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

Hi Frederick, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I believe i didnt choose art at first. Art chose me. While studying engineering, I would draw once in a while—only when I found the time. It wasn’t planned or serious; it was simply something I returned to quietly. Growing up, I had always been surrounded by creativity through my mother. Watching her create made art feel familiar, almost instinctive, even if I didn’t yet see it as a path for myself.
What changed everything was my friends’ reaction. When they saw my work and genuinely appreciated it, something clicked. That appreciation gave me the confidence to try harder, to take my drawings and paintings more seriously. I believe talent is God-given, and that moment made me realize I had a responsibility to use what I was given, not ignore it.

That motivation lit a fire in me. I started painting and drawing more, pushing myself to improve, learning through emotion rather than instruction. Every small encouragement kept the passion alive and made me want to go further. Over time, that fire grew strong enough to guide me toward a creative life—one built on faith, persistence, and the belief that when a gift is recognized, it’s meant to be nurtured.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My practice sits at the between art and strategy. I create to make something visually striking and to communicate, to build experiences, and to tell stories that stay with people. As a creative strategist and an artist, I think in layers: emotion, narrative, context, and impact. That duality is what sets my work apart.

Artistically, my work lives in the space of abstract realism. It revolves around the idea of dreaming in fragments—how reality is rarely whole, how memories, people, and emotions appear in pieces. I paint stories I’ve lived, people I’ve observed, and moments I want to preserve or question. There’s always a human presence in my work, even when it’s abstract, because for me, art is ultimately about people and their inner worlds.

Getting to where I am today was not easy. Nothing about this journey was linear or comfortable. I had to struggle to learn art—there were no shortcuts, just hours of practice, failure, and self-doubt. Murals, especially, tested me physically. Long days on my feet, lifting, climbing, and painting under harsh conditions—it was exhausting. But I did it for the love of it. Every project taught me discipline, patience, and humility.

One experience that stands out is my MotoGP project. Working under the hot sun, managing time pressure, scale, and expectations, I had to push past physical fatigue to deliver not just a mural, but an experience. That project reinforced why strategy matters as much as art—because a powerful visual means more when it’s placed with intention, when it connects to people, and when it becomes part of a larger story.

The challenges were constant—doubt, financial uncertainty, creative blocks, and the pressure to justify choosing an unconventional path. What helped me overcome them was consistency, faith, and learning to trust the process. I learned that growth doesn’t come from comfort; it comes from showing up even when it’s hard. I also learned that art doesn’t need to be loud to be impactful—it needs to be honest.

At the core of everything I do is a simple aim: to influence and inspire people to do what they love. If my journey—from engineering to art, from uncertainty to belief—can give even one person the courage to trust their passion, then the work has meaning beyond the wall or the campaign. I want my art and my strategy to remind people that choosing what you love isn’t irresponsible—it’s brave.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I build with intention and purpose. Whether it’s a mural, a campaign, or a creative concept, my work is rooted in storytelling, emotion, and purpose. My story isn’t about overnight success; it’s about persistence, belief, and choosing to keep going—physically, emotionally, creatively—even when the path felt uncertain. And that commitment to growth, to being better than I was yesterday, is what continues to define both my art and my life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want them to experience Atlanta the way I do—slow mornings, long walks, great food, and places that have real character.

I’d start with food, because that’s non-negotiable. Delbar would be at the top of the list. It’s one of my favorite restaurants in the city—the flavors, the warmth, the atmosphere—it’s the kind of place where you sit longer than planned and let the night unfold. For something more low-key but equally special, I’d take them to Ginya Izakaya. It’s intimate, comforting, and perfect for sharing plates and conversations that stretch late into the evening. One night would definitely be reserved for Korean BBQ at Iron Age—good energy, great food, and the kind of place where eating feels like an experience, not just a meal.

I love walking, so a lot of our days would revolve around that. We’d spend time on the BeltLine, just walking, talking, people-watching, and stopping wherever feels right—coffee, street art, small shops. Piedmont Park would be another stop, especially around sunset, just to sit, breathe, and take in the city.

Since I’m drawn to art and graffiti, Krog Street would definitely be on the itinerary. It’s one of the best spots in the city to see vibrant murals and street art up close, and I love showing friends how Atlanta’s creative energy literally colors its streets.

I’d mix in neighborhoods like Little Five Points and Old Fourth Ward, because they show Atlanta’s creative side—music, murals, vintage spots, and interesting people everywhere you look.

We’d also carve out time to just wander—no plans, no rush. Maybe check out a gallery, stumble into a pop-up, or sit somewhere with good coffee and let the day pass. That’s how Atlanta reveals itself best.

For me, the most exciting part of the city isn’t just specific places—it’s the people, the creative energy, the mix of cultures, and how relaxed yet expressive everything feels. If my friend left feeling inspired, well-fed, and like they experienced the real Atlanta—not a checklist version—then it’d be the perfect week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, my shoutout goes to God. I truly believe talent is God-given, and everything I’ve been able to create begins there. That belief grounded me during uncertain moments and reminded me that my responsibility wasn’t to doubt the gift but to use it with intention and gratitude.

I’d then dedicate this shoutout to my parents. My mother, for being my earliest creative influence, and my father, for believing in my talent and allowing me to pursue it even when others didn’t support the decision. His trust gave me the courage to choose an unconventional path.

My sister deserves a special mention for constantly supporting my creativity—from sharing ideas to encouraging me to keep making more art. Her faith in my work helped me push through moments of hesitation.

My friends have been a huge influence as well. Their honest appreciation during my engineering days was a turning point—it was their encouragement that motivated me to try harder and take my art seriously. That early belief kept the fire alive.

I’m deeply grateful to my art mentor, A-kill, who introduced me to street art and taught me how to keep growing as an artist. He pushed me to be better than I was yesterday, challenged me to evolve, and reminded me that growth is a daily commitment.

And finally, artist Sneha Chakraborty—who first saw the potential in my work and told me I could do this. She trusted my craft, took me under her wing, and gave me my first mural experience. That trust changed how I saw myself as an artist.

Each of these people played a role in shaping not just my journey but also my belief in myself.

Website: https://frederickanthony.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fredartz/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederickanthony

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