Meet Anh Pham | Creative Director, Photographer, Set Designer, Vintage Stylist

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

Hi Anh, why did you pursue a creative career?
I enjoy using photography as a medium to express my imagination, and initially viewed it more as a hobby than a career. I started with my passion for thrifting and styling vintage look books and photographing the outfits on models. I decided to create larger set designs with my stylings, which eventually became a series more than a look book. After throwing a vintage fashion show and exhibiting my work, people began reaching out over social media to recreate these images and styles in photoshoots, which led me to monetize my art and its colorful aesthetic. From that, I eventually started my own creative photography studio- Anharchy Studios.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I like to use saturated colors and references of pop art and surrealism in my work. My photography often has playful imagery that juxtaposes with a darker narrative. The themes in my work can reflect issues in modern culture and the regression within progress in consumerism. However, I prefer a light hearted approach to my images so I try to a add comedic element to the concept is if it is rooted in expressing a issue. Humor allows people to digest and enjoy my work so that it is more objective and up for interpretation. I also have work that focuses more on the creativity over expressing a political statement. I feel like having multiple focuses in my work makes it more freeing and less pretentious.

I work with set design, styling and makeup within my photoshoots and am very hands on with creating the props and most of the process. The best part about executing a shoot are the surprise elements of sourcing the props and building the set. Most of the items and clothing are sourced from vintage and antique shops where a good find can spark a lot of inspiration in my projects. Sometimes I will up cycle pieces I discover or build new set items from scratch. I use a planned but more intuitive approach to what my set needs, and every project is different and there are always new skills to learn each time. I also try to be resourceful and utilize items I already own or repurpose it in a new way. There are times where bringing an idea to life can be difficult because I might not match every detail in my sketches, but I learned in growth that it’s more important to be flexible than perfect.

Along with my art, I also combine a fashion element by curating vintage fashion shows which has become an integral part of my brand and identity as an artist. This is my way to add a performative, interactive and more tangible element to the more two-dimensional nature of photography. I also use this as a way to bring my community together to collaborate with other creatives and learn from each other. I got to where I am by taking on projects one at a time and stepping outside of my comfort zone. I learned as I went and I tried to not overthink my capabilities and skills when putting myself out there. I also attribute my position to the support of other artists and the creative community where I live. The mantra behind my work and its brand (Anharchy) is “melt the mold,” which means to reinvent. I think creativity evolves by manipulating traditional ways of seeing and doing things, and shaping it into something new. This is my attitude towards how I should grow as an artist.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would show a visiting friend five points in Riverside or the San Marco square. This is where people go to experience the city’s art and culture because of the museums and newer restaurants. Bold bean would be a popular spot for really good coffee, and Tiger Records the shop next door has a great selection for vinyl lovers. Fan and Stoves Antique Mall is a great place to look at some novelty items, and then the Cummer Museum is also worth visiting for a stroll in their English and Italian inspired gardens.

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?
I thank my family for being supportive and accepting of my creative endeavors. I also dedicate my success to having a resourceful and creative community in my area that has been helpful in my endeavors.

Website: Anharchy.com

Instagram: @TheAnharchist

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anh-pham-184781125/

Twitter: @TheAnharchist

Facebook: facebook.com/anharchyofficial

Youtube: Youtube.com/anhpham

Other: Studio: @Anharchy.Studios Vintage Brand: @AnharchyOfficial

Image Credits
@bokehbard @cre8jax @charlesoller @surfdogphotography