What Can Doctors and Clowns Have in Common?
A Behind the Scenes Look at a Unique Career Path.
Today we’d like to introduce you to Irina Patterson, a Coconut Grove based creator and entertainer who one time was an emergency physician.
Hi Irina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I am an MD-educated clown and creator. It is an unlikely combination that often leaves people scratching their heads in bewilderment.
I grew up in Russia, attended a Med School, and practiced emergency medicine for several years before finally leaping to move to Miami. It was in 1992, I was 33. The primary motivation for this risky decision was my newfound connection with a dashing psychologist whom I had stumbled across in an international pen pal magazine. That was the Tinder of the time; not exactly, but close. The story of our romance is a tale for another day, but suffice to say, it was one of the craziest decisions of my life – and the best!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As I settled into my new life in the United States, I began to explore different aspects of myself and my creative side. After a few years of self-discovery, it dawned on me that I didn’t want to be a doctor. I didn’t want to wear that white coat. I didn’t want strict rules and regulations. I was born an artist.
Even before I could utter my first word, I was a creator. All my Russian parents could offer to me and my sister was the basics: paper and colored pencils. Yet, what we lacked in means we made up for with our creative ingenuity. Frugality coupled with artistic expression became an integral part of my life.
As a teenager, I crafted a dress from medicinal gauze and dyed it with beet juice to give it an eye-catching hue. To take my dull winter boots from drab to fab, I injected a little flair with needlepoint artistry—transforming them into two exquisite pieces of artwork. I wish I had them now. Scarcity and the pursuit of beauty were my greatest mentors. My creativity was always lying just below the surface waiting for a spark to ignite its revival.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
One day, after I had already been living in Miami for a few years, at a kid’s birthday party, I saw a clown making simple balloon dogs and flowers and it immediately caught my attention. “What?!!! It is a job? One could earn a living by doing just that!” I was hooked and exhilarated. The next day, I invested $10 in a bag of 100 colorful balloons and began twisting balloons for tips at the popular Cocowalk mall in Coconut Grove. I was so excited when I secured a spot in this bustling shopping place for only $75 per week, it felt as if I won the lottery.
The generous tips I received on that first day felt like a stamp of approval; I still remember that incredible feeling of freedom to do what I want how I want it. My artistic career as an event clown had taken off, and my medical foundation gave me an edge in how to communicate with people genuinely and create strong emotional connections. It was a perfect fit as if I was born to be a creative clown.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Today, I am a full-time professional artist, face painter, balloon twister, and Mime–whichever gig comes along. Occasionally, I am a character from Avatar with a blue face and long tail; a ballerina in a tutu dress, a drag queen, or a mysterious living statue. My work places me in the middle of chaotic children’s birthday parties and large corporate events with hundreds of guests as well as quiet family gatherings.
On one somber occasion, I was asked to create balloon animals at a funeral. It has been two decades since I started this journey, and it remains one of my favorite things to do — creating art publicly. Despite all the gratification, there are certain downsides to consider. The most prominent of these issues is the fact that it doesn’t scale up easily. It’s simply a lifestyle business, and one has to love this lifestyle to make it work. I often ask myself, “What could I have done better?” and “What else can I do?”
Recently, I joined the Women in Film and TV Facebook group, and the very accomplished women in the group encouraged me to grow my TikTok channel, convincing me that if I persist, I could be very successful on TikTok because of who I am — a 63 years old, mischievous and artistic clown. I am pursuing that right now with their support.
On top of that, I’m truly captivated by contemporary illustration – particularly fashion illustration. Instagram has been an incredible teacher and source of creative inspiration for me! Here are some of my favorites for today — David Downton, Astrid Vos, Andrea Ferolla, and Alena Lavdovskaya – one of the most fascinating Russian fashion event illustrators. I am also in love with Artificial Intelligence (AI) Art capabilities. Jasper Art is currently my AI tool of preference, and it is worth every single cent of its $20 monthly subscription fee.
To get started with AI art, you’ll need to know how to craft text commands that an AI can use as a guide for creating your masterpieces. I have been experimenting with it for about six months now and it is still new and very exciting. Combining my sketches with AI art is a creative pursuit that I find immensely enjoyable.
My current rate of $150-$200 per hour for live gigs, varying depending on the distance traveled and supplies required. I use GigSalad online platform for gig leads, I have my page listed on Google for business, I have Instagram, and I have repeats and referrals — from all those sources, I get several requests every single day and I love it!
I love when people need me. It fills my heart with joy when they reach out to book me. Even when I’m already booked on a certain day and therefore can’t accept their event request, it’s gratifying knowing that they are disappointed because they wanted ME specifically. Whenever a prospect calls me, I always make sure to help them find the right vendor, even if it’s not me. At the end of the day, it’s all about creating value and bringing joy!
Pricing:
- $150 to $200 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://g.page/balloon-art-and-face-painting-by?share
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/irinapatterson and https://instagram.com/miamifunartist
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miamifl
- TikTok: @dancemakesmealive
- Other: https://mylifeandart.typepad.com
