COMMUNITY Anthogs Productions Family-owned business seeks to provide platform for others to spread happiness through art F ounded by father and son Alex and Tristan DeLeon in October, Anthogs Productions for everyone, not just kids with disabilities or autism, but anyone who loves what they do.” BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTON
is an online art gallery that allows people from all backgrounds to showcase their work and talents. 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,
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 trac for the business, Alex said they want their members to succeed at Anthogs and will do
Tristan DeLeon along with his father Alex (left), launched Anthogs Productions in October with the mission to “spread the happiness” through virtual art expression.
PHOTOS BY ZACHARIA WASHINGTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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.
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 prot, Alex said. Anthogs
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“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.” ALEX DELEON, OWNER
everything possible to help them do so. Though Anthogs is an online busi- ness serving people nationwide, the business is based in Cedar Park. Eventually, Alex
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
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.”
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1 Kyle is a hero and one of Tristan’s favorite characters.
2 Dragon Kyle is a powered-up version of Kyle after he has eaten a grapefruit. 3 Dark Grey is the nemesis leader.
Anthogs Productions www.anthogs.com Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Sat.-Sun.
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