We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Patrick Shepard. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Patrick below.
Hi Patrick, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Being calculated and taking proper risks has gotten me the furthest in my artistic development. I worked as a barista at UofM hospital for more than 4 years before I got my first national/international tour with The Black Opera(a hip-hop crew based out of Detroit and Ann Arbor). It was here I had my first decision to take the risk of leaving my comfortable corporate job and pursuing my dream. They refused to give me the time off needed so I resigned and continued my path.
Patrick, 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 got into the industry of entertainment at the age of 15 in 9th grade with my best friend Sonny. We had the same math class and would come up with all types of ideas for graphic Tee’s, skits, songs, and business ventures. We planned to fulfill these goals after high school. I spent the next 15+ years honing my craft. I’ve studied all elements of hip hop from emcee, producer, and B-boy. After leaving the corporate world I start work at Launch Boardshop in Ann Arbor, where I would be free to create and generate ideas that once seemed impossible. I would curate open mic’s and community events to give myself and others a platform to express our art. These events led me to many local creators who shared similar goals. I’m a person that connects dots and networks with intention.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My first European tour with TBO was for a month but I could only afford the first week in France. I had been terminated from my job because I would be gone for so long and had exhausted all my resources just getting the plane ticket to Paris. We had 2 shows and visited 3 cities within a few days of being in France. I called my airline to check on my flight for simple reassurance. The airline told me my flight wasn’t for another month and due to miscommunication had canceled it all together and held my money for 60 days. I had only 10 euros to my name and the rest of the group were going to be heading out on 2 days. I was essentially stranded in Paris. I talked to The Black Opera and agreed to help sell merch and I would get paid a percentage to help me finish the tour. We went to Austria, Bulgaria, and Germany where I stayed for a week because of the cheaper flights available. In each country, I needed to make friends and tell them about my situation in case I needed a place to stay and after each show, I had to add up all my money and search for a matching connecting flight with the rest of the crew. During my stay in Germany, we did 3 shows in Berlin, this is where I met our music marketer Wanja. While waiting for my flight I stayed with her because the rest of TBO had to finish the tour in Poland. I had gotten a job at a bar back at this big beer garden called the Urban Spree the first day we landed in Germany before we did our shows. I had brought my skateboard and every morning I would Skate far in each direction to get a lay of the land and to explore, this is how I ran into the Beer Garden manager by accidentally trespassing in their outside art gallery. He asked me if I had some free time and offered me a job. Once the crew was off to Poland I began work at the Beer Garden which helped me buy weed, beer, and my ticket home. This was a good summary but the story is better and more in person
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal and mission are very simple, I want to get to a point of expressing myself and art so well that others would want to break their mold. I am very dedicated to purchasing land and building a house and Library for myself and my parents. I want to be able to be a bridge towards anyone needing proper guidance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pat2dope.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pat2dope/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pat2Dope
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-shepard-23ab71b6/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pat2Dope
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pat2dope322
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/drako.shots/ https://www.instagram.com/francisthomasovich/ https://www.instagram.com/yung.larry/ https://www.instagram.com/flexdame/