Helmar Anitok, 26, is one of the many Marshallese residents living in the United States who has put their own skills to work. He is from the islands of Majuro, Aelonlaplap, Wotje, and Ailuk. He is known for being a talented artist and has presented his knowledge through the products he profits from. As a loving husband and father of his four-year old son, Anitok used his expertise to help provide for his family. For the time being, he considers being an artist as his side hustle and finds joy in being his own boss when he gets more customers. However, being your own boss comes with more responsibilities and does not come easy as one would imagine.
In May of 2012, Helmar Anitok moved from the Marshall Islands to the city of Springdale, Ar. He was raised by his grandparents while living in the islands. His grandpa was an architect and Anitok developed his many skills from him. “Yes, my grandpa was my inspiration,” Anitok stated. His grandpa had passed away a year before he came to America and said he is the only one in his family who was given the talents of art like his grandpa.
It had taken him fifteen years to truly master his skills altogether but for the most part he is confident in the work he does. He does acrylic and airbrush painting, carves products, and sketches drawings. He used to do tattoos for customers as well but had stopped. As a father he bonds with his son through his projects as well. Together they had created a little boat inside their garage from scratch. They were able to finish in three days and with the added specs they had taken it for a spin.
Helmar claimed he had been able to live off the profit made from his art pieces for two whole years, but due to the stress of customer demands he had to refuse service to allow him some time to his family. “The challenges that I face are customers expecting more, especially family members. Also, last minute orders since us Marshallese we do not do planning when it comes to our events. It is a good paying job if you are serious about it. It is a stressful job as well, knowing that people are depending on you to finish their order on time,” Anitok stated.
As of 2020, Helmar works full-time as a distributor for Harps Store making daily deliveries with his semi-truck. Since he is a husband and father, Anitok said he tries his best to make time for his family. Fishing and being outdoors have become his hobbies, but he is not opposed to making art on the side. “Having a regular job comes in handy because you are guaranteed a paycheck by the end of the week, and (I am) not worried about other customers (who) paid to finish their orders,” said Anitok. His advice for others who pursue becoming an artist or doing it on the side as well is to “up your game and do not be afraid to make mistakes”. As a man of God his goal is to serve and get closer to Him.
Anitok is open to anyone interested in learning about his skills and how to incorporate them into their lives. At the end of the day, his art skills may bring him more income, but nothing can keep him from spending his time with his family.