Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Johnson
Hi Anthony, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I honestly started off posting content in 2020 after high school when Covid hit. I’ve never actually made content at all before hand, but I came up with the bright idea to make a video of me pretending to have a cyber graduation walking across my screen and it got over 100k likes. This video caused me to go pretty viral at the time on all social media platforms, even landing me a small contract with Walgreens to post my video as a commercial on TV. After about two videos went viral, I stopped posting for a few months. Then I decided to come back in 2021 to start posting fashion content on Instagram and TikTok with the goal of wanting to model for brands. Once I started taking fashion a little serious, that’s when the brands started to role in. I never knew the feeling of getting free clothes from random people to promote, but it felt like I finally had a purpose. Between the years of 2021 and 2022 everything was going good for me. I was receiving and posting clothes weekly where people were asking me for fit inspo. Mind you growing up I was never the best dressed in school. I wasn’t the kid that could afford all of the Jordans and follow all the newest trends. I used to borrow clothes from my cousin if I felt the need to “fit in,” so everything was foreign to me. I finally made my mark in 2022 when I posted the “Caveman Slippers” shoutout to Imran. That’s when I started to gain tons of followers and finally getting monetized on TikTok, which was a lot of people’s goal. I’ve always been pretty creative so here and there I would post clothes I distressed or drew on or art that i’ve created through procreate on Instagram. It would tend to grasp people’s attention. Before even posting fashion content, I always dreamed of having a clothing brand but never took it seriously. However, the content just drove my passion even more. I would talk about it here and there with a few friends but would brush it off afterwards. Whereas, my close friend, Jalen, had his brand and my other friend had his as well. One of my older friends named Johnny actually pushed me in to creating my brand around July of 2022, telling me that I was playing around because I had the skills to do it. With him putting pressure on me, I felt like I had to take myself serious. This is where I started brainstorming and designing everyday, and I finally felt like I had that drive. On October 20, 2022, I finally announced my brand “Indangered Species” and the next month after I prepared and dropped my first design on Nov 23, 2022. Over the next following year which was 2023, I dropped about four new pieces where I experienced the ups and downs of owning a business. However, it was worth it because I noticed all of my downfalls and where I needed to improve at for my brand. After summer 2023, I decided to drop a three layered hoodie, known as the “Triad Hoodie” for the fall. It was one of my most viral pieces. Because it was one of my most viral pieces, there were a few brands that copied the jacket design. After my latest drop my brand has had much success over the past few months. In conclusion, I want to encourage content creators, entrepreneurs and influencers to continue striving for all goals you have set for yourself. Don’t let the downfalls discourage you because at the end of the day if you truly want it you’ll find a way to go get it!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been an easy road. I’ve faced a lot of challenges within the past 2 years that tested my strength and determination. For instance i’ve dealt with setbacks that made me rethink my goals and how to reach them. Balancing everything sometimes felt overwhelming, and I had moments where I would say to myself “it’ll get better, I promise!” Even when I questioned if I was on the right path, those tough times taught me important lessons about sticking with it and growing. Each struggle has played a part in shaping my journey. Looking back, I see that these experiences have made me more resilient and better prepared for whatever comes next. I’ve learned to appreciate the small victories along the way, which keep me motivated. Ultimately, I believe these struggles will help me succeed in the long run.
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?
I’m the creative owner of Indangered Species, specializing in anything I set my mind to. Before hiring anyone, I always make it a point to learn the skills myself, no matter the situation. I’m mostly known for the controversy surrounding my triad hoodie, as I don’t think anyone has dared to step outside the norm by boldly displaying a flag on their back to convey its true meaning. What sets me apart is my unique approach to detail and storytelling, which allows me to create deeper connections through my work. I take pride in my ability to challenge conventional ideas and provoke thought, reflecting my dedication and passion for what I do. One of my proudest achievements has been the positive conversations sparked by my designs, pushing people to think critically about the symbols and messages they encounter every day. I believe that art should not only be visually striking but also meaningful and impactful. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire others to embrace their individuality and make a positive difference through creative expression. I’m committed to using my platform to amplify voices that often go unheard and to promote a sense of community through shared stories and experiences.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising that most people might not know about me is that I’m naturally gifted and can typically learn something new after just one try. This ability has greatly influenced my creative process and the way I approach my work. While many see me as just a designer, I also love to explore different cultures through my travels, which deeply embraces my work. Additionally, I have a keen interest in psychology and mental health, which informs my designs and storytelling. I believe that understanding the human experience is crucial to creating art that resonates on a deeper level. By combining these elements, I aim to show others that there’s always more to explore beyond the surface of what they know.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://indangeredspecies.shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speciesindangered/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/tropixant/
