We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ryan Lewin. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Ryan, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I lose track of time when I am creating. Whether I’m drawing or making pancake art, I’ll put music on and just get completely lost in it. Hours can pass without me realizing because I am so focused on the process and enjoying it. That same creative space is also where I find myself again. Creating helps quiet everything else, clears my head, and allows me to be more grounded and present.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ryan Lewin, and I’m the pancake artist behind the brand “Flippin Art Dude.” I create detailed pancake art using colored pancake batter, turning pancakes into one-of-a-kind pieces of art – everything from celebrities and athletes to cartoons, logos and pop-culture characters! I started working in this unique form of art six years ago simply as a fun way to make breakfast more creative with my kids. Over time, and through a lot of practice and trial and error, it grew into something bigger, with brands, musicians and professional sports teams reaching out for custom pancake art content on social media. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some incredible partners such as the Dallas Mavericks, Warner Bros, YouTubeTV, Gatorade, Activision, Toyota, Linkin Park, Blink-182, and more! I have also had the fun opportunity to share my work through television and media appearances, including NBC, ABC, CBS, CW33 and ESPN. Some of my favorite moments have been when my kids got to join me in some of these interviews. They love seeing themselves on TV!
Along the way, I’ve also evolved a process to preserve and frame my pancake art, turning it into lasting, one-of-a-kind pieces of art that you can hang on your wall! I have several framed pieces in my home office, and they’ve also become great, personal gifts!
Pancake art is still very much a family thing at home. My kids love creating their own designs and having friends over to make pancakes, which makes the whole experience even more special.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad taught me the most about work. Growing up and seeing him start his own businesses and build something from scratch taught me the value of putting in the time and believing in what you’re creating. That shapes how I approach my art – working hard, staying patient, and trusting the process.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self to enjoy what I’m doing instead of always thinking about what’s next. The process matters just as much as the outcome. If you enjoy what you’re doing, then it doesn’t really feel like work. Some of the best stuff happens when you stop overthinking and just stay present with what you’re working on.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The cultural value I protect is creativity without the pressure of perfection. Pancake art teaches you that imperfection is part of the process – the batter doesn’t always cook the same, the heat might change the colors, and no two pieces are ever exactly alike. You also don’t truly know what the pancake is going to look like until you flip it, and being okay with that uncertainty is part of the creative process. I try to protect that sense of freedom in my pancake creations. It allows me to experiment with different styles, test how I preserve pieces, and explore ideas without worrying about getting everything “right.” Instead of chasing perfection, I focus on curiosity, enjoying the process, and seeing where it takes me.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I’m most at peace when I’m drawing or working on my art. Time sort of disappears, and it becomes this escape where I can focus and let my creativity take over. It’s a way for me to slow down and reset without even realizing I’m doing it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @FlippinArtDude
- Twitter: @FlippinArtDude
- Facebook: FlippinArtDude
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@flippinartdude
- Other: TikTok: @FlippinArtDude
