Meet Freddy Fast Faces | Caricature Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Freddy Fast Faces and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Freddy, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
As with many creatives, my parents pushed me toward a degree that I could “fall back on” if my dreams of becoming a famous artist didn’t work out. As we know, as adults, that’s a nice way of saying “you’re not gonna make it, kid”. Cut to 20 years later, still working on the dream. Only now, I am 10 years behind.

So I studied graphic design and learned a lot, even on the job. My fallback degree did open a couple of doors, but they were the wrong doors. If I could do it again, I’d race, no rage, 100 percent toward my goal.

In the end, all that matters is if you are happy, and you don’t leave destruction in your wake. I think I could have done so much more with my art already had I been focused, rather than divided in my vision.

Take the risk, eat the hot pepper, jump the gap, take the fall, and get back up. Never give up, and you can never fail.

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.
Though I have had many “creative” roles in many industries, I never had freedom until I started drawing caricatures. I started about 2 years ago in Palm Springs. I began cutting my teeth out there because it wasn’t actually that busy. I wanted to get into the swing of things before I really put myself out there for events and fairs. It was tough at first to get used to drawing in front of people. Now I thrive on that energy. When people look over my shoulder and say something like, “her nose isn’t that big”, all loud, I laugh because I know they are just trying to get what we all need, a little social interaction. For me that has been a big thing.

During lockdowns I was pretty sad and isolated. I realized that I needed to do something more public, but didn’t know what to do. I would just wander the streets, just waiting for a chance to talk to someone. It seemed like no one wanted to be near me. Sad times. Then, one day, walking around with my sketch pad, this guy says, “Hey! You wanna draw Brando? Everybody loves Brando!” I agreed. A shot of whiskey and 10 minutes later, I had drawn this guy, Brando. My first real caricature. I had done some stuff for commission a couple years before but never in person. It seemed like a shining light from heaven. I realized I could have meaningful interactions and make art at the same time. Two weeks later, I was out there making art, and money. Not much, but it was a start.

Now I work my own booth at festivals. My wife, Marisa, helps me book events, birthdays, weddings. She is so helpful, even though she also works full time. I really have never had such a ride or die. She really encourages me in meaningful ways. Some people give lip service, and that’s better than discouragement, but it doesn’t really feel like support because it’s not. It’s just well wishes. When someone says, “Hey, I found this event you may be able to work”, or “Here’s a link to get your business license”, that is support.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d start by going to West Hollywood Gracias Madre for authentic (vegan and you’d never know it) Mexican food and cocktails. Then head to Highland Park Bowl and Block Party for drinks. Stop by for a slice at Town Pizza right there on York. Hopefully they will be having an art walk that night. Grab some Donut Friend a few steps away.

Next morning hit up Kitchen Mouse and head to North Figueroa Bookshop. Then I’d head to Silverlake to browse the shops and have some Magpies to cool off. I’d hike to Griffith Observatory and maybe do a sketch night in Echo Park.

I’d definitely skate the boardwalk in Venice Beach, check out the graffiti and skate park there. End the day at sunset in a smokey drum circle, and grab dinner at Butcher’s Daughter.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Chris Mercado, aka The Mad Walls is a musician/songwriter who has inspired me for years. I’ve been to many of his shows, even when he played in other bands, like Levitation Room. He is an inspiration because he always brought his vision to life, though he too had very little support in the making of his personal projects. He made at least two albums on his own, with no other musicians or producers, and his latest work is his best. He has an album on Big Potato Records out of UK. I was able to work on his video Hip Comma, shot in L.A. It was a real pleasure to work with someone I admire so much. Check him out.

Website: http://freddyfaces.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastfaces/

Image Credits
All images are my own creations. Images are satire