Her first illustration job was for the state of Texas, largely creating courtroom displays; she began freelancing during off-hours drawing for the children’s publishing market.

Eventually Barton left that job and has been working for herself since then[2] from her studio in Austin.

by Shutta Crum is among her work that has been included in Society of Illustrators Original Art Exhibits.

[4] Publishers Weekly gave the book a starred review, saying, “(Barton’s) dizzyingly expressive digitized pencil sketches seem to be everywhere at once continually reframing the action to make sure readers savor every gleefully anarchic moment.”[5] The New York Times said, “The only words here are ‘mine’ and ‘woof’ and, along with Patrice Barton’s dynamic and impeccably cute illustrations, they convey all.

[8] The book was also adapted into a musical theater production by the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, with sets based on Barton’s illustrations.