Ask an Alum: Anthony Blue

As a college student, Anthony Blue was determined to play in the NFL. But after an injury, he focused his energy on something he’d always been passionate about: art. Since graduating from the Hixson-Lied College of Fine & Performing Arts in 2011, Anthony has become his own boss, working with big names like MTV and Solange. We talked to him about how to build relationships, where he finds inspiration and his advice on balancing multiple interests.

You came to Nebraska on a football scholarship and you set your sights on playing in the NFL but an injury took you out of the game. What was it like having to let go of your plan to play in the NFL?

It was tough at first because my whole life was based around sports up until that point. I picked Nebraska specifically for football knowing how many players receive the opportunity to make it to the NFL. I started the last two games of my freshman year and the following off-season that ACL injury changed my life instantly. It ended up happening again to my other knee. I think that pain alone made me realize I didn’t want to keep dealing with injuries. The best part about all of this was I had the chance to realize how sports don’t last forever early enough to consider what life really looked like for me. I knew my interest outside of sports so I started to lean on those while I couldn’t play.

How did you discover your love for music and art? Have you always been interested in it? Is there anything about it you’re particularly drawn to?

My parents have always been into the arts and they did their best at planting those seeds into my brothers and sisters. We would have cameras around the house and they would let us use them or just soak in music my parents would listen to when they cleaned the house. It was natural and our parents encouraged it. I have two older brothers and younger sisters as well and they all are artists. I looked up to them growing up.

You’ve worked with some big names: Solange, MTV, Nike. How did you begin building these relationships?

The special thing about all of these situations is you never know who you will meet and being a nice/respectful person is the key ingredient to networking. I moved to New York right after college and have crossed paths with so many people. I think the most simple way I could explain it is: Do good, original work, be a respectful person, and the rest kind of comes back to you. All of the names mentioned above came from recommendations and mutual friends.

What do you enjoy most about owning your own company?

I like knowing that I’m in control and responsible for everything. I like the freedom.

What is one of your favorite experiences you’ve had post-grad?

One of my favorite experiences of all time is stepping out on faith and self-belief. Oftentimes we put a bunch of negative thoughts in our heads like “what if this doesn’t work?” or “what if this goes wrong?” Moving to New York from Nebraska was one of the first signs that showed me that I shouldn’t be afraid and I should just keep pushing forward. To quit jobs, not knowing what would happen next, to having the patience & being willing to make it work no matter what. Everything ends up on the right side if you have the will and want too. If things go wrong, you can always learn from them and hit the reset button.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration from my peers. It’s a true blessing because I don’t have to look far; my family is filled with artists who do great things, as well as my friends. Traveling (before COVID) also leads to inspiration. Inspiration can find you if you just start doing.

What is your dream job?

My dream job would consist of traveling the world, DJing for people who love to dance, and trying the best meals I’ve never ever experienced. I also dream of being an international tour guide lol.

*Check out Anthony’s tour guide skills below ⬇️

Was there someone at Nebraska that had the biggest impact on you?

There were many people but specifically, one of my paint professors, Byron Anway, said something to me that felt more like a challenge. He said something along the lines of “you can’t do everything, you have to pick one thing and master it.” When I heard that it kind of lit a fire in me and I wanted to prove that statement wrong lol. But he was one of my favorites.

Is there one thing you learned in your time at Nebraska that you’ve taken with you and continue to use every day?

In Nebraska, I learned how to not be bored in life. Coming from Dallas, Texas to Lincoln, Nebraska, it’s easy to say how boring the town is or how slow-paced everything is. But to overcome boredom, that’s something I learned there. I realized how important time was and I couldn't spend it playing on the PlayStation or messing around. I used to go to critiques and have the worst paintings but I would go home and practice. Realizing how much time we spent preparing for football games, I took that same mentality into things I wanted to learn. I learned how to learn at Nebraska.

You’re kind of a jack of all trades — from DJing to photography to animation, etc. — and a great example of being able to chase multiple passions and projects. What is one piece of advice you’d give a college student who may have more than one interest?

Listen to your heart and believe in yourself. My heart has led me down these paths simply because I was chasing fun and knew how happy these things made me. I never did any of these things for money until someone offered to pay me for doing the things I loved and when that moment happens, it’s a blessing.

Check out all of Anthony Blue’s animation work on his website and watch below for his latest project with Pepsi.