Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Hance Taplin is a designer, photographer and creative director. Earned his degree in Design from Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas & did an overseas study in the history of architecture, onsite drawing and film photography throughout Europe and Spain. From here Hance decided to plant his roots in Dallas, TX, starting his professional design career at Simmons Design Associates. While also building his personal relationship with the culture of Dallas through digital photography under the alias Kiddrae254.

Hance later found his way out of the corporate design field, and into, at the time a novice streetwear market in Dallas. This shift inspired thought starters that would in 2015 develop into his brand & platform –– By Way of Dallas. His goal was to “connect both sides of 75” and rebrand Dallas through the lens of disruptive design and community collaboration. Past collaborations include Nike, Neiman Marcus, The Dallas Cowboys, D Magazine, Neighborhood Goods, Dallas Market Center, Breda and The Dallas Mavericks. BWOD has grown organically into a powerful voice in the Dallas creative community.