Un-Framing Creative Freedom:

Tony (Left) is the founder of Creative Freedom, a magazine (Right) and community for creatives in London Ontairo

INTRODUCTION:

Meet Anthony Mba (Tony), the visionary behind Creative Freedom, a magazine to foster a community for creatives of all skill levels. A self proclaimed “Jack of all Trades” and 2024 graduate from the Graphic Design program at Fanshawe College, Tony brings a fresh perspective on the current landscape of creative expression and publication.But, as you’ll soon learn, it’s his passion for empowering others through challenging the status quo that sets him apart. With a commitment to inclusivity and a focus on showcasing fresh talent, Creative Freedom offers a platform where creatives can share their work without restrictions, unafraid to take risks and push the boundaries of their craft.

Un-framing Tony:

Coming from a science background, Tony wasn’t always interested in Graphic Design. When first having moved to Canada from Lagos Nigeria, Tony pursued mechanical engineering, but felt unsatisfied. Upon a pivotal meeting with a friend, he found himself grounded in the arts, an area that he never explored in his upbringing:

“I was studying in the library and she needed help with an assignment”

Tony recalls.

“I started helping out and I realized ‘oh, I might actually like art.”

But graphic design was just a foundation for his dreams. Tony was now fully engrossed in creative industries, from game design to traditional arts. However, He saw something missing in his community:

“Someone has to take charge, someone has to put themselves out there and do this.”

Tony says

“No one wanted to take charge, wanted to build this space, wanted to bring people together.”

Tony gets excited by challenging himself and going all in without letting the fear of failure deter him from his ultimate goals.The challenge presented to him; how to build a community in the creative space? Led him to apply to the LeapIN program, a business accelerator program offered by Leap Junction, Fanshawe College’s centre for entrepreneurs, offering services and workshops to students and alumni wishing to start a business. With fear and excitement playing their roles, Tony got to work on building Creative Freedom.

Creative Freedom now:

With the acceptance into LeapIN, Creative Freedom began it’s journey to actualization.Creative Freedom started with a dream to reach a global audience but, with the help of the LeapIN facilitators, Tony is now shifting Creative Freedom’s focus to helping creatives in London Ontario and actively working towards his mission of community building and idea sharing through a magazine.As a community-first magazine focusing on encouraging collaboration between professionals and beginners, Creative Freedom is offering a space for upcoming artists to learn and share concepts without the barriers of traditional publications, as well as a place for professionals to engage with new talent by offering tutorials and advice.At it’s current stage, Creative Freedom is seeking creators to submit content that can be shared through it’s social media accounts, building a foundation of support as social proof that this idea is indeed valid. Meanwhile, Tony is not sitting idly, as a creative himself, he is spear-heading this community with his own motivational and educational content.

Tony working in a communal space

The Future: :

Looking ahead, Tony aims to achieve 10 complete submissions as well as finishing the magazine’s layout in the next few months. Once he reaches this milestone, Tony says he will be ready to roll out his first issue of the magazine in both print and digital copies.Since the start of LeapIN, Tony has shifted his goals and visions, but that hasn’t dampened his spirits for the long-term future of the magazine:

“At least have expanded to the whole of Canada”

Tony says, envisioning a space beyond the magazine,

“We will have community events in every city, every summer, every year”

However, like any good startup, Creative Freedom is facing some growing pains. Despite a zero-cost submission, and serving as editor and stylist himself to ensure cohesion, Tony has received only three submissions so far. Acknowledging this shortcoming, Tony refuses to be deterred from his hope for the future of the magazine and his ultimate goal for the community:

“No matter what they [creatives] are doing, no matter how little it is, my whole goal is to just give the validation that every single person who creates… your work is valued and is valid.”

Key Takeaways/Conclusion:

With its blend of art, culture, and community, Creative Freedom, and by extension Tony himself, is poised to make a significant impact on London's arts scene with broader dreams to capture a national audience. Join us in supporting his initiative and discover the amazing talent that the local art community has to offer by reaching out to Tony through the following methods:

Instagram:

Tony's Art - @Unauthorized_artwork

The Magazine - @Creativefreedom___