We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Courtney “Chikin” Patrick a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Courtney “Chikin”, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

As a kid all the way throughout my teenage years I was always drawing. I’d lost my drive and passion for creating shortly after graduating hs. About a decade later I found my love for creating again and it came back with a vengeance. I didn’t want to lose that fire but I had a problem. I was working a full time job that didn’t really leave much room for me to focus solely on art. After while I decided I was going to quit my job. I took the risk of walking away from a consistent check as well as many benefits and perks just to pursue art full time. One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken but I’d do it over again with zero hesitation.

Courtney “Chikin”, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’d gone to an art block party. There I’d met an artist named Vic(ig:@bornartistofficial). I’d approached him due to the hat that he was wearing. It was a limited special edition OutKast hat. I was also an owner of one. He began telling me the story as to how he’d gotten it. From there he started showing me his artwork. I’d expressed to him how much I’d love to get back into art but I was struggling trying to find my way back seeing how it had been a decade since I’d last entertained my craft. He invited me to a gathering he’d throw called pull up and paint. I went and the rest was history.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Something that I find most non creatives struggle with that I encounter is the belief that most times I never know what I’m doing lol. I’ve no real methods and techniques, I just try random things until I achieve what I desire. I’m self taught so I actually struggle sometimes when trying to do things by the book. I find myself not really understanding in that way. I tend to just do what I feel or what I imagine in my mind. I’ll try things in different ways and once I’ve actually gained my own understanding as to what I’m wanting to accomplish then I can sometimes actually follow the “textbook” way of that makes any sense.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect would be the reactions from others when it comes to my work. It’s still taking some getting used to cause it’s as if it’s the first time every time. The raw reactions fill my cup Everytime!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/chikinart?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artbychikin
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@chikindoesit?_t=8Ug9v4XTG2A&_r=1