FeedMeCoolShit.com » Anthony Hurd

Anthony Hurd

Anthony is one of those commercial designers that you know its gonna be a great experience just working with, Easy going and professional with a history of work in his portfolio that sparkles.

By nature a LA resident, however we tracked him down currently working in New Zealand on a top secret assignment.

Have fun getting to know the splendid Mr. Hurd courtesy of FMCS.

Site: Anthony Hurd

FMCS: Hi Anthony How’s things? We hear you’re in New Zealand (sheep chasing) right now, why so far away from home?

Anthony: Well hello there Mr/Mrs FeedMeCoolShit, nice boots, going well thanks!

Yeah I’m jumping on a log raft inspired by the “HIT SERIES!” Lost and heading to New Zealand to retrace the foot steps of Frodo so I can see the movie through his eyes, while watching all the films on my lap top, should be a great spiritual journey with many life lessons to come.

Actually, I’m here for a gig which will be available for viewing in the future.

FMCS: Anthony tell our readers a little about yourself and what you do?

Anthony: I’m a big bundle of fun wrapped 6′5″ pale tattooed exterior with a light coat of hair, good for traction. I’ve got a nasty little bag of tricks ranging from print, web, motion graphics, illustration and fine arts.

I’m like a variety pack of sorts.

FMCS: We love your style of creativity very beautiful indeed, and your passions seem very broad, however which environment do you feel happiest in motion, print or web?

Anthony: Well I don’t know that I’m happier doing one more than the other, just depends on the project.

They all have good points to them. If I have any preference it’s to do my own personal work.

FMCS: What are the simple pleasures of the work you do?

Anthony: My life style. I generally work from home, which is nice. Getting paid to work on great projects on the cozy comfort of my couch, watching some bad tele with the pup curled up at my feet is rather rewarding.

But I also get to meet some great people along the way. Like now, being in NZ working with the folks from Weta Digital is amazing. I just never seem to know where I’m going to be next or who I’ll be in contact with.

FMCS: The frustrating aspects in the life of Anthony Hurd?

Anthony: Trying to remember everyone’s name, keeping track of conversations, daily household responsibilities, (Picking up dog poo, washing dishes, cleaning house, etc…) and answering emails.

FMCS: Do you come into Europe often to work on projects? Or are you quite happy with the work the States can offer you?

Anthony: I haven’t had any project in Europe as of yet. But I’m happy to go where ever the work takes me.

I’m pretty much open to anything as long as it fits my scheduling.

FMCS: Favorite music to be creative to?

Anthony: Hmm! That’s a long list… Ron Sexsmith always makes me smile, and on rare occasions showcase my horrible ‘sing along vocals’.

Tim Noir keeps my foot tapping, The New Pornographers, AC Newman and Tilly and The
Walls are always good.

Lately I’ve started working with more and more musicians so I usually just listen to their music over and over to get my head wrapped around their project. That, and I love being able to
hear it all in the process of the album.

By the time the album comes out I’ve heard so many cuts of the songs it’s always great to hear the final product. Belle and Sebastian, Sam Roberts, Self, Cut Chemists, Cat Stevens, Jeff Buckley, The Go! Team, Hal, Stevie Wonder, Sondre Lerche, Of Montreal, Ray LaMontagne, and Sparklehorse are always in fairly heavy rotation around my desk though.

FMCS: We have heard it mentioned that you enjoy working with Ad agencies rather than design studios on projects, why is this? Do the ad agencies offer you more freedom? Are the budgets bigger?

Anthony: Well it isn’t really an “either/or” situation. Ha-ha! Just that I’ve been working on more jobs where I’m working directly with the agencies or client rather than through another studios direction.

I like both sides really, just always comes down to availability and scheduling in the big scary world of freelancing.

FMCS: Any plans for the direction of your career?

Anthony: My plan currently is to stop trying to make plans. I’ve got ideas, and where ever those may take me, I must follow…

…Shit, I think I just wrote a song. Now I’ve got a plan!

FMCS: Who inspires you art-wise?

Anthony: My damn dog for one! Not sure why but she’s popping up in everything I do lately.

I am definitely always inspired by my travels. But a big part comes from where I grew up in Kansas City Missouri.

A lot of my work has Midwestern/country/western influences but I’m trying to put my own twist on it all.

It’s all a rather loose and light hearted perspective that allows me to just develop things organically.

FMCS: Any shout outs, and praise?

Anthony: Hmm… Don’t think I should start naming names since that could be a rather long list.

But I definitely would say there are a lot of people out there who’s work I really respect.

I’m inspired by the progress and desire of a lot of other artists, designers, architects, illustrators, animators, product designers, etc…

I’ve worked with so many great people over the years and love seeing how they’ve progressed and blossomed into amazing talent, on top of being amazing people.