Anthony, the 25-year-old guy behind one of Tik Tok’s most viral creator profiles, built his brand through a combination of relatable content and some, well, unique parenting advice.
Twenty2: Tell us a little bit about your background. Looks like you modeled in NYC before moving back home due to COVID-19. What led you to Tik Tok?
For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed creating videos. From the time I was four years old, my Papa, Nonnie’s husband, and I would film videos on video tape. He would put me on the roof of cars, directing me to pretend-smoke stogies, and other outlandish things. I instantly fell in love with it. I continued to constantly create videos with my family and friends throughout my childhood, and then was on Vine throughout college before it got taken down.
I attended Western Michigan University, graduating with a degree in film, video & media studies. After that, I moved back home to Michigan and did some modeling, until I landed a job in New York City for a film production company. During this time, a lot of friends would constantly ask me to get on Tik Tok and make some content like I used to; however, with the hours I was working daily it wasn’t possible to make consistent content. When I moved back home following the start of COVID-19, I had plenty of time on my hands, so it was a great way to stay entertained by doing what I love.
Twenty2: Aside from raising ducks & building your merch store, what’s your day to day like?
Besides raising my ducks and working on my brand, I always start my day by working out. Life is all about balance, so I enjoy drinking and partying, but I like to workout and eat as healthy as possible outside of all that. I spend a lot of time with my family and friends on the lake as well as taking care of my babies (ducks). For the most part though, I am constantly thinking and creating new content for my followers. It's something I love to do, but can definitely be time-consuming.
Twenty2: Do you spend a lot of time pre-planning your videos? Your mom (& grandparents) make a lot of great cameos, is that planned?
Most of my videos are based on true events in my life that have actually occurred, or just in-the-moment type stuff.
Twenty2: You’ve done a great job creating a brand identity! If you could describe your aesthetic to someone who hasn’t seen one of your videos, what would you say?
I wish I could have my followers answer this one! I feel everyone has their own ideas on it, but to me I think my aesthetic is wild and carefree. I’m just a guy living my life and doing what makes me happy in the moment. In summary, being a 25-year-old guy, living the dream. I think my videos all show that and it just adds to the humor that drives my mom crazy sometimes.
Twenty2: What are some mistakes you made early on when creating for Tik Tok that newcomers can avoid?
I wouldn’t say I made this mistake, but I think the best advice I can give to newcomers on Tik Tok is to be original. I know that is what helped me grow my name and brand. I don’t stick to the Tik Tok norms. Yes, I follow trends here and there, but with my own original twist to them. I think that’s the most important thing on this app. Everyone is going to use the same sounds and do the same things, so think to yourself, ‘What can I offer that will make me stand out?’ There are millions of users, so you have to be different.
Twenty2: What’s been the best reaction to your videos?
I love getting support from everyone, but it's especially cool when it's from famous Tik Tokers, Youtubers and celebrities, who kind of understand the challenge of constantly having to pump out content for an audience. Jason Nash reached out early on, before my Tik Tok really took off, and encouraged me to keep doing me, and I really appreciated that. Since then, several other big ‘influencers’ have reached out and shown me support.
Twenty2: What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten? The worst?
Best advice is, “Never forget the people who were there for you and supported you from the beginning.”
Worse advice is, ‘Grow up.’
Twenty2: Is there anything fun coming up that viewers should be on the lookout for?
Future viewers can look forward to content with my new ducklings, my mom (of course) and by popular demand, more Nonnie. We also have some exciting brand deals that fans can look out for in the works. Other than that, there will still be plenty of drinking, partying and duck curls.
