Meet A. Venomous | Performing Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with A. Venomous and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Antonio, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
It is within my DNA to be creative in my life expression. I have always been someone who finds joy and ease in the arts. The oldest memory of me being a creative, that I remember, was when I was in 2nd grade. I was at home, and saw on the kitchen table the weekly newspaper my parents would receive. I always ignored the newspaper, because what kid is interested in that shit? However, on this one day, I saw the Sunday comic strips on the back of the paper. I was fascinated with this, and enjoyed the idea that an adult can draw cartoons for a newspaper for their day job. So, I began writing my own comics. They were nothing special, and I took a lot of character inspiration from Jim Toomey’ “Sherman’s Lagoon” universe. And although that life idea ended up going nowhere, it subconsciously showed me that without hesitation, without fear of criticism, and without guilt, I found happiness and peace in being an artist. That drive to create has molded itself since those elementary days from Newspaper Comic Writer, Long-Form Comic Writer, Professional Wrestler, YouTuber, Videographer, Video Editor, Actor, Dancer, and now, Rapper.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My music: At this current stage in life, my music tends to be conscious-based, storytelling driven, and comedically brash. I am told by peers and fans that my music reminds them of Hopsin, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem. Shit, that’s not a bad trio to be compared to.

What I’m most proud of: My persistence, it will allow me to be financially successful, mentally/physically/emotionally healthy, and a dedicated and highly-respected artist.

How I got here: By having faith in that universal instinct that this is what I am meant to do in this lifetime. By believing in myself more than anyone else would – including my friends, my siblings, and my parents. Finally, by having the financial support from my step-mom, Layla, during my time in college. I am incredibly lucky to have had her support, for if she didn’t come into my dad’s life, I don’t believe I would have had the straight forward opportunity to go to college.

Life Lessons: Life isn’t fair, and the quicker you realize that the easier life becomes. There is nothing wrong with becoming rich, but to be really rich does not mean one is satisfied. You must be your own biggest fan, because nobody in this world will care more about your success than you. And, there must be equal focus and responsibility in caring for the mind, the body, and the spirit.

What I want the world to know: I am one of Colorado’s best performing artists.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would need to go to the RiNo Art District for photoshoots, there is an abundance of artistic backdrops there. We would also need to visit the Denver Aquarium, which surprisingly is better than the Seattle Aquarium. We would journey to another universe inside Meow Wolf. We would get high and enjoy the present moment at the International Church of Cannabis. We would enjoy game night, industry night, and cannabis yoga in the mornings at Tetra Lounge. And, another place to fill our artist’s wells would have to be the Etz Hayim Temple & Energy Center – where there are weekly sound baths to realign our spirits. In terms of places to eat/drink, I would recommend Tokyo Japanese Resteraunt, Forest Room 5, Mr. Egg, The Schoolhouse Kitchen, and Pho Haus.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Black Pegasus | Colorado-Based Rapper: BP has shown through self-dedication, persistence, and manifestation, that you can become a full-time rapper in Colorado, a state that (at the moment) isn’t particularly known for being a place to be for artists (when compared to Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York).

Megan Glynn-Zollinger | Associate Professor, CSU Chico: Megan was my dance teacher for 3.5 years at Colorado Mesa University. Her warm soul, work-ethic, and passion for being an artist gave me the constant inspiration I needed to stay dedicated to the performing arts. I would not be the creative I am today without her guidance.

Julia Cameron | Author: Julia has produce one of the most essential books for all artists of any medium, “The Artist’s Way”. This book is a 12 week-long program designed to help you find your inner child, artist’s spirit, and creative well. If you are an artist, you need to go through this program/book at least once in your lifetime.

Instagram: @antoniovenomous

Twitter: @antoniovenomous

Facebook: @antoniovenomous

Youtube: Youtube.com/AntonioVenomousMusic

Other: TikTok: @a.venomous

Image Credits
@ashleykidderphoto