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

Hi Anthony, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have worked as a web developer for the past 10-12 years. One of my managers/mentors and friends advised me to incorporate myself as an independent contractor. I started my business shortly afterwards and have appreciated the flexibility of being able to work from anywhere at any time. I have met so many interesting people and clients from starting my own business!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a freelance artist based in Northern CA. I have been interested in art ever since I could hold a pencil! I remember being fascinated by Dinosaurs, Star Wars and Disney animation.

My art is inspired by classic Disney animators, paleontology, retro & vintage pinup art, and comic books from the 1990s. I collected comics in my youth and would pore over the incredible artwork, learning anatomy and dynamic posing along the way. I remember sending my portfolio to the various comics publishers and attending portfolio reviews when I could. Those early attempts ended up in rejections, but I stayed both informed & motivated to pursue my art professionally.

The internet and social media was a huge jumping off point for my art. In the early days, I subscribed to and would submit samples on various comics forums. That led to me getting a handful of comic book work for anthologies and indie publishers. I also interned for various indie games companies, designing assets & environments, while I attended the Art Institute of CA – Orange County.

Using platforms like Facebook and Instagram is where my art really started to grow and I began to gain a following. It was through there I was able to acquire licensed work with companies like Marvel Comics, Upper Deck Entertainment & Dynamite Comics. I am very fortunate for all the connections, professional contacts and genuine friendships I have established over the years using various social media.

Within the last year, my Artwork has finally appeared on several published comic book covers, which have flown off the shelves at Comics shops everywhere!

My artwork has been featured in various pop-culture themed art shows around the world, and you can find me Exhibiting at any number of Comics Conventions across the country. I have tabled in Long Beach, CA, New Jersey, as well as WonderCon at the Anaheim Convention Center. This year has also seen my very first Artist Alley appearance at San Diego Comic Con! The public events have been a great way to branch out and meet a whole new bunch of great people, be it fans, fellow artists and friends!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m near Sacramento, so we have a great Midtown and Downtown to explore with museums and sightseeing. A trip to the Crocker Art Museum is a must, followed by happy hour at Zocalo or any of the finer dining experiences close by like Ella & Grange!

The Roseville Galleria is a world-class shopping destination to replenish, dine and at the very least get a few steps in!

We’re a beautiful 10 minute country drive away from some amazing wineries and breweries. Have a tasting at Dono Del Cielo, or Goat House Brewing has some incredible craft beers, along with a goat farm where you can actually feed and interact with the goats!

Lake Tahoe is close to me and I’ve taken to Snowboarding since moving up here, No NorCal trip is complete without a couple of runs at Northstar!

Close up the week with a trip to Lifetime, our fitness club for some hot yoga, followed by a steam/sauna and some fun times in the outdoor cabanas by the pool & water slide!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife! I owe her everything for pushing me out of my nest! She has over the years provided the guidance and opportunities for me to fulfill my dreams!

Website: I don’t have one! Sorry, I need an intern or to clone myself and build me a site. I’ve relied solely on Social Media to grow my audience!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthony.helmer

Image Credits
All lines by me; digital colors by Gwenaëlle Daligault

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.