Meet Cole Pantel | Graphic Designer & Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cole Pantel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cole, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Back in 7th Grade, a new class was available on my roster, Technology class. I had always been creative from a young age, but finding Graphic Design kicked me into overdrive. My teacher at the time saw my passion for the subject and began to give me additional resources and course materials to further my education. This lit a fire under me, and I’ve been in love with the digital art world ever since. It wasn’t until high school that I began focusing on it as a career, and upon seeing its potential I never looked back. Graphic design is my one true passion, the fact I can do it as a career was less of a decision and more of a blessing. So to answer the question as to why I pursue a creative job, it’s because I can’t see myself doing anything else.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Flesh Money is my Alias, my brand, and my world. It’s an all-encompassing conglomerate of my thoughts turned visual. I’ve always struggled with my mental health, and unfortunately, I had few outlets to express all the scary thoughts swirling in my head. When I found Graphic Design it just clicked. I could finally translate my depression & overall angst into something productive. I felt extremely proud. I began my design journey in Seventh grade, and have continued ever since. At first, I was just a freelance designer for restaurants and whatnot, I did menus and window advertisements, primarily for Mom & Pop establishments. I was ecstatic to get work, but it didn’t feel fulfilling. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I met my long-time friend and current collaborator Killxero. I had always loved music, particularly underground rap music, and I was absorbed by the artistry of an Album cover. Killxero is responsible for introducing me to the necessary individuals to start my career in the music industry. The journey wasn’t easy, but surrounded by other talented creatives I set out to make a name for myself. As with anything networking is key, I began to attend as many events as I possibly could, often making the drive from SD to LA a couple of times a week. I had no idea how to market myself but by god can I yap to strangers, and that’s where everything started. Slowly as time went on I gained clients here and there, but I needed a name. Flesh Money stems from all the aesthetics my art encompasses. I was raised on horror movies and hardcore music, later I became heavily invested in Rap music and culture. Combine the blood and guts with some glitz and glam and there you have it. Flesh Money. I think what sets my art apart from others is that I refuse to take myself too seriously. For clients that means that no idea is too far-fetched, and for me that means that I can stay as true to myself as possible. Oftentimes people lose themselves in this industry, worried about perception and reputation. That’s where the art begins to die, listening to the expectations of others does nothing but harm the artist’s original vision. I intend to never fall victim to such circumstances. Along this path I’ve learned many invaluable lessons, but none have resonated to my core as much as “just be yourself.” Such a simple verbage, but when you do everything to be authentic your life & art get better as a result. Everything must be done for the love of doing it. Seeking success often leads to misery, but striving for personal growth will bring all the success you need.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The MOMA is a must, it’s got a revolving selection of art from around the world, great stuff. The La Brea Tar pits are also a sick spot, just a cool activity to do with friends. Walk around and look at some prehistoric stuff. Joe’s Pizza on Hollywood Blvd is a true classic spot, cheap hot slices. Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles is delicious & definitely worth checking out. Solar de Cahuenga is a fire breakfast/brunch spot. Equipped with mimosas and all. If you’re looking to drink in a dimly lit dive bar crawling with underground artists then Cha Cha Lounge is the spot for you. 1720 Warehouse hosts a wide variety of shows if our looking for a concert to check out. I also got a sweet spot for the Roxy, little bit more intimate of a venue. Pau Haus is a goated venue, just rocked our first Souljah Club show there on the 26th.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Massive shoutout to my Middle School Technology Teacher, Mr. Brooks. He’s responsible for introducing me to this wonderful world of digital art. Another massive shoutout to my High school Photography teacher, Mr. Briones. Without his guidance and advice, I’d just be some kid who knows Photoshop. He is responsible for shifting my view on design from just a hobby to a potential lifelong career.

Instagram: @fleshmoneyofficial

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fleshmoneyofficial@gmail.com