Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Stephenson.
Hi Patrick, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Grew up in Ojai, California. Went to school at Cal Arts and lived in the Los Angeles area when I met Rudy Bleu, who was developing Big Boy Vintage. Knowing I could draw, he asked me to design a shirt, and after BBV shut down, I never stopped. I moved to New York for a decade and am now back in California continuing work as BEARPAD, which does large-scale art installations on site (usually Palm Springs or The Bay Area) as well as continuing to sell merchandise. We are based in Santa Cruz but our origin is the LA area and our work spans the entire state of California.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve never taken any risks with the business – I’ve been lucky to have customers who ask for things, and I have simply replied with what they ask for and have grown slowly that way over the last decade. My partner (who is part of the business now) and I have finally begun the process of forming an LLC, which has been the most challenging thing so far. Neither of us are business brained and it feels like starting a small business is not something that is encouraged in California with any kind of framework to make things easier for folks who don’t have that mindset.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We focus on big queer bodies at large scale. We don’t shy away from explicit sexuality and we celebrate what others might consider taboo in an attempt to break down puritanical societal barriers while proposing a cuddlier/friendlier alternative.
See examples at: www.Bearpad.art
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I mean, going slow worked for me. Don’t expect to make it big right away. It takes time to establish yourself and find a community that supports you. Also, scheduling time for yourself is essential- it’s easy as a small business to have the work take over your entire life. Taking breaks and chilling out is part of what lets you move forward.
Pricing:
- T Shirts: 30
- Stickers: 3
- Hats: 25
- Custom large scale wood cutouts: 250-1000
- Full scale party installation: 2000-10000
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Bearpad.art
- Instagram: Bearpadart
- Facebook: Facebook.com/bearpad
- Twitter: Bearpadart
- Other: Bearpad.storenvy.com
