Meet Clemon Walton III | South Side Pen Pimp

We had the good fortune of connecting with Clemon Walton III and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clemon, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I had no clue what I was doing in 2016 when I established this Syrup thang. I just wanted to be free and make a living from creativity. I had moved from Alabama to Texas in 2015, and was fresh on Instagram. Through scrolling the digital art scene, I was exposed to creative people, who looked like me, and were killing it! They had beautiful families, flourishing careers, travel, the whole shebang! I was in! I could draw but I quickly realized I had developed some terrible habits and had to humble myself to learn the fundamentals: shadow, light, gesture and the boogie man, ANATOMY! I had also seen the hardships that come with following any kind of passion, but no risk no reward, right?

When I became cognizent of these adult drawing tools such as Japanese brush pens, Copic and Prismacolor markers and color pencils etc., I was like a fat kid at a buffet. I blew plenty cash on art supplies just experimenting and following what felt good to me. I finally felt like I was home, spiritually if that makes sense. I was finally back in alignment with I truly was: a creative spirit in human form seeking expression.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I came into the art game with the love of anime, gangster culture, gold teefuhsis, and retro cartoons brimming over in my heart. Through years of following my creative north star combined with experimentation, I started to build a humble following mainly based on my unorthodox approach to mash-ups, which is the result of combining two known properties into a new object never before seen. Many artists do this but I ain’t seen one on my level yet.

Living as a creative is ANXIETY OVERLOAD in the beginning because you’re literally fighting the want to go back to the plantation(jobs) and trusting your vision. You must stay present each day. Meaning enjoy everything today has to offer you. You must have gratitude for the opportunity to live out your dream as well as the ability to see another day. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, but above all TRUST YOURSELF. You got this! I promise you it’ll all work out for you as long as you don’t quit.

Syrup Sandwich Studios’ tagline is “Turning Craft Into Cheddar”. As I talked to creatives over the years, I’ve come to the conclusion we are horrible business people. There’s a market for everything. No idea is stupid or overdone. There’s more money in this world than people. I want every creative person I come across to access the abundance of life tailored for them. Through me being a transparent vessel, I gladly share everything I’ve learned from the business side of art as well as the art side of business.

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?
Infinite love, appreciation, and gratitude to The Most High for blessing me with the Syrup Tribe. The Syrup Tribe is really anyone I’ve met over the years who’s supported me financially, spiritually, and mentally through my creative trek in this life.

Recently I’ve created a group chat on IG with my most consistent supporters and we sharpen each other every day. Essentially it’s a mastermind, where we share ideas, share failures and wins, encourage each other, and the like. It’s a truly powerful experience.

Website: www.syrupink.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ss_syrup1100/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ss_syrup1100

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SyrupInk/

Youtube: South Side Syrup