Meet Anthony Tone” Mensah | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anthony “Tone” Mensah and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anthony “Tone”, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
To be truthful, I don’t think I ever had a choice. I’m moderately impulsive. A habitual line stepper. And most of all I love finding solutions and making things from what seems to be nothing. Turning ideas into reality with only the tools around me. It’s a frustrating process, and that’s only rewarding in the ways that it makes me better at the said process. ‘

My addiction to that process makes working in spaces that aren’t centered on creating or developing others kind of boring. It used to be about chasing dreams or showing people how talented I was. Now it’s just like — “What’s making me happy? How am I serving others? How am I showcasing the human experience from my vantage point; in a way that other people see themselves in?”

I think that’s where my “pursuit” comes from. I don’t mean to be dismissive of that phrasing but I hate the idea of chasing. I love maintaining greatness, pushing towards my best self, and holding on to the things that want to be held. So for me, creativity and artistry are elements of my life that I’ve always had room for and have always made room for me. Where else would I want to be?

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.
I think defining professionalism in art is weird. Like for every other profession, you get paid for your work on some kind of consistent basis. At least if you’re working for a corporation or a company. That’s not the case for being an artist. Being an artist sometimes feels like a hunt. Everybody can eat, but you gotta go get something. You gotta get yours.

I make great things, but a big part of making money from art is explaining the value of the work. People see beautiful things all the time. And sometimes they admire them. And then what? They move on and see something more beautiful. Rinse. Repeat.

So my artistry, it’s about encapsulating experiences that might not be just mine, but ones that people want to process. One’s that people resonate with. I’m always tryna be the avatar whose skewed perspective provides color and indulges in the chaos of the world around us. I find a lot of comfort in being a wanderer and an outsider. I can be very gregarious and collaborative. But art is where I get to experience and interpret the world around me for me and me alone.

I think what sets me apart and where I’ve found the most balance and success; is when I don’t care. When I just create freely to create. Yes, there has to be a structure that exists to be able to execute your vision and market and connect with people. But removing the expectation of trying to stand out. Being free with creations but methodical with your practice is what I’m about. All the other stuff, for me, is the part of ego that keeps your best self in the shadows.

I’m here to poke holes and have fun with the things that go over our heads. To find beauty in the mundane and the spectacle. I like having fun, but I also like making people think deeper. And that’s what my brand YMD wants people to embody every day. Accepting the chaos and appreciating the nuance.

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.
To be honest I’m more of the type to visit friends. My last trip was to DC where I went to college and that’s kind of like a second home to me. I went to this cool underground comedy club called Hotbed. There was this cool art hotel where everything was on sale and they had a wine cellar and dining room that may or may not be hidden. Went to some bars. I like being out with people but like I said previously, I’m a wanderer. I like observing people just to observe. It’s kind of weird.

With friends, I love to talk and I love when we get a chance to explore. So if I had a hypothetical best friend coming to Milwaukee, I’d probably start by going down to Chicago and see a local show. I know a lot of artists down there who are doing a lot of cool things. Shoutout Kenny Morningstar, S. Rock, Outpast Midnight, Closed Casket, Kenn3. Move around Downtown, I’m not a big Chicago person but a lot of my people aren’t from the Midwest so I’d try to give them the full experience and it’d give us room to do that exploring!

Back home it’s more shows we gotta hit first something at the Cactus Club, where all the up-and-coming acts in the city perform. Then we got to hit the Fiserv for a Bucks game, especially if it’s playoffs. Giannis and Dame are gonna be amazing to watch. During the day we’d have to hit up the Sherman Phoenix, the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Urban Ecology Center, and the St. Kate’s Hotel (which has restaurants and actual art exhibits throughout the hotel.) The Milwaukee Public Market is dope, we could eat there one day and then walk over to the Kimpton’s rooftop bar, after taking an impromptu art class at MIAD. Milwaukee’s a lowkey city but there are a lot of bars, restaurants, and parks. It’s got a beautiful lakefront and honestly, although it can get dull in the winter, it can be a real fun city when it’s time to be outside. So hopefully my friend would be wise enough to book their ticket late May to early September!

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 mom Antoinette. My grandparents. My godmother and godfather, Shawnee and Chester. My adopted father, James. Linetta. Too many people honestly. A lot of the people I think of have moved on to a different place. Some are still with I just was held deeply and strongly by my loved ones. Protected from and empowered by my environment. Shoutout to the city of Milwaukee, my college friends, my homeboys, fellow artists, and my cousin Summer who shared this opportunity with me. I could go on forever. Like I have the best people in the world around me. I’m loved by so many that it makes giving love easier. I am who they are. They are who I am.

Website: www.ymdmob.club

Instagram: bytonydriftin @ymdmob @tonydriftin

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXkd-08vTdkaIeOxfSH66FA

Other: @ymdmob and @therealtonydriftin on TikTok

Image Credits
YMD Media, Tone Mensah