We recently connected with Chris Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Chris, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned everything on my own as challenges came up. I honestly don’t feel there are much in the form of shortcuts as a creative. The best way to learn is simply by doing. Challenging yourself to try new things that push you out of your comfort zone is what will help you learn the fastest because you will be faced with new challenges that you’ll have to solve. The internet is such a useful tool these days that if you’re determined you can learn almost anything through searching online and watching tutorial videos on YouTube. When faced with a problem don’t try to find a way around it. Find a way to overcome it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a full time podcaster and muralist based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. I previously owned my own skateboard shop for a little over a decade before shutting it down to focus on my show and art. My podcast/radio show is called the Passion Pod. It’s an inspirational storytelling experience featuring unique guests that are pursuing careers based on their passions to help inspire others to do the same. I started my show back in the fall of 2019 and it has grown into one of the biggest podcasts in the state reaching millions of views across my social media platforms. My art career began to take off around the same time and after winning an award for my first public mural in 2021 more and more opportunities came my way. My largest mural to date measures 32 feet tall by 78 feet wide and depicts an underwater scene filled with fun monsters of my own creation. I’m very proud of everything I’ve accomplished over the years in my community and beyond. It’s an ongoing challenge, but finding a way to make a full time living as a creative is incredibly rewarding.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

In most jobs you’re dedicating the majority of your waking hours towards making someone else’s dream come true, and most of the time that dream is just to be rich. Often times you work harder for less money when you’re self employed, but at least you’re working towards your own dream. Waking up every day with the choice to spend it doing what I feel is best for me and my family is extremely valuable to me. I don’t have limitations placed on me by anyone else. Yes, I do need to find ways to monetize my work, but I can go about it in whatever way I see fit. Being able to create something purely because I want to, seeing that work come to fruition, and then seeing how my work positively impacts the people around me is a beautiful thing.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I would love it if society as a whole could start monetarily valuing artwork and artists. Every artist has been offered jobs that either unpaid or rate of less than minimum wage. There are a lot of people that seem to view any art job they’re offering as some kind of good deed. As if artists should be grateful for the opportunity to create work for others. Artists are skilled workers and should be compensated similarly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://passionpod.org
• Instagram: @passionpod
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@passionpod
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@passionpodofficial

Image Credits

Preston Lane
Charlie Flatten