We recently connected with Frances Pennington and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Frances, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

How did you learn to do what you do?:
Learning to do what I do was a bit like being on a creative rollercoaster! I started with the basics, of course—staying inside the lines, choosing “proper” colors, and following all the usual art-class rules. But even as a kid, I couldn’t resist bending those rules a bit. Experimenting and finding my own way was half the fun! Over time, though, art education became less about personal expression and more about meeting “official” expectations. By high school, art was my escape for dealing with life’s curveballs, and my style didn’t always fit the typical idea of “acceptable” art. I often got more criticism than praise, but oddly enough, that just made me more determined. It taught me that art doesn’t need anyone’s stamp of approval; it just needs to be made. That little revelation has stuck with me ever since.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?:
Looking back, I’d say the key would’ve been to trust my unique view a little sooner and just go for it. No waiting around for validation—just diving into what felt right to me. If I’d leaned into my curiosity without stressing over “rules,” I might’ve found my own voice a bit faster. And having mentors who really understood my vibe, instead of pushing the standard frameworks, would’ve made all the difference. Surrounding myself with people who “got it” could’ve accelerated things in a big way.

What skills do you think were most essential?:
Honestly, the biggest “skill” was learning to trust my own perspective. Building up a solid sense of self-worth in my work, even when others didn’t quite “get it,” has been everything. Sure, technical skills like drawing and painting are super useful, but my real strength is having the guts to create exactly what feels right to me. That mix of skill and authenticity? Priceless.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?:
The biggest challenge was trying to fit my creativity into a pretty rigid system. Art education often felt like it had a “one-size-fits-all” approach that didn’t leave much room for the themes I was drawn to. I remember failing a high school assignment because I chose to draw a cadaver study as a “still life” (because technically, they were “still life”!). Experiences like that reminded me of the limits in traditional art education, and sometimes made me wonder if I was on the right path.

Later, a new challenge appeared: finding a balance between creating what I love and making a living. At times, the need to “sell out” or cater to popular tastes felt at odds with my values as an artist. Yet, these obstacles taught me to find a personal balance: making art that keeps the bills paid, while also carving out time to create what truly brings me joy. This balance has become key to my journey, allowing me to honor the practical side of my craft while still embracing my passion for unfiltered, authentic expression.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who don’t know me, I’m practically an unknown artist, but those who do know me know me by many names: Frances Wells, Frankie, Viciousbunny, Frankenbunny, and now, Frances Pennington. I’ve been lucky enough to have my art reach different countries—and even land on different bodies. To the people around me, there’s nothing I can’t create. I’ve taken on some pretty unique requests and turned them into memorable pieces of art.

I got into art the way most artists do: I picked up a crayon. (Although it may have been a marker I got hold of and drew on the walls) I like to think of myself as an artist of all trades, and I’ll dive into any medium I can get my hands on. I work with painting, wood burning, drawing, tattooing, crochet, sewing, baking, face painting, chalkboard art, mural-painting, caricatures, cosplay costumes, writing, poetry—you name it. (Though I will say, large-scale glassblowing wasn’t my calling. The heat wasn’t for me; I even passed out trying it. But I do want to explore smaller glasswork, like glass menagerie pieces, where I can work right up close.)

To me, art is all about the phrase “Fuck around and find out.” You don’t really know what you’re doing until you try. You’re going to fail sometimes—and honestly, that’s part of the fun. It’s going to get messy; it might even hurt; and some people might not like it, but at least you gave it a shot. In a way, I think of art like science, except I’m not trying to prove anything. I wish more people could turn off that critical voice in their heads and just let themselves get messy. It’s something I’ve noticed when teaching painting classes, especially when people have had a drink or two—they let go of that inner critic, and suddenly, their paintings come out much more free and expressive. Exposing that they could do it all along.

What sets me apart from other artists is my ability to take someone else’s ideas and work with them visually until we create something they’re thrilled with. This was why I loved being a tattoo artist. Even though I’m no longer in a shop, my first love was helping people turn their ideas into something they’d proudly wear forever. It’s like my superpower; I might not always have the initial idea, but I can take others’ ideas and shape them into a cohesive visual that feels just right.

Right now, I’m working to grow as an artist, to let more people know about my work, and to reach a place where I can focus more on the creative projects that truly reflect me—not just the ones that pay the bills. In the end, I want people to know that I’m here to make art that’s both unique and true to my style, whether it’s for a client’s vision or for my own creative fulfillment.

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

The most rewarding part of being an artist is reconnecting with a sense of play and embracing the freedom to create without boundaries. As kids, art is playful and instinctive—we pick up crayons, scribble wildly, and experiment without worrying if it’s “right.” But as we grow up, that playfulness is often replaced by rules and criticism. We’re told to stay in the lines, to use the “right” colors, and to make things look a certain way. It’s no surprise that many people lose their creative spark when the joy of play is replaced with judgment.

For me, reclaiming that playfulness has been life-changing. The process of creating—trying something new, making a mess, and seeing where it takes me—is where the magic happens. Play is what keeps me curious and open to the unexpected. It’s what allows me to experiment with new mediums, push boundaries, and dive into ideas that might not make sense to anyone else. And sometimes, it’s in those playful moments that I create my best work.

Art, to me, isn’t just about the final product. It’s about the act of creating without fear—trusting my instincts, laughing at the failures, and finding joy in the process itself. The reward comes when I can ignore those lingering voices of criticism and just play. That sense of freedom has helped me connect with others through my work in unexpected ways, whether it’s a painting, a tattoo, or a custom piece that starts with someone saying, “I have this crazy idea…”

Ultimately, being an artist is about making space.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I think my goal or mission could be summed up to connection, Like the way I approach personalized commissions with a sense of curiosity and play, always excited to explore ideas that reflect the unique personalities and stories of the people I create for. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is collaborating with someone to bring their vision to life in a way that’s unexpected, meaningful, and uniquely theirs. I don’t believe in a “right” way to create art—what matters is that it resonates, that it feels true to the person it’s for.

Some of my favorite commissions come from clients who start with, “I’m not sure if this idea is too weird…” That’s where the magic happens. Whether it’s turning a loved one’s memory into a piece that captures their essence, or crafting something playful and whimsical, I embrace the challenge of transforming raw ideas into finished pieces that feel personal and authentic.

For me, commissions are never just about meeting expectations—they’re about creating space for connection and self-expression. I want people to see their wild, messy, heartfelt ideas come to life and realize that creativity isn’t about getting it “right”—it’s about embracing the process and playing with possibilities. Every commission is a chance to help someone reconnect with their own creative voice, to show them that their ideas are valid and worth exploring.

My mission as an artist is simple: to take what’s inside someone’s imagination and make it real—without limits, without judgment, and with as much joy and play as possible. Whether it’s painting, woodburning, or an entirely new medium, I want to inspire people to remember that creativity is about more than the final product. It’s about the process, the emotion, and the story we create together along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://the-coffin-and-the-crow.myshopify.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fpenningtonarts27/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frankenbunny27

Image Credits

Frances Pennington (self)