Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Rose.
Anthony, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a child, I would draw my own comic books for my friends in school and myself. Into my teenage years, my interest in drawing grew into a passion for creating street art and later, graphic design. I inadvertently drew some attention from a couple of international brands like Montana Cans, MTN Colors, and Ironlak and became a sponsored artist. I began traveling and installing murals in major cities across the US. Out of necessity, I learned how to conduct my art as a business, became a graphic designer, commissioned murals for several companies, and got involved with branding entire companies.
I have a love for meeting people, building relationships, and connecting humans through collaboration. My ambition is to encourage connections within communities through encouraging relationships, experiences, and the creation of art. Organizations like Restoring Justice, Elevate People and Prison Entrepreneurship Program; and companies such as Gensler and Retail Capital Properties are helping me boost a message that encourages collaboration by opening channels to share this belief.
Has it been a smooth road?
There are always struggles in life that must be overcome in order to grow and progress as a human being. I have hit quite a few speed bumps along my path and some have almost convinced me to stop pursuing art altogether. There are even a few experiences that had me questioning the value of my own life.
There is a philosopher that passed away in the eighties named Joseph Campbell, many who study psychology have read his books; and he helped shape my understanding of the experiences and “dark times” that we go through. He calls his theory, The Hero’s Journey, and he explains that in order to grow as a human being and becoming a better member of humankind and the world, you must decide to face your suffering and go through it with the intent to learn and overcome; then share it with the world—not by speaking of it, but by living it out and being the example.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the AJ Rose Art + Design story. Tell us more about the business.
Aj Rose Art + Design focuses on creating hand-painted mural art installations and producing digital graphics for businesses and organizations; all under one roof. We can help these groups communicate their brand identity consistently through creating all of their visual assets.
I started the business as a way to explore the overlappings of the digital art industry and the physical art world. I grew up painting graffiti murals and later became a sponsored artist for several prominent international art brands, including Montana Cans, MTN Colors, and Ironlak. During that time I realized that everything that I had learned in order to promote and share my art had actually transformed me into this kind of multi-disciplinary designer and creative.
Most of our clients are young, millennial start-ups or businesses that are looking for a modern and fun refresher. We love bright, high-contrasting colors and simple, intelligent design. I am most proud of the attention that the business has gained in the last five months; we have been so humbled and grateful for the love that Houston, TX has shown to my business and me.
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
I love the fact that my business and I have grown so organically, and I intend to let the universe nudge us in the direction we should go. All I can say, in confidence, is that I plan to be 5-10-years-more-experienced in failure, success, sadness, and happiness in 5-10 years!
Pricing:
- Mural Design and Installation – Starts at $1,500
- Graphic Design Services – Starts at $75/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: ajroseart.com
- Phone: 210-819-9021
- Email: hire@ajroseart.com
- Instagram: @ajroseart
- Facebook: @ajroseart
Image Credit:
Israel Thompson of Umbracor Arts (https://www.facebook.com/UmbraCorArts/)
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