We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anthony Campbell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anthony below.
Anthony, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Often times I don’t like to refer making a difficult or life changing choice as taking a risk due to the negative connotation that surrounds the word “risk”. I prefer to say taking a leap of faith because the point of making such life changing decisions is for a positive change or ascension in your passion , career or life. No matter the choice that’s made you will still have to deal with the pro’s and cons but it’s about what you make out of your choice and how you respond to it.
I made a choice that was life altering at the age of 16 that regardless of which road I took within the entertainment industry, I wanted to be a creative of some sort. So, during the summer leading into my senior year of high school I took that leap of faith! I moved to Atlanta and I moved in with my mom who prior to, I was only able to see during holidays. In the beginning it was a rough transition getting acclimated to a new city, making friends and finding where I fit in but I never lost sight of my goal and I continued to apply myself and work hard in the craft I wanted to be in.
From being in a magnet school of the arts, to being booked for a professional gig before I graduated. Working opening shifts at starbucks that began at 4:30am to clocking out at 10am, giving me a 15 minute window to run down the street for a rehearsal that began from 10:15am – 10:15pm I worked long hours and put the time in my craft which at that time was acting. I always had a love for dance as well and practiced on my off time as a hobby so naturally musical theatre was the trajectory I was headed towards… or so I thought.
I found myself going to more freestyle dance sessions and freestyle battles as an extracurricular. Before I knew it, I was taking part in these competitions leading me to juggling gigs with acting and dance. Eventually I had to quit starbucks in order to make enough time for both of my passions thus my introduction into becoming a full-time artist. Nerve wracking at first but I was able to make things work and ascend the ladder in my career until I came to a crossroads where I decided to become a full-time dancer instead of going to broadway. Now I have been dancing alongside Chris Brown for the past 3 years.
The leap of faith is worth it. Of course diving head first into the unknown where the outcome of your future is unpredictable can be a scary thought but having faith calms your mind and allows you to put your best foot forward with confidence that you can overcome any obstacle coming your way.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I was introduced to the entertainment industry by my high school director. Outside of him being a teacher he is a well known director in the community of Atlanta. He sent me to the Woodruff Art Center for an opportunity to audition for a play there. From then on I began making way through the industry, performing as often as I could. As it involves dance I sought out ways that I could connect with that community so I immersed myself in a lot of community events where I was able to connect with different dancers, choreographers, etc. I first got booked to do a dance battle, that was my first time getting my feet wet. Afterwards I decided to venture further in the art and began booking music videos, festivals, concerts, tours and so on.
I am a creative artist through and through and I believe what sets me apart from others is my professionalism, malleability, integrity that I put into my work and my work drive. I am open minded and love to learn and know that there are higher heights that can be achieved.
I am most proud of the way I choose to operate in my industry. I am community heavy and love giving back and creating safe spaces for other creatives.
I have had the privilege and opportunity to work alongside artists such as Teyana Taylor, Davido, Beyonce, Chris Brown and many more. I am passionate and honest about my craft and am happy to be able to share that same passion with like minded creatives.
The main thing i’d love anyone who follows my journey to know is that you are now apart of the village and my community and this is only the beginning of what I have planned as far as my brand entails!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a artist/creative is that I am able to freely and fearlessly share my art and creations with the world. I have the privilege of being able to inspire others no matter the age to push towards their passion and career with resilience. I’m able to let people see that you can achieve whatever it is that you decide to put your mind to.
The best feeling is for the moment I am able to create an escape for whoever viewing me of their stress, worries and troubles. In turn it humbles and motivates me to stay strong on the path that I’ve chosen and to work even harder.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
The mission that is driving my creative journey is being able to be a pillar for that exact community that they can lean on in troubling times. Create safe spaces for the less fortunate to still pursue their passion and create freely without the worries of finances, judgment and so on. Art is subjective and beauty is within the eyes of the beholder. I’d love to be a positive vessel or support for those that want to create so that others can behold.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donsoup?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.campbell.986?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://linktr.ee/donsoup?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=8627f203-2f34-4fdc-8d41-c820d98a5eaf
Image Credits
Travis Colbert
Tyler Fuhrmeister