Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Derrick Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Derrick, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
It’s motivation, fuel for the fire within me, and I keep forging ahead because I genuinely want to prove to those who looked down, laughed, or dismissed my dreams that I can’t and won’t be deterred from chasing my dreams. It took time to reach the point where I could turn that negativity into something more significant, and I struggle with it from time to time, but I’m only human. I enjoy facing negativity sometimes; it reminds me that I’m moving closer to what I want from life.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Derrick “Saint” Johnson has been doing art and being around art most of his life. He found photography in his sophomore year of high school. Over the years and two universities later, he has found a deeper appreciation for photography through various learning experiences, curiosity, peers, and mentors. He continues to work diligently on his craft as he learns more about photography, the greats that came before him, and how he edits and approaches various subjects. The most exciting aspects of what I do are the connections I make with everyone who steps in front of my camera or those who inspire my new work through teaching. Black and white film stocks inspire a majority of my work because that’s how I learned the basics of photography through trial and error of hand development for my Photography 101 class when I first arrived at college. Some exciting things also happened to me this year; I was honored with being a part of CMA Fest’s 50 Years of Fest photo exhibit celebrating CMA Fest, speaking with the Brentwood Photography Group, which has 200+ members, and having my first ever photo published in the Tennessean.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Natural curiosity about the arts has had the biggest impact on my life; the constant craving to learn how those who came before me crafted, curated, and executed their ideas. Spending time viewing older works, watching YouTube videos, and searching countless art books for a new spark to stoke my creative fire has greatly impacted my journey. Along with searching for inspiration, I found experimenting with my craft and willingness to try new approaches to what I do helpful in the long run because old tricks I learned over the years are still used by me today. One last quality that impacted my journey the most is knowing when to step back and let life rush around me as I search for inner focus and peace of mind in my creative space. Here is some advice I’d love to give those starting their creative journeys: be open to criticism and new ideas, and keep an open mind when searching for inspiration; it’ll come when you least expect it, and surround yourself with like-minded people who are hungry to learn and create just like yourself.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
BELIEVING IN ME! BELIEVING IN ME! BELIEVING IN ME! I’d not be where I am or who I am without the backing of my parents. They instilled in me resilience, faith, and the power to impact the world. I would’ve to write a book on how impactful my parents were to me, and I will forever be grateful to them for pushing me to be who I want to be and for believing in me so much. A thousand times over, thank you, Mom, Dad!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cloudphoto.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibeclouds/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-johnson-9147451a1/
Image Credits
Georgie Zaven, Emma Rose, Anna, Kayla, Lindsey, Kimberly Jay, Ashley Mac, Kayla
