Carlos Antonio Interview | Respect the Artist
How did you get your Artist name?
Carlos Antonio was my name given to me at birth. I stumbled across my IG handle while brainstorming during the beginning of the pandemic in March of 2020. That time was a blessing in disguise, it gave me time to sit and reflect on my next move which led me into pursuing my art career.
How did you get into creating?
I've been drawing since I can remember. I'd say my turning point was watching Beat Street for the first time in 4th grade. I was hooked instantly.
How has creating changed your life?
Creating has changed my life in many ways, but the most important thing is I feel is it has given me purpose. I've gone through many stages in life, and the one constant was me and my love for art. It's brought me to where I am in life now, and for that, I'm forever grateful.
Where are you from?
I was born in San Diego, and raised the city of Chula Vista.
How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?
Growing up in the South Bay shaped me into everything I am today. It's hard to put into words, but everything I've been through growing up there has molded me into the artist I am today. The culture, the lifestyle, coming of age, all of it was dope. The local neighborhood graffiti intrigued me, and it was a big influence on me as a adolescent.
What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?
I intuitively started obsessing with drawing at a young age. Whether I was actively drawing, or just studying art I saw. I had an art teacher in 4th grade, Mr. "I", who was the coolest person to me. He was a big influence and sparked a lot of my imagination which helped me get better. I also remember google was still fairly new, and I would print out cartoons any chance I had ju8st to redraw them.
Once I got older, I met other dope artists, and eventually met my mentors, & the rest is history.
What does your current setup look like?
I have a drafting table and art supplies at every corner of my room. Nothing special. haha
Who inspires you?
Too much to name. My sisters, music, my mentors, life and dreams. A lil ' bit of everything.
What is your goal when you create?
That feeling I get while creating, and the sense of satisfaction when I'm done with a project is pretty cool.
Overall, I just hope to inspire someone the same way I was inspired as a kid. To each one, teach one.
Why do you create?
It's hard to describe, but I'd say it's just an innate motive I have.
What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?
That's a hard one. I listen to a lot of music...
I'd say Nipsey Hussle's "Face The World" has been on constant repeat for me. That second verse hits different.
What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?
My dream is to have no regrets when all is said and done. To know I gave it my all and emptied myself during this lifetime is the mission. Everything in between is a plus.
My latest muse is my tattoo apprenticeship. I'm showing up every day with the intent to learn, and eventually, I'll reach my goal of becoming a tattoo artist.
What is the best advice you would give someone with a dream?
I'd say don't give up. The journey is full of up's and down's, but it's all part of the process. I was denied more times than I can count, some opinions weren't always in my favor, and my life "fell apart" more than a couple times, but I never lost hope. Be your own biggest fan, and believe in yourself before anyone else does. Keep it pushin' !
Tell us about your most recent release: I'm releasing my Shock G tribute piece that was recently mentioned on Rock The Bell's pages.
Prints are available, contact me if you'd like one!
Listen to this Spotify Playlist curated by Carlos
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1gGP2YroF0GP4EtPbyx2L8?si=xbavU2GVQSy_S173ZnTI6A
Connect with Carlos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushinthepen/
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