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

Hi Patrick, what’s your definition for success?
Success in my opinion, is subjective. It can be seen in so many different ways based on the perception of the individual. The dictionary has five definitions for success: 1. the accomplishment of an aim or purpose, 2. the attainment of popularity or profit, 3. a person or thing that achieves desired aims or prosperity, 4. the outcome of an undertaking specified as achieving or failing to achieve it’s aims, and 5. obsolete, as in outcome or result. Of these definitions, the closest to what success means to me would be the the first, fourth, and fifth. The reason that I did not choose the others is because they touch on popularity, profit or prosperity. In other words, it creates a false picture of success. Fame and money or other materialistic entities do not constitute success in my opinion. This is a stigma that I would like to distance true success from. The quote “money can’t buy happiness” resonates strongly with me, which is why I think that success should correlate with experience and experiences rather than monetary value. My perception of success is highly influenced by my love for creating. I apply this to everything that I do be it playing music, studying, working out, and drawing which I do for my new brand BioCreative arts. This thought process allows me to achieve success on a daily basis, in fact, it is a major motivation to keep going in any endeavor. I see success as being able to do something that I, as an individual, was never able to do before, doing something new or better than a previous attempt, but also by failing. As a creator, I strive for progress. This mentality requires me to overcome obstacles, step outside of my comfort zone, and learn from my mistakes. All of that is success to me. Money doesn’t define my success, but I believe that it comes when achieving success is consistent.

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.
I don’t believe in being a professional in just one thing. Currently, I am working as a fitness specialist at Spring Chiropractic. I help incorporate movement into my clients daily lives to help keep their body in motion, pain free, and improve the overall quality of their lives through exercise. I have a certified personal training certification through the Nation Academy of Sports Medicine and my undergraduate degree is in Kinesiology with a concentration in Athletic Medicine. I am also still a student with plans to become a doctor of physical therapy. When I am not working or studying, or spending time with friends and family, I am also an independent artist/illustrator. I just recently completed my first children’s book written by Lisa Lomeli entitled “Positively Uptomistic” with a second book in the works. My art brand, BioCreative Arts, consists of artwork influenced by my experiences and interests in life. Art became an avenue for me to put all of my passions into one. My artwork consists of medical and anatomy artwork, representing my love for healthcare, as well as my love for music which, ever since fifth grade, has been a major part of my life. I participated in percussion and drum line for band, I learned guitar and piano and made writing and composing music as a hobby. All of these subjects can be seen in my work and I would love to share that with my fans. It is not easy balancing my endeavors but an hour by hour schedule help keep me organized and in check.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I don’t get to spend too much time out in the city but if I had a friend coming into town for about a week, there are a few places that come to my mind. Discovery Green Park would be a great place to visit because of all of the events and art exhibits held there. There is an Exhibit entitled “House of Cards” that will be displayed there and I had the opportunity to be one of the twenty artists whose works will be displayed during the exhibit. When it comes to restaurants, and a great place to get drinks and hang out, I would have to say Glorias. They are a latin cuisine of Tex-Mex and Salvadorian food that also turns into a dance club at night. Great for date night. Other places I would visit is the Museum of Natural Science and the Parks around the Houston area such as Memorial and Hermann Park for outdoor activities.

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?
There are a lot of people responsible for my success. I would like to take the time to shout out my friends and family, immediate and distant, for all the support that they give me and encouragement to keep at my endeavors. I would not have my start and my resources if it wasn’t for them. My lovely girlfriend Elizabeth for being a role model of mine. Seeing her succeed and not give up has given me the strength to keep going. My best friend Ian for teaching me confidence and the mind set of finding aspects of many different things interesting. Lastly I would like to thank my undergraduate college The University of Texas at San Antonio for a life experience and education that has changed my life for the better.

Instagram: @biocreative_arts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BioCreativeArts/
Youtube: https://youtu.be/JO-2znhQwpM