Artist Spotlight: Anthony Samaniego | MakersPlace Blog

Anthony Samaniego is an American visual artist born and raised in Los Angeles, California. After graduating from Cal State University of Northridge with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Economics, he worked in the entertainment industry as a sales analyst for Warner Brothers.

Hereafter, Anthony’s path in life dramatically changed due to an accident, which required him to relearn how to walk. During his convalescence, he became interested in photography and pursued a self-taught regime to enhance his knowledge and understanding of photographic methods and post-production editing. As his healing progressed so did his creative desire to capture his surroundings.

His early photographic subjects included the Los Angeles skyline and nature captured in the hills near his home. Enamored by film photography and seeking to share his visions; he became a well-respected artist who regularly shared his work on the internet through Flickr and Tumblr. One of his proudest achievements at this time was a commission by Apple. This photograph was showcased in all North American Apple stores, as well as on Apple’s website to promote their new iPhone.

Always in search of a challenge, Anthony started shooting video. His technique in looping subtle movement in what otherwise looks like a photograph solidified his standing as a pioneer of cinemagraphs that utilize the .gif file format. A variety of brands such as TRESemmé, Gap and Veuve Clicquot hired him as a cinemagraph artist to capture their products in his unique style. In addition, shooting events such as the Oscars, New York Fashion Week, and Coachella also enabled him to work well under pressure and garner an understanding of social media marketing and advertising.

While cinemagraphs have been Anthony’s forte as a professional artist, his recent endeavors have led him to learn 3D animation. With hard work and determination he learned how to encompass abstract and conceptual computer graphics into his cinematic video and photo work; thus producing and developing an exclusive skillset that blends photography, videography, and 3D art. This style of new media is a modern approach that can be used globally to present themes and ideas in the ever-evolving art and advertising world.

As an enthusiast of surrealism, he is often inspired by art history; seeking to bring a voice to nature that pays homage to trends of the past, but reinterprets this through modern mediums and perspectives.