Conversations with Felony Dodger

Today we’d like to introduce you to Felony Dodger.

Hi Felony, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been very crafty. Growing up, I was very active in the arts. In college, my professor told me that although I was good at many facets of the arts that I needed to choose one thing to refine or I will be master of none. I liked to draw, paint, sculpt, sew, take photos, make music, and etcetera to infinitum. It was when I found drag that I could combine all of my interests into one successful product. I make one hundred percent of my clothes and accessories, I paint my own face, I take my own portraits, and I sing live in bars. Drag is how I take my art out of the gallery and into the world. When I’m in drag, my audience is experiencing the art piece in real live kinetic time. The art piece is me and I am the artist.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been an easy road to get to where I am today. Like many gay men, I grew up in a house that looked down on homosexuality and cross-dressing. I didn’t come out of the closet until my twenties so I feel like I have lost ten years of my childhood where I could have been practicing and refining my craft but instead I was hiding and pretending to be average. It takes a lot of intention to not have regrets or resentments about my past. The best I can do is to be myself now and not fear aging and lost time.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m recognized in LA as a costumer. It sets me apart because everything I wear is custom. Custom clothes get attention and praise in the drag world. I sew for other people on the side of performing and creating my own looks. When I was just one year into drag, I was cast on a reality TV show called “Boulet Brother’s Dragula”. I was the least “experienced” cast member and I believe that my costume design landed me the gig. Being on Dragula afforded me great adventures. I got to travel and create. It has been a few years now, but the title of “Dragula girl” still sticks with me to the drag community. They know I’m a talented artist and I get to be an artist as an adult.

What makes you happy?
I very much enjoy singing in bars, creating costumes, getting to transform into this kooky other-worldly character, and being the person that I hid throughout my childhood. It makes me happy to be an artist as an adult. I achieve my goals. That is gratitude. That is happiness.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @felonydodger
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMcp4aav0FVOC8cQSNiKmig

Image Credits:
Ash Danielson Photographer La Ganja Estranja model Diego Robles Photographer