1646 – Issue 4

19 lot of caricatures I drew of my friends at the time, in exercise books, in the back of text books etc. – not particularly flattering of any of them! And also one or two of old teachers – even less flattering! Blue Coat was definitely where I started thinking seriously about pursuing a creative career – though no idea in what shape or form. I remember thinking a Graphic Designer sounded cool, ‘Maybe I’ll get to use a spray gun!’ (fashionable back in the Eighties!). And finally, what’s next.. ..? Good question! Being a freelance artist you have to change with the times, adapt when necessary, look for new challenges, keep pushing your ideas and keep all doors open for new projects at all times. You have to keep on your toes, try to avoid complacency and always try to push back the limits. I currently have several projects on the boil, including a book which I’m writing as well as a number of upcoming live events which I’ve been hired to draw at. So I’m being kept busy, but at the same time on the look- out. As a comment written in my school report on more than one occasion might sum it up, ‘Room for improvement!’ include Francis Bacon, all the German Expressionists, most Abstract Expressionists, Goya, Philip Guston and of course Picasso. What do you consider your greatest achievement to date? Among others, having my book published called ‘Matamundos’ (publisher Akal, 2020) I would say is an achievement I’m proud of. It’s basically a satirical vision of the climate change and other related issues concerning man’s abuse of the planet such as the threat to biodiversity, pollution, exploitation of fossil fuels, mass extinction, global warming etc. I’m hoping to have it published in English too at some point soon – fingers crossed! What advice would you give a young person who is interested in pursuing a creative career? Don’t ever give up! Keep going! Keep dreaming! Keep getting inspired! Keep experimenting and trying new ways to create! Keep thinking of ideas! Something I learnt while working in advertising is that energy produces more energy. Don’t limit yourself. More than a career, I consider being creative/artistic is a way of life. It’s something that’s with you at all times. Whatever you choose to create and how you create it is for you to discover. Making a living out of that creative activity will follow. It’s not easy, of course, but that struggle is a necessary part of the creative process. But don’t give up and learn to adapt. As Steadman has told me on more than one occasion, ‘Keep drawing!’ On a practical level, always carry a notebook and pencil around with you (as well as your iPhone, of course!) to jot down, draw, write, scribble anything of interest at any moment that you might otherwise forget. How did your time at RBC prepare you for later life and your career? There’s something very special about the friends you make growing up at school and in my case I’m lucky enough to still be in close touch with many of my oldest school chums. That in itself teaches you about the importance of loyalty, respect for others and how to not take friendship for granted. It’s also a life lesson in thinking about how you can help out and what you can do for others. The world seems an even more selfish place now then when I was a kid, so lasting friendships are even more precious. Art class in my day I have to say wasn’t too fulfilling. It was more a case of here’s some paper, here’s some paint, now go away and paint something. I had my first ever illustrations printed in black and white in the school annual magazine ‘The Aldworthian’ (1983) and also sold my first artwork which was a silkscreen print I stuck up outside the Art classroom in the old Dunster building. I think I sold 2 prints! I still have a Anthony Garner is available for commissions and collaborations of any type. You can see examples of his work and contact details on his website: antgarner.myportfolio.com or email him directly: anthony.garner@telefonica.net Instagram: #anthonyantgarner #live_illustration #antgarner_art