Meet Tony Washington | Illustrator & Music Producer

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

Hi Tony, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I feel that taking risk in my career has been key to my very fortunate success, But in the greater life role, at times, extremely difficult to withstand. Some of the risk in my career have led to unbelievable career heights in knowledge in growth in my art and business, but the life balance in most cases has suffered along with monetary losses, finding a balance is difficult and one thing that I find I’m more aware of than ever with nearly 30 years in the industry. Making choices today are even more crucial in my 40s as zeroing in on the things that make me happy in life and work are ever present and finding that balance means so much.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career started in comics with Wildstorm (Image Comics) at the age of 18, by way of San Diego Comic Con. Push for 3 years to get into the booming world of comics, I had to be a part of it and wouldn’t stop applying and doing portfolio reviews. I think one of things that sets me apart from then and rings true today is the range of work and styles that I can provide. From line art noir based licensed posters for the IP The Crow, to fully painted and political based work for the ACLU, I’m always finding and pushing my style in ways to keep things challenging and fresh for me and my business. Taking major risks like that, hasn’t been easy, but completely worth, it as it’s helped to grow my brand over the past nearly 30 years.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living here in San Diego for most of my life and now living near downtown having some coffee or tea is a must and Mixed Grounds and Cafe X both on imperial, I highly recommend, for seafood, I would have to stop at Karina’s on National Ave or Sea 180 in imperial beach. Desserts would have to be Salt in Straw in Little Italy or my Wife’s and my favorite Dairy Queen, Blizzards for me and a Buster Bar for my beautiful Wife. Cocktails or beer would have to be stone in Liberty Station with an order of Ahi Nachos, and always make time for some of the best tacos from Wet Tacos at 1835 Studios on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Last but not least Island Style Cafe in Santee is must, the Korean Chicken and Island BBQ chicken are amazing!

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?
First and foremost, the love of my life Guillermina has been by my side through all of the ups and downs that my career and shown me the importance to make sure to enjoy life to the fullest. My family has been here for me since I started drawing and playing on Casio keyboards since I was a kid and making toys out of foil, yes foil. Creating my own figures and spaceships was fasinating to me, they all completely got it and still support my wild ideas to this day so thank you! All of my friends who have watched me grow as a kid to an even bigger kid today means the world to me. All of the fans and followers in my career have also shaped and made my career and business what it is today and I appreciate you all. Shoutout to Patrick and the team for supporting creatives like myself with opportunities to share our stories! Thank you and shoutout to the studios that I’ve been honored to work with over the years as well!

Website: https://www.tonywashingtonart.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-washington-861b423/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/twashingtonart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tonywashingtonart

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0_KdYhz47JJzj_n96pXz1Q