editor to editor by my midtwenties.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.morgantaylorbradley.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgantaylorbradley/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgantaylorbradley/