We recently connected with Mickey Johnson and have shared our conversation below.
Mickey , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?
As a filmmaker and photographer, asking friends and family to support my business is something I approach with care. I believe it’s appropriate to share my latest projects, whether it’s a new short film or a photo series, and to let them know they can support by spreading the word or offering feedback if they’re genuinely interested. Their support means a lot, but I want it to come from a place of interest rather than obligation.
Where I draw the line is in pushing them to buy services they don’t need or to financially invest if it’s not something they’re comfortable with. Early in my career, a close friend offered to buy a photoshoot package. While I appreciated it, I later realized they felt pressured to support me financially, which led to a bit of awkwardness. That experience made me realize I’d rather their support feel natural.
One of the most meaningful ways they can help is by sharing my work with others who might genuinely need my services or by leaving reviews if they’ve enjoyed past projects. It allows them to help me grow my reach without any pressure, which is ultimately more beneficial for all of us.
Mickey , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Mickey Johnson, a name I adopted professionally—my birth name is Michael Ohemeng Asante. I was born and raised in Accra, Ghana, and my passion for photography and filmmaking sparked when I was about 15. Back then, I’d film anything and everyone, crafting final edits to share with friends and show them how dedicated I was to this path. By 18, I was creating music videos for artists for free, just for the love of it, and eventually, I started gaining recognition from bigger names in the industry. My first major project, was one I invested everything into, marking a turning point in my career.
After that, I taught myself how to write compelling narratives and tell stories in a way that feels true to me. Today, I’m proud to offer photography and videography services through my company, Mickey Johnson JPEG, while also teaching young aspiring filmmakers and photographers. Through these classes, I’m able to share over a decade’s worth of experience with passionate individuals who are where I once was.
What sets me apart is my hands-on experience and deep love for storytelling. For my clients, I strive to bring unique visions to life, providing a fresh, narrative-driven approach to their projects. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and the knowledge I’ve gained, and I look forward to continuing to inspire and create.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and a creative for me is the ability to bring my ideas, emotions, and stories to life in a way that resonates with others. It’s fulfilling to know that what I create has the potential to connect with people, evoke emotions, or inspire thought. Whether through film, photography, or music, every project is an opportunity to communicate something meaningful to my audience, and that connection is what truly makes the journey as an artist worthwhile. It’s a reminder that the work we do as creatives has real value and impact.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
As a creative, one of the things I think non-creatives may struggle to understand is the process behind my work. When I’m out filming, especially when I’m working on visual effects, I might seem a little eccentric. I could be jumping around or doing some crazy things, and people often wonder, “What is this guy doing?” But to me, it’s all part of bringing my vision to life.
It’s not until I teach myself storyboarding and start showing everything visually that people, especially clients, start to understand what I’m trying to create. However, those on the outside looking in often think I’m crazy, especially when they see me in the middle of the process. But once the project is complete, the reactions are always different. People then realize that, yes, I was truly “crazy” in a creative way and it all came together in the end. It’s just part of the journey as a creative.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mickeyjohnsonjpeg.com
- Instagram: directormickeyjohnson
- Linkedin: mickey johnson
Image Credits
i have rights to use all images provided