Meet Sheree Johnson

We were lucky to catch up with Sheree Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sheree, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

“I believe my resilience stems from the invaluable lessons passed down to me by my parents. Growing up in Chicago, Illinois in the late 50s and facing the challenges of the late sixties, my parents encountered adversity that inevitably shaped my own experiences. From them, I learned the harsh reality of facing discrimination simply for being born black in America. However, instead of seeking revenge, my parents instilled in me the importance of learning to navigate challenges, embracing both the good and the bad, and steadfastly holding onto my beliefs and values. Their teachings have not only equipped me to deal with the adversities I encounter but have also served as a guiding force in shaping my outlook on life.”
Due to the challenges, I faced in the corporate world, where I consistently put in 110% effort to showcase my dedication but was repeatedly overlooked for major promotions, I realized that the environment wasn’t the best fit for me. Despite the disappointment I felt, I drew inspiration from my mother’s entrepreneurial spirit and decided to venture into self-employment by starting my own business. This shift allowed me to focus on my true passions – art, photography, graphic design, fashion, and entertainment, which had always been central to my life since childhood.

My love for the arts led me to travel the world, capturing beautiful images and videos that fueled my creativity. Balancing two jobs – my corporate position and my own company, Image Masters Inc., an Artist Talent Agency – I represented various artists and immersed myself in their craft to better promote their work. Additionally, I co-founded a non-profit organization dedicated to organizing fashion shows for charitable causes.

Seeking warmer weather and new opportunities, I seized the chance to move to Florida through my corporate job. While continuing to manage both roles, I focused on building my client base in Florida. Despite facing similar promotion challenges, I embraced them as part of life’s journey and decided to return to college to pursue a degree aligned with my passion.

After four years of attending college full-time and working two jobs simultaneously, I successfully earned a double degree, a BFA in Digital Arts and Technology & AS in Interactive Media in 2005. This achievement prompted me to rebrand my company as Image Masters International Inc, a comprehensive production company. The resilience instilled in me by my upbringing has been pivotal in shaping my perspective on life and guiding my decisions.

Now solely dedicated to running my own company, IMI INC, I find fulfillment in pursuing my entrepreneurial dreams and staying true to my values. The influence of my family has been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and remain authentic to myself.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Sheree Johnson, an artist, filmmaker, cinematographer, photographer, and editor from Clearwater, Florida, boasts a rich tapestry of experience spanning over 25 years in the industry. Known for my adeptness at leveraging digital video and photography to weave captivating narratives across diverse genres, I have directed successful productions ranging from music videos to commercials, documentaries, and short films. Collaborating with talented crews from the Tampa Bay area and beyond has been a rewarding aspect of my creative journey.

As a committed visual storyteller, I thrive in every facet of the filmmaking process, from meticulous pre-production planning to the intricate editing stages of post-production. My work has graced esteemed film festivals such as the Tampa Bay Underground Film Festival, the Global Film Festival in Los Angeles, the Dunedin International Film Festival, and the Sunscreen Film Festival, to name a few. Notably, I was honored with the Best Cinematography award for “Data File” at The Global Film Festival in Los Angeles and received the Dunedin International Film Festival 2023 Peace and Love Award.

Beyond my cinematic pursuits, I actively engage in community service by lending my photography and videography skills to support charitable events and initiatives. For many years, I dedicated my time as a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters, fostering meaningful connections within the community. Additionally, I am a proud member of Women In Film & Television, Tampa/St. Petersburg branch, serve on the Film Tampa Bay Advisory Board and hold the role of Media Chair for the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation and Uptown Music & Art Festival. Lead Photographer, managing 5 photographers for the annual Savoy Food & Wine Festival in St. Petersburg.

As the founder and CEO of Image Masters International Inc.®, a certified woman and minority-owned business, I am steadfast in my commitment to delivering top-tier video content through producing, directing, and editing endeavors. My unwavering passion for visual storytelling is palpable in my ongoing projects, including the documentary series “Hit Like A Girl”, the groundbreaking docuseries that packs a powerful punch! An exhilarating journey that follows the inspiring stories of six extraordinary women boxers, each with a unique tale of self-discovery, resilience, and triumph. The first episode is currently in post-production, slated to be released in October 2024. Also, an upcoming TV series is slated for production in early 2026. With a versatile skill set encompassing camera operation, editing software expertise, and collaborative principles, I am resolutely forging my path as a flourishing star in filmmaking.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, I believe that three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful are:
1. Creativity: As a filmmaker and visual artist, creativity is at the core of everything I do. It fuels my storytelling, guides my visual choices, and allows me to approach projects with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.
2. Communication skills: Effective communication is essential in the collaborative world of filmmaking. Being able to articulate my ideas clearly, listen to others, and foster strong working relationships has been crucial in bringing my vision to life and working harmoniously with cast and crew members.
3. Adaptability and willingness to learn: The film industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, trends, and techniques emerging regularly. Being adaptable and open to learning has allowed me to stay current, grow as a filmmaker, and embrace new opportunities that come my way.

For individuals who are early in their journey and looking to develop or improve their skills, here are some key pieces of advice:
1. Practice regularly: Whether you are a cinematographer, photographer, videographer, or any other visual artist, the best way to improve your craft is by consistently practicing your skills. Take as many pictures or videos as possible, even if you are not working on a specific project. This regular practice will help you refine your techniques, experiment with different styles, and ultimately grow as an artist.
2. Network and communicate effectively: As a business owner or creative professional, building strong relationships and effective communication skills are essential. Take the time to network with others in your industry, attend events, and collaborate with fellow artists. Additionally, make sure to communicate clearly with clients, collaborators, and your audience to ensure that your message is heard and understood.
3. Understand your audience: To succeed in any creative field, it is crucial to know who your target audience is and tailor your work to appeal to them. Take the time to research your audience, understand their preferences, and create content that resonates with them. By aligning your work with the interests and needs of your audience, you can build a loyal following and increase your impact as a creator.
By following these tips and consistently honing your craft, networking effectively, and understanding your audience, you can set yourself up for success and continue to grow and evolve as a creative professional.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

Turning to prayer and surrendering the situation to my faith can be a powerful way to find peace and perspective. Stepping away from the issue and engaging in activities that bring me joy is a great strategy to help shift my focus and recharge my mental energy. Taking a break, watching a movie, going for a drive, or getting a good night’s sleep are all effective ways to reset my mind and come back with a fresh perspective. Reflecting on the concern with a new outlook can often lead to better solutions and a clearer path forward.

Overall, my approach to managing overwhelm is centered around self-care, mindfulness, and seeking support from my faith, which are all valuable strategies in maintaining mental well-being. It’s important to prioritize your mental health and find what works best for you in times of stress

Contact Info:

Image Credits

IMI Inc.

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