We were lucky to catch up with Davon Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Davon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My parents instilled in me the foundational values that have shaped my life and career: humility, resilience, and the importance of hard work. They taught me that kindness and generosity aren’t just values to aspire to—they’re tools that create lasting relationships and open doors in ways talent alone never could. Growing up, I witnessed them give their time and energy to others, treating everyone with respect, and never letting success—or the lack of it—diminish the humanity in any interaction.
One memory that stands out is watching my parents stay “in the trenches,” side by side with their team, whether it was in our family business or during community events. They showed me that being a leader doesn’t mean distancing yourself; it’s often quite the opposite. Even if you’re in charge, rolling up your sleeves and being hands-on when things get hectic or when your team needs you speaks volumes. This lesson has guided me through countless high-pressure moments, whether it’s staying late to finish a set design or troubleshooting last-minute issues with talent at an event.
Another value they imparted was to never let emotions cloud my judgment. They were big on staying composed, even when things were intense. I’ve learned to channel that steadiness, which has allowed me to focus on the goal rather than get caught up in setbacks or difficult personalities—a necessary skill when working on high-profile projects or collaborating with big names.
Finally, my parents encouraged curiosity and emphasized that there’s no shame in asking questions. In the creative industry, especially when designing large-scale experiences for clients like the NFL, Coachella, or major networks, I’ve come to realize that asking questions is a strength, not a weakness. It’s how I’ve kept growing and evolving.
These lessons have not only guided my journey as a creative but have also shaped how I interact with others, build teams, and approach challenges. My parents gave me the tools to be successful by teaching me to stay grounded, be kind, work alongside my team, and always stay curious—a foundation I’m grateful for every day.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Davon Johnson, a Production Designer, Art Director, and trained Architect based in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of professional experience, my journey began with a deep passion for crafting spaces and experiences that resonate on a cultural level. I’ve always been fascinated by the power of design to evoke emotion, whether it’s the thrill of a live performance set or the connection formed through an architectural detail that aligns a space with its purpose. This blend of artistry and structure has fueled my career, driving me to bring unique, multidimensional environments to life for my clients.
I entered this industry with the goal of bridging architecture and production design through a story-centric approach, where design becomes a living narrative. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of working with high-profile clients across music, entertainment, sports, and events, including the NFL, Coachella, RCA, MTV, and artists like Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, Megan Thee Stallion, and Lil Nas X. Notably, I was the Production Designer for the very first live performance at SoFi Stadium for the NFL and Pepsi—a career-defining moment that underscored the power of collaboration and inspired me to continue pushing creative boundaries. I was also honored to serve as Creative Director for President Barack Obama’s 60th birthday celebration, another highlight that exemplified the impact of visionary teamwork.
Through my firm, Davon Johnson Designs, I offer a full spectrum of design services—from initial concept development to final execution. My goal is to help clients bring their ideas to life in immersive, culturally resonant, and aesthetically striking ways. Whether designing a festival, a brand activation, a set, or a custom experience, I’m dedicated to creating environments that reflect the client’s energy and identity while adding an unexpected edge that captivates audiences.
A core focus of mine is talent relations and experiential design, which I see as the backbone of every successful event. I understand that memorable events come down to cultivating the right vibe, handling intricate logistics, and, above all, ensuring that talent and teams feel valued and supported. Known for being hands-on, I often work alongside my team, diving into every detail to ensure the vision aligns from concept to completion. For me, leadership means being in the trenches with my team, staying grounded, and ensuring everyone is empowered to create experiences that make a lasting impact.
What sets me apart is my unique blend of architectural training and production design, allowing me to approach projects from both a structural and creative perspective. This combination helps me deliver innovative, cohesive designs that are not just visually compelling but built with depth, intention, and purpose. I bring my architectural knowledge into every build, giving my designs a level of durability and functionality that resonates with clients looking for more than just surface aesthetics.
Among my proudest moments are those where my work has not only brought a vision to life but also left a cultural mark. The first live performance at SoFi Stadium, my collaboration with Kamasi Washington at the Hammer Museum, and the thrill of receiving Quincy Jones’s personal approval—these milestones remind me of the transformative power of my work. It’s about creating spaces that tell stories and amplify the voices, identities, and passions of those who experience them.
At Davon Johnson Designs, our mission is to uplift and influence culture with creativity, diversity, and authenticity. I want potential clients and collaborators to know that when they work with us, they’re getting a partner who’s as invested in their vision as they are. We don’t just design spaces or events; we build experiences that resonate long after they’re over, combining artistry, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of cultural resonance to create something truly unforgettable.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story that truly illustrates my resilience is when I decided to leave my Fortune 500 job at one of the top architecture firms in the world to start my own business. This was a huge leap of faith, as I was leaving a secure, well-respected position to venture into the unknown of entrepreneurship. I had built a strong foundation in architecture, but I felt a calling to do something more, to create spaces and experiences that resonated with people on a deeper cultural level.
The decision wasn’t easy. I was surrounded by colleagues who were brilliant and successful, and I had access to some of the best resources and opportunities in the industry. Yet, I knew that if I wanted to create something uniquely mine, I would have to step out of that comfort zone. I’d seen first-hand the power of design to influence people’s lives, and I wanted to bring that impact to the communities and cultures I’m passionate about.
When I first started my own business, I faced a lot of challenges. I had to build a brand, find clients, and create a reputation from scratch. There were moments when I questioned if I had made the right decision, especially in those early days of hustling to secure projects and managing every detail myself. But I relied on the resilience I had developed over the years. I reminded myself of the vision that had driven me to make the leap in the first place and stayed focused on the long-term goals.
That resilience paid off as I began working with high-profile clients across entertainment, sports, and music, building a career that aligned with my values and creativity. Looking back, leaving that firm was one of the toughest decisions I’ve made, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding. It taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring difficult moments—it’s about trusting your vision, pushing forward even when the path is unclear, and building something meaningful out of your passion and purpose.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is that it’s like being a superhero—I get to turn my imagination into tangible realities. There’s an incredible power in starting with just an idea or a vision and then watching it come to life, seeing it take shape in a way that others can experience and connect with. It’s the ultimate form of expression, where I can communicate stories, emotions, and ideas through spaces, sets, and environments that didn’t exist before.
What makes it even more fulfilling is the impact it has on others. When people walk into a space I’ve designed and feel inspired, moved, or even transformed, it’s like a superpower at work. It’s rewarding to know that I’ve crafted something that brings joy, connection, or meaning to someone else’s life. That ability to turn imagination into reality, to build worlds where people can experience something memorable, is the most gratifying part of my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.davonjohnson.com
- Instagram: davon_thecre8t0r
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davon_thecr8tor