Meet Tony Concep | Creative Director/ Visual Artist

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

Hi Tony, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
One of my guiding principles / quotes comes from the wise words of my late friend, Netic Rebel: “Train your body for war and your mind for peace.” This mantra encapsulates my approach to life, emphasizing the importance of discipline alongside comfort. By nurturing both physical strength and mental resilience, I believe we can navigate life’s challenges with greater ease. Prioritizing peace over chaos has been instrumental in honing my emotional intelligence, enabling me to be a pillar of support for my family. Through this holistic training of mind and body, I envision a path to lasting happiness and fulfillment.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Having graduated from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, with a major in film animation, my journey through the corporate world has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Currently serving as a Senior Art Director for a global agency in Los Angeles, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with renowned brands like Nike, Adidas, Microsoft, and more. Through it all, the resounding lesson has been to never give up and to embrace the continuous process of learning. As a minority navigating these spaces, I’ve often found myself as the sole African-American voice, requiring me to exert ten times the effort to make my voice heard. Yet, I’ve learned to adapt and master the art of code-switching while remaining true to myself.

In the realm of visual arts, my journey has been shaped by time, experience, and a relentless pursuit of growth. Balancing my creative passions with the demands of a corporate 9-to-5 grind has been my modus operandi. This dual pursuit has been driven by my unwavering commitment to learning and evolving. Sometimes, it means putting in a full day’s work followed by late-night sessions in the studio, chasing after my personal creative endeavors—what I fondly refer to as my “mousetrap.” Over time, I’ve come to understand that success in the art world isn’t about instant gratification but rather about dedication, strategy, and embracing the journey of trial and error.

Growth in the arts demands humility, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to the process. It’s about relinquishing ego, embracing the journey, and finding solace in the consistency of one’s efforts. Through it all, I remain grateful for the opportunities bestowed upon me and attribute my success to the divine blessings I’ve received. My ultimate goal is not just personal achievement but also to uplift and empower others through my creative endeavors.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
You know, I’ve really embraced domestic life lately—I find so much joy and comfort in my home studio. When friends swing by, it’s all about quality time with my kids, maybe a beach trip if we’re feeling spontaneous, and vibing to a curated playlist while we all create together. And let’s not forget about the food—coming from New Orleans, whipping up a gumbo or firing up the grill in the backyard is second nature to me.

Living just south of Los Angeles offers its perks too—I love taking my loved ones on scenic drives to the mountains, checking out the latest museum exhibitions, and hosting weekend gatherings where fellow artists and inspirations exchange. Hanging out with me is like reliving those childhood sleepovers—good food, good vibes, and endless creativity flowing. After all the adventures, it’s back to the studio where I channel those experiences into something truly unique.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe a huge part of my success to my incredible wife. Not only is she an amazing mother to our two kids, Marcy and Alinea, but she’s also been my rock throughout my journey, making me a better person for our family. Her unwavering patience and love keep me driven to make the right choices every day. Over our nearly 14 years together, she’s taught me countless lessons—she’s the entrepreneur to my technician, and that dynamic has been invaluable.

If I had to pick one book that’s had a profound impact on me, it would be “The Power of the Subconscious Mind” by Joseph Murphy. It completely reshaped the way I speak to myself, helping me understand the immense power of our thoughts. Now, I’m much better at distinguishing between reality and fiction in my mind, recognizing that negative thoughts hold no real value. Beyond that, I firmly believe in the concept of “giving people their flowers”—acknowledging, celebrating, and uplifting those who inspire, challenge, and contribute to our lives. It’s become just as important to me to recognize others’ achievements and efforts as it is to pursue my own.

Website: www.tonycncp.com

Instagram: @tony_cncp

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

Twitter: @concepmakelove

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tony_cncp?si=qUvFo_Fd8Oilhm5Q

Other: www.tonyconcep.com – for all links and connected accounts.

Image Credits
Tony Concep