Meet Antonio Johnson | Freelance Illustrator & Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Antonio Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Antonio, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve been drawing ever since I could hold a pencil. I don’t remember a time where I wasn’t creating something. Over the years, regardless of any other interests, I would ALWAYS come back to art. It’s a part of me. It IS me. As an adult, I’ve had many types of jobs. Most of them I hated for one reason or another. But that old saying is true: If you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. I had a brief opportunity to work in the art world once, and it changed my life! At that point I knew this is what I wanted to do. By any means necessary. So I continued to pursue that as my career and here I am today. Even with all the stress and frustrations that come with any job, I absolutely LOVE what I do!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I do mostly comic style art. Yes I have drawn the normal superheroes like Superman, Batman, Spiderman, etc. But I love creating original characters, mash-up characters, and making real people into characters! As the world went digital, I capitalized on an opportunity to learn Photoshop. Not in a class or any formal training. Just the internet! Downloading and reading through pages of tutorials, eventually I got the hang of it and started creating digitally. As time went on, I learned Illustrator and Indesign and began to work in graphic design. Being professional but also relatable has helped me along the way and to have repeat clientele.
What I am most proud of is that I was able to co-write and illustrate a book with my wife called Bluff City Blues using the characters my brother and I created back in high school, It’s a cop drama based here in Memphis, TN. Lots of action!
I am always looking for and learning new techniques and styles and trends as it relates to art and design. I want to continue to grow as an artist and a creative. I also want ADJ Design to become a household name and for my business to grow and continue to be successful for years to come.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Visiting Memphis, you HAVE to visit downtown and Beale Street! So many restaurants and bars to go along with ALL the music. Blues, rock, pop, R&B, EVERYTHING all on one street! Then you have go to mid-town. More music and more food with more of an eclectic feel. The Railgarten and Lafayettes feature a lot of local bands including my favorite, The Lucky Seven Brass Band! The new Tom Lee Park donwtown on the river is amazing. So serine yet fun. But when you’re in Memphis, you can’t forget about the BBQ!!! One and Only BBQ is my favorite but you can’t go wrong with most bbq in the city. It’s what we do!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family. They all encourage and support me and my work. Even as a little boy they would get me art supplies and tutorials, take me to shows, make me submit to shows, and even let me draw the ninja turtles on our play room wall. Without there love and encouragement, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: www.adjdesign.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_adjdesign

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_adjdesign

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adjohnsondesign

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXqX_YWLmN4bt8j8NlNoryg