Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Sturmas.
Hi Anthony, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
An interesting question. I began my career as a graffiti artist in Los Angeles in the early 1980s. This period coincided with the rise of graffiti in Los Angeles, documented by the 1984 book “Subway Art” by Martha Cooper and Henry Chalfant. This book served as a guide for many young people to create graffiti, as we didn’t have Google back then. Instead, we shared sketchbooks to improve our skills. This art form was extraordinary, vibrant, and constantly evolving. It was bold, rebellious, and provocative. The artists I painted with included Pheene from Carson and Skez from Long Beach City, primarily in Long Beach under the FWY near the bike path to San Pedro.
At the age 15 I had 5 different Iwata airbrushes and was working at Aaron Brothers. While working there I used to see all the graffiti artist come in and rack all the paint markers and design markers, it was mind blowing back then. This is where I met Cartoon with Flare aka Marcus, back then Cartoon was called Flame. Really super cool artists and mad talent. On weekends, I engaged in airbrushing various items such as pants, hats, and Levi jackets, generating income from this creative endeavor. At that time, Aquaflo was the premier paint for airbrushing, renowned for its durability and resistance to washing out. This experience significantly influenced my artistic style.
Graffiti emerged as a revolutionary art form, challenging traditional definitions of legitimate art due to its reliance on spray paint. Ironically, what was once derided as vandalism is now celebrated in major museums, highlighting a remarkable shift in societal perceptions.
After high school, I was accepted into Art Center, where I studied advanced illustration under Marc Stricland. Following my time there, I dedicated a decade to honing my craft, as the cost of tuition was comparable to purchasing a home, a reality that remains unchanged today. During this period, I delved into comic books and studied renowned artists like Robert Williams and Jack Kirby, which significantly shaped my artistic identity. I focused on mastering inking techniques, understanding that the finesse of illustration lies in the wrist. This exploration eventually sparked my interest in filmmaking, particularly in the art of storyboarding, marking a new chapter in my professional journey.
In 2006, I initiated a pilot program at USC while also earning my BFS in Multimedia Animation from The Art Institute of Los Angeles. That same year, I completed my first film alongside 30 other artists, producing a short 2D/3D animated film titled “The Red Storm” through Asturmas Studios.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Initially, the experience was quite challenging as I was unfamiliar with anyone in the industry, and they were equally unaware of me. While college equips you with essential skills, it only addresses part of the equation upon graduation. A significant portion, approximately 55%, hinges on your connections within the field. Understanding whom to approach, converse with, and learn from is vital for career advancement. Ethan, the co-director of Machete, once told me that networking outweighs talent in importance. Although talent undeniably plays a critical role, I have observed numerous exceptionally skilled artists who, despite their abilities, struggle to secure work. They often become overly reliant on their talent, leading to missed opportunities and a lack of follow-through on projects, resulting in unemployment and silence from directors. It is crucial to recognize that, similar to models and actors, the competition for any single opportunity is fierce, with thousands vying for the same role. You have only one chance; if you falter, you may have to wait decades for another opportunity, that’s reality.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Today, I serve as a full-time storyboard concept artist with an extensive portfolio of over 81 titles. My experience includes storyboarding for numerous films, such as “Enough,” directed by Michele LaBrucherie and produced by Luz Guzman, as well as directing and storyboarding the music video Ice Cream by “Boy Boy West Coast.” I have also held the position of senior storyboard artist for “Z Dead End” directed by Robert Restro and contributed to notable projects like the Iggy Pop Unagi commercial, “Pirates of the Caribbean” for Pretty Little Liars, and the film “Inhabitant,” directed by Jerren Lauder, which draws inspiration from the Lizzy Borden case.
I attended the red carpet premiere of “Wages of Sin,” an American crime thriller directed by Victor Rios in his feature film debut, featuring a screenplay by co-star and co-producer Stephen Cyrus Sepher. The film showcases a talented cast, including Paul Sloan, Danny Trejo, and Jeremy Luke, among others.
Completed storyboarding and development of the film “Rosa,” which is directed by Matt McLaughlin and inspired by a true story. Additionally, I am working with Victor Rios on his second film and working with Robert Arevalo, recognized for his roles in “Desperado” and “Mexican Bloodbath,” on the storyboarding of his project “Velocity.” Furthermore, I am enjoying a creative partnership with Stephen Meier, known for his work on “Woodbridge” (2024), “Re-Generator” (2010), and “The Circuit” (2020), on “Ninja Girl., you heard it here first!
Many may not realize that I am primarily recognized for the Devilish Gear Clothing Line, where my team and I made a significant impact in Hollywood, showcasing our clothing alongside some of the most stunning models with performances by Cecy B and Profit.
What distinguishes me from others in the industry is my unwavering drive and passion; I refuse to settle for anything less than excellence.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Resilience and a strong foundation of prayer are crucial for attaining excellence, especially in the face of challenges and setbacks. This journey involves dedicating significant time to studying industry leaders, analyzing films, engaging with relevant literature, and cultivating a professional network. In a competitive landscape, experiencing rejection is inevitable, and one must develop the ability to bounce back quickly as if nothing has happened. Competing with the best necessitates unwavering effort and concentration; without daily dedication, success remains out of reach. Ultimately, the outcomes you achieve are directly linked to the effort you put forth. As Marcus Aurelius insightfully noted, “True strength is found in mastering one’s mind rather than being influenced by external factors”.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.asturmas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthony_sturmas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.sturmas
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-sturmas-2b4847128/
- Twitter: https://x.com/MrsturmasG
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MrAsturmas
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5337505/
Image Credits
Photographer from Mexico Juan Delascuerdas González (Rockger Gzz)
Hollywood Red Carpet Director Victor Rios and Anthony Sturmas photo taken by James Zayas
Mexico City with Anthony Sturmas and Robert Arevalo photo taken by James Zayas
