Meet Anthony Elder | Independent Designer, Creative Director, and Lettering Artist

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

Hi Anthony, why did you pursue a creative career?
Short answer: Because I’m horrible at math and science.

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Growing up, I thought that having a “creative job” was more or less limited to becoming a famous painter—as unlikely a goal as becoming a Hollywood actor or major league athlete. I still enjoyed creative pursuits as I got older and, through skateboarding, became exposed to the work of graphic artists like ESPO, Margaret Kilgallen, Ed Templeton, and Shepard Fairey. In high school I would sneak into the city to skate and stock up supplies to make DIY stickers and stencils for spraypaint.

I went to college for lighting design but soon realized that professional theatre wasn’t my path. There was a lot of overlap between the Theatre and Visual Arts departments, which led me to discover Graphic Design—a term I had never even heard of before—so I switched majors and never looked back.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has put me in a lot of different shoes over the years, so I’m as comfortable helping to build visual identities for brands as I am developing “big idea” campaigns to market and promote them. I also specialize in lettering and calligraphy, niche offerings that I love to employ where appropriate. I try to work with a mix of small businesses (usually solo) and larger institutional brands (usually on teams) to stay creatively flexible and keep one foot in the agency world where I can.

Right now, I happen to be building two similar brands for family members: my dad is in the process of opening a bagel shop in Syracuse, NY (his first business endeavor), and my father-in-law is developing a fast-casual restaurant concept with a Phoenix-area hospitality group alum. It’s been a fun foray into the hospitality industry from two totally different angles—a standalone “mom and pop” offering vs. a franchise model. I don’t typically take on “family projects” but these have been a blast.

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A piece of advice from my very first boss: “Don’t ask, don’t get.” He used to say this almost daily, and I’ve since adopted it as my own. Leverage your connections, introduce yourself to new people, and don’t be afraid ask what they have coming up and how you might be able to lend a hand. I’m not suggesting that the only time you reach out to people is when you need something (don’t do that), but don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My time spent in the Phoenix area is usually split between Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale.

I’m a fan of architecture and specifically the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, so no visit to the Phoenix area is complete without a trip to Taliesin West. It’s stunningly gorgeous, a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark where FLW had his winter residence and architectural school.

Following Taliesin West is usually a trip to the Arizona Biltmore Resort, designed by a former draftsman from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Chicago-area studio (the extent of FLW’s direct involvement is debated but the influence is clear as day). It’s an Art Deco gem, dripping with old Hollywood glamour and plenty of places to grab a bite, a drink, or just lounge out for a bit.

I’m a sucker for Old Town Scottsdale. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has some great work, including a beautiful James Turrell “Skyspace” entitled Knight Rise. The Old Adobe Mission is another architectural beauty. Coach House is a veritable fire hazard of a dive bar, with thousands of holiday lights strung from every surface. Hula’s Modern Tiki has a few locations around the Phoenix area and is always a good time. Culinary Dropout—The Yard for a night out.

The Desert Botanical Garden for some organic beauty.

Walgreen’s for SPF100 sunscreen.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
At Fordham University, Abby Goldstein became a pivotal mentor, helping me to see the potential for a future in Graphic Design. She provided me with opportunities and introductions early on that set me on my path, including access to the Type Directors Club, an organization that became instrumental in both my design education and the formation of my early professional network. Abby’s mentorship and generosity have had a lasting impact on my career, and I often reflect on the profound ways her support has shaped my journey.

Website: www.anthonyelder.com

Instagram: instagram.com/anthony.elder

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyelder/