Rising Stars: Meet Jeremy Padilla

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Padilla.

Hi Jeremy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
I’ve always enjoyed being creative and running with my imagination. I have always loved to paint and draw since I was a child. Our local grocery store used to do monthly coloring sheets where if you won, you got a free candy bar; even in my first art competition in first grade, I got 2nd place. My grandfather was my main inspiration, one day he quickly sketched out the classic horror film monsters to perfection and that always set a standard to what I wanted to be able to do. 

By fifth grade I met my match, someone who was so skillfully blessed in being able to draw and at a much more advanced level. Immediately I was discouraged and slowly over the years I stopped drawing and painting. I would do small things here and there, but not the way I used to. In high school, I got back into it, painting posters for school and small signs. I always had something new I created for my binders and even for other people. That’s how I started getting into graffiti. We used to have small black books that would be passed around a couple high schools where we all just shared our work and had fun. I was introduced to my first writing crew and even met some people from Los Angeles, I was hooked. At this time, I started planning my future and setting up to become a firefighter. I stopped art again, and by my senior year, I was going to high school in the morning and attending a local college in the evening. 

The downfall. I was wrapping up my AA in fire science, working with West Covina Fire department, and planning my entry to the fire academy when one day I woke up at home and I couldn’t stand up. My back was in immense pain like a knife was stuck in it, my hips and legs felt like they were on fire. I quickly made a doctor appointment and headed over. After an X-ray, they immediately transported me to an emergency room, and that’s where I found out I had a ruptured disc at my L5-S1 and 5 bulging discs above it. I was 18 years old and that’s when the doctor told me I most likely won’t be able to continue a career in firefighting. I was crushed and so lost about life. Because I was so young, no one wanted to do surgery; the only answer was opioids. I was living my life as normal as possible, but as the years went on, my back slowly got worse and worse. The ruptured disc was beginning to calcify and turn to bone where the bone was compressing on my spinal cord. Quickly I was struggling to sit, stand, walk, I couldn’t do anything. I became bedridden. I was struggling to stay happy or find anything positive about my situation. I started to hate my life and slipped into a dark place. That’s when I started to get back into art to help me stay distracted from everything going on in my life. 

Eventually my right leg was starting to become paralyzed, I couldn’t wiggle my toes, couldn’t feel the gas pedal, and even when walking I would trip over my foot when I couldn’t move it. Finally, that’s what allowed me to get help and get a fusion surgery at Marina Del Ray Spine Center. It took a solid 5 years until finally I could really feel relaxed. That’s when I found myself working in the film industry. Working with industry professionals and creatives was such an amazing opportunity. I was able to meet some amazing people, travel to fun places, experience behind the scenes with big names in the entertainment industry. Surrounding myself with so many creatives they always encouraged me, and this is what pushed me to take painting more seriously. My parents never supported me making art, so I never thought of turning it into a career. 

I talked to a few artists while on set, and they kind of shared some beginner secrets, where to find supplies, how art shows are done, who to look out for, etc. The biggest compliment was when they shared how artist can go their whole lives without finding their one thing that separates them from every artist, And I found my one thing. I paint smiley faces with a beauty mark =.] My work is instantly recognizable for its clean, abstract patterns; using an appropriate mix of colors that reflect the environment, recipient, or my own mood, I paint each piece in a randomized layout. The result is a unique collection of works, each piece distinct from the others. So, I finally applied to my first show, and I got accepted to a group show here in DTLA! Then another in Huntington Beach, as well as some local fairs. Then was hired to paint my first public art, electrical boxes in Yuba, CA. Thats when it clicked for me, my life was re-aligned to what I was always supposed to do. 

Above all, my ultimate goal as an artist is to bring joy and happiness to people’s lives. I firmly believe that art possesses the remarkable ability to inspire and ignite imagination, regardless of age or race. Scientifically proven, smiling has profound positive effects on our health and well-being, including maintaining a positive outlook, reducing stress, boosting our immune system, and enhancing overall happiness. It is this message of “Just Keep Smiling” that I seek to share through my artwork. The best part of my art is that No Matter The Language, Everyone Understands A Smile. 

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?
There’s waves to this, a lot of ups and lot of downs. In the beginning it was all ups, my first time applying to a show I got accepted, my first time applying for public art I was accepted. It felt like I was on the right path. Then I got a little discouraged because I realized it’s not easy making a living off of art; I was definitely living the life of a starving artist. I had to talk to other artist to understand that it’s not that easy making a living wage from painting. More now than ever. 

One of the biggest challenges was keeping other people’s opinions out of my mind, whether it was my parents or close friends. There’s always someone who won’t be happy that you’re becoming successful. 

“I used to be my own enemy 

Now, I done had several epiphanies over some breakfast at Tiffany’s 

Had to forgive all my frenemies 

They are not who they pretend to be 

I had to protect all my energy” – Janelle Monáe 

I still struggle with putting myself out there. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I paint smiley faces with a beauty mark =.] 

I have a beauty mark on the upper right side of my face; I used to HATE it! I wanted to rip it off I was always teased and bullied specially when Austin Powers goldmemeber came out. Then, one day, while chatting with my friends on AOL instant messenger, I fell upon =.] It was an emoji with my beauty mark, then I instantly felt special. It became my signature online. So, when I started getting into graffiti, I stamped my signature smiley face everywhere. When I was bedridden, I instantly went back to my signature and explored different styles. Thats how I established the randomized design, I paint the smiley faces in 3 sizes, 3 times, sometimes 3 colors. I specialize in Acrylic and Aerosol, but I’m always open to different mediums. I’m also known for painting movie posters throughout LA. I enjoy splashing paint over the models’ faces and throwing a smiley face on top. I came up with the name EQUALdotBRACKET because it started as an equal sign, a period, and an end bracket. 

I’m most proud of what sets me apart from others. My artwork is easily recognizable, you can see it on a wall in Los Angeles or a wall in Japan and you would instantly know it’s my work. No Matter The Language, Everyone Understands A Smile. I like the fact that it’s nothing but when you learn more about my story the artwork makes more sense. 

What were you like growing up?
Active, I was always doing something. I loved riding all boards, Skateboarding, Snowboarding, Surfing. I never really enjoyed sports, but I was always signed up in basketball and football. I loved video games and hanging out with my pets (Fish, Birds, Dogs, Hamster, Chameleon). I’ve always enjoyed animals more than humans. I’m so grateful that I got to grow up in the last generation that actually played outside. I was always skating around, just enjoying be free with my friends. 

Pricing:

• $75
• $150
• $750
• $3000
• $10000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.EQUALdotBRACKET.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EQUALdotBRACKETart
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@EQUALdotBRACKETart