Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Baldwin.
Hi Antonio, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story has several chapters. While in high school, I took graphic design and television production classes at the College and Career Academy for two years. I also participated in the SkillsUSA contest, where two others and I represented the entire academy. I always struggled with grade school, but there was something in particular about those television production classes that brought out the creative and adventurous side of me – the side that sees the colors of the world. Towards the end of high school, I felt as though I had a cluster of ideas trapped inside my head, from skits to shorts and even feature films.
Around this time, Vine had been heavily trending and I had to join! Vine was the first place I was allowed to showcase my ideas and the response was amazing! In this chapter of my life, I learned the endless possibilities and benefits of putting yourself out there! I would get responses from people stating they watch my videos every day! Some watched to feel better and a lot watched to simply get a good laugh! The support that I received then helped shape and mold the foundation of the Tony Talks that you see today!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth road? I wish! Social media can be very challenging and tricky. I’ve always enjoyed entertaining and knew that was my purpose, however it does come with some challenges. As a young, black, and gay male, I had to build up the confidence to put myself out there each and every day. The self-work never stops, and the further I get, that aspect becomes more important. Although I am super passionate about my craft, at times I naturally go into override and can lose sight of things around me. To quickly bring me back down, I spend some time reflecting and spending time with people closest to me. I find comfort in knowing that I do what I love each and every day, and that will always outweigh the obstacles that may come my way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My artistry specializes in creating an experience for the viewer. I create content to evoke emotion that will take you on a journey through videos. All content that is created is shared on my personal Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok! I am most known for my random and comedic skits, however, I also love writing and recording music. I like to look at myself as an overall entertainer and don’t want to be placed in a box! What sets me apart from others the most is that I am authentically myself; after all, those are the ones that stand the test of time!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’ve had mentors in the past and whether I had success with them or not, it was needed at that time to get to where I am now. People believe that a mentor has to be a physical person that you know, and for me, that simply isn’t the case. Whether it’s a motivational speaker that grasps your attention or an author of a book that you may read, find what works for you. A mentor isn’t about finding one individual but rather using all resources that are near to continue to grow and shape your best self!
Contact Info:
- Email: bookings@iamtonytalks.com
- Website: https://www.iamtonytalks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtonytalks/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficallyTonyTalks
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IAmTonyTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1QzoSnbWF7itzFZeeX-oQ
Image Credits
Neville Forbes Paris Steward Deandre Lemans
