Meet Patrick Geil | Graphic Artist & Illustrator

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

Hi Patrick, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I am a professional firefighter as well as an artist so risk taking is a large bit of who I am. My handle, Pen and Pompier, (French for firefighter) points to this. My public service career provides me with security to take risks as an artist, just as creating art balances me as a firefighter. This duality also informs my voice and perspective in both realms.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an artist, I have developed my style through meandering multiple mediums. I have spent periods of time focusing on painting, printmaking, working digitally, and drawing. I think our brands and styles are informed by all of our experiences. I always preserve my hand drawn aesthetic because I value my experience as a traditional artist. Further, I believe in being laconic or subtle in my artistic voice. I think that requiring my viewer to put it together enlists a deeper participation.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Denver is such a seasonal town as per what we are up to. The city has so much to offer that I always check up on what is happening. I love live music. For concerts, Mission Ballroom is an amazing venue. An Av’s game or a Rapids game are always a good starting point for a night as well. Food choices are broad too. Some of my favorites are: Uncle, Rosenbergs, and Daughter. We would definitely make it to the tasting room at Leopold Brothers distillery.

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?
My mom always championed creativity when I was a kid. I was told to “go be creative!” And I would sit down at my desk and draw for hours. Expression was always encouraged but never prescribed.

Website: Penandpompier.com

Instagram: Pen.and.Pompier@instagram