About Us
Fatty Pancake brings new artwork on fun and fabulous products to those who find reptiles, amphibians, and other "creepy crawlies" positively endearing. By capturing that charm unique to each species, we wish to replicate the quirky, curious, and downright cute behaviors which have enamored us reptile lovers from the beginning.
Whether you are a current, former, or pining-to-be owner of a reptile, we support your love and desire to share this unique passion with the rest of the world. Each product is designed by artist and fellow reptile enthusiast Melissa Hitchcock in her quest to introduce new art into the community. Whether it’s humorous or serious, simple or intricate, the wide range of designs provide diversity for all types of owners looking for a variety of merchandise.
So slither, crawl, or sprint your way to our catalog! Don't see a design with your preferred beloved species? Don't fret! Sign up on our mailing list to see what new work is on the way!
What inspired the name?
In short, it was a nickname given to one of the owners bearded dragons named Sienna.
Sienna's Story-The Original Fatty Pancake
After a month of intense rehab, Sienna was strong enough for undergo the surgery to remove the facial cyst obscuring her vision. During the operation, the vet felt lumps inside the lizard's abdomen and requested to do an X-Ray. When the results came in, what the vet discovered was rather alarming! Sienna's reproductive tract had, at some point, ruptured due to a blockage which prevented her from laying any developed eggs. This tear caused them to leak into her body cavity and explained why she looked so overweight while hardly weighing anything. After removing all the eggs, the vet spayed Sienna in order to prevent further complications and her new road to recovery began.
And recovered she did!
After surgery, the cycst along with several odd black scales were sent off for a biopsy. Sadly, the results returned a positive diagnosis of melanoma. This did not slow Sienna down and for three full years, she lived a warm and wonderful life. Unfortunately her cancer did metastasize and began impacting Sienna's quality of life. After many vet visits and all options were exhausted, the hard call was made to give Sienna her dragon wings.
Mel dedicated her store in honor of her little Fatty Pancake.
Where are you based out of?
Our small studio is located right at the feet of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A true gem of a location when it comes to inspiration for the work we do!
About the Artist
Graduating from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design with a BFA in Illustration, Mel has worked primarily as a Technical Illustrator while pursuing other creative illustration both independently and with clients. She loves the natural world and all it's quirky, bizarre creatures whether they lurk beneath leafy undergrowth or soar through the skies; but her true passion was found with reptiles.
Some of her fondest memories were finding and drawing garter snakes that set up residence in a rock garden next to her childhood home in Colorado. Most of the snakes became accustomed to handling over the years and would often just sit quietly until placed back near where they were caught.
Outside painting, Mel also enjoys other crafts and has done woodworking, resin casting, needle felting, leatherworking, metal crafts, and jewelry making. While bouncing back and forth is normal, so is the presence of one of her beloved Bearded Dragons as they explore the art room.