Justin M. Johnson, a multidisciplinary creative bearing distinct viewpoints extended across diverse formats and partners, consistently driven by narrative and movement.
Working more than a decade in the industry, Justin's extensive experience is evident in his varied body of work, encompassing Visual Effects, Animation, Illustration, and Directing. His artistic inspiration is drawn from a melting pot of influences, including American Cinema and Animation, Art History, African American Culture, Music, Japanese Animation, Spirituality, Technology, and Science Fiction. Throughout his career, he has primarily worked with the music and entertainment sectors, but his collaborations span a wide array of industries. Among his notable collaborators are renowned brands and artists like 50 Cent, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar's PG Lang, SZA, Doja Cat, Aminé, Dominic Fike, Paul McCartney, Estée Lauder, Absolut Vodka, New Era, Asics, Reebok, Puma, Apple, and Crocs.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Justin relocated more than 15 times during his childhood due to his parents' ministerial roles. This kaleidoscope of rural and urban settings, diverse cultures and ethnicities profoundly influenced his creativity and narrative style. His mother, a fine art graduate, was his first artistic influence, nurturing his interest until it blossomed into a fervent passion. Justin distinguished himself academically, graduating at the top of his class from The Art Institute of Philadelphia with a B.S. in Media Arts and Animation.
His professional journey began at B Way Creative, a Boutique Creative Agency closely linked with 50 Cent's G-Unit, marking his entry into the music industry. He then transitioned into Art Direction at the Music Technology startup, Play Gig-it, overseeing a team of 12 3D artists on a product showcasing over 65 licensed Hip-Hop, RnB, and Latin artists. When the company shifted focus, Justin parted ways to establish himself as an independent contractor, honing his skills in Animation, Visual Effects, Web Development, Graphic Design, UI and UX, Motion Graphics, and 3D Printing. 2018 saw him appointed as the Visual Effects Lead for a Science Fiction Pilot, setting a trajectory that led to recognition in the field of Visual Effects and Animation, and establishing resounding industry connections. In 2022, he worked on his first full-length film, 'The Little Death', produced by Darren Aronofsky, recently accepted into the Sundance Film Festival.
Presently, Justin continues to collaborate with brands as a Visual Effects Artist and Animator, while also developing independent animation and film projects. His sights are set on showcasing his latest collection in an art exhibition planned for 2024.