Today we’d like to introduce you to Patty Pancak3s.
Hi Patty, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Buckle up, kiddos: this is gonna be a wild ride.
I was born into a chaotic family over in the city of Orange, CA. We moved every two years until I hit the age of 10 or 11. By then, I had been to 48/50 states as well as a handful of countries.
I had trouble keeping friends until I went to high school; so, during my wee years, I had developed a passion for observational science while exploring my numerous backyards.
I didn’t give art much focus until the later years of high school, where I was shown the magic of entertainment and the small world these creatives existed in.
I was hooked on creativity like a drug. The possibilities that exist in not just art, but in music, fashion, film, culinary, dance… I had to see as much as possible! I wanted my creativity/art to take me around the world.
However, not everyone sees the world like this. My parents were some of those people. Since I didn’t want to become a biologist, I had to strike out on my own.
This was the first time I was homeless, but not the last. During the shuffle of learning responsibilities, I discovered the beautiful culture of graffiti and tattooing. I ran with a couple of groups between downtown LA and Venice beach, and I’d chat with every tattoo artist in between.
With what I picked up during that time, I began to apply it into digital art. I think I was living in Canada when I began to have random internet strangers interacting with me regarding my art.
Upon returning to the states during an economic crash, I’d scrape by via upcycling house decor/furniture, taking portrait commissions, and collecting plastic bottles to recycle for money.
With a lot of research, I noticed a huge demand and a low supply of childcare facilities, and so I started my first business at 23. With this income, I was able to support myself as well as my mother and sister.
I couldn’t give up art during this time. I’d study more and more digital programs while taking small freelance gigs occasionally.
With the business and freelance growing, my health began to decline.
I was forced to step away when I discovered a tumor on my brain stem. Honestly, I should have left sooner, I was working *way* too much!
I couldn’t rely on my freelance to support the three of us while I was dealing with my health, so I stepped away from everyone.
It means a lot to be a valued artist… but unfortunately, it means jack outside the art world. Everything I built was gone, I couldn’t do the things I used to and it was a struggle to accept that.
I knew I was still going to make art, I just didn’t know *how* it could sustain my old freelance lifestyle.
A few years ago, however, I figured it out: I’d become a traveling tattoo artist. Having some experience with it in my youth as well as designing quite a few for others, I figured this would be a good career path.
From that day on, I’ve been working towards having a stable income as well as a stable home so as to obtain a teacher to study under.
Not many things in my life have come easy, and these past couple of years are no exception. I’ve had nine jobs, three moves, and an entirely new lifestyle to learn.
I moved into this van I bought and converted back in July of 2020. It’s been an insane adventure, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world! My current job is ideal for the next few steps towards my goal of becoming a traveling tattoo artist; and with the reception I’ve received since returning to the art world, I couldn’t be happier with this path I’ve chosen and I’m excited for what’s to come over these next few years.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
A smooth road signifies a lack of obstacles. Without these obstacles, we would never be able to appreciate the positives in our lives.
My life was never very smooth, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Well, at the moment, I guess I’d be considered an illustrator. My old work was a different life, so, for now, the stuff I’ve been sharing has been limited to ink work with some digital pieces sprinkled in like salt bae. I’ve got a very distinct style in the sense of my shapes and structures. I freehand everything and am too lazy to clean up my layout notes (or anything, really).
My work is raw and unpolished for the most part. I value stroke paths, negative spacing, and texture.
I’m still refreshing myself in these new art apps, so I’m looking forward to seeing how much I’ll be growing over the years.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Oh easily my trips to the beach. If we were living in southern California, we’d always hit up these two beaches and spend the weekend enjoying the sun and surf. I remember the first time I saw a pod of wild dolphins while I was out on my boogie board in Huntington Beach.
Contact Info:
- Email: pattymcpancakes@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justpancak3s/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/justpancak3s
Image Credits
Pancak3s!!
