Anthogs gives people from all over the country an opportunity to showcase or sell their artwork exhibits through an annual membership. The platform allows all types of art, including poetry, paintings, sculptures, handcrafts, music and more. Members can have unlimited exhibits showcasing up to three pieces at a time, and if they are selling their work, they keep 90% of the profit, Alex said.
Anthogs Productions is named after puppet characters called Anthogs, which are half ant and half hog. The idea was conceptualized by Tristan, who has autism and is enrolled in the SELF 18+ program at Leander ISD. Alex said Tristan’s teachers recognized his passion for Anthogs and encouraged him to continue pursuing it.
“[Tristan’s] teachers and friends [said] there’s nothing out there for anyone else like him or just anyone else in general,” Alex said. “That’s when we came up with the concept of creating a business platform for everyone, not just kids with disabilities or autism, but anyone who loves what they do.”
Since launching in late October, Alex said it has been a challenge to spread the word about Anthogs Productions and the services it provides.
“The hardest part was trying to get people interested or at least inquiring about Anthogs,” he said.
Despite the struggle with generating traffic for the business, Alex said they want their members to succeed at Anthogs and will do everything possible to help them do so.
Though Anthogs is an online business serving people nationwide, the business is based in Cedar Park. Eventually, Alex said he would like for Anthogs to have a brick-and-mortar location where it can manufacture its own merchandise.
As Anthogs continues to grow, Alex said he hopes to reach 100,000 members and is dedicated to helping them reach their goals.
He also anticipates hiring video animators for the in-house production part of Anthogs, which will be used for entertainment and education purposes. “[The community has] been so supportive,” he said. “I cannot thank them enough.”
A virtual gallery
Some art exhibits at Anthogs Productions are for sale, while others are just up for display. For example, Tristan's puppets, which are called Anthogs and are shown below, are not for sale.
Anthogs Productions
www.anthogs.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sat.-Sun.
