We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Eriq Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Eriq below.
Eriq, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
As the founder of MCTG — Marketing Creativity Team Global (aka Make Creative Things Go), my mission is to tell stories that challenge surface-level thinking and inspire deeper reflection — both in front of the camera and behind it. I’m passionate about creating visuals that move people, but just as importantly, I’m dedicated to shifting how opportunity flows in the creative industry.
Through MCTG, I aim to change the layout of opportunities for videographers and video editors — offering them a platform where they can be seen, paid fairly, and creatively empowered. Too often, talented creatives are underused or undervalued. I want to build something different — a space where collaboration, ownership, and growth are part of the foundation.
MCTG isn’t just about content — it’s about creating purpose-driven visuals and building a sustainable ecosystem where creative people can thrive.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Eriq Johnson — an actor, filmmaker, and the founder of MCTG (Marketing Creativity Team Global), where our mission is simple: Make Creative Things Go. My journey into this industry wasn’t linear — I started as a performer, but over time, I fell in love with the process of building stories from all angles: acting, writing, directing, and especially editing.
I got into this work because I’ve always loved how stories make people feel. Whether it’s a powerful scene or a quick promotional edit, I believe the best content sticks with you long after the screen goes black. That’s what I aim to create — work that lingers.
At MCTG, I offer services in video editing, production, scene creation, branded content, and visual storytelling. I also collaborate with other creatives, businesses, and brands who want to make something real, intentional, and sharp. But beyond the visuals, I’m also passionate about changing how the creative industry works — especially for up-and-coming videographers and editors. One of the biggest problems I’ve seen is how often creative talent is overlooked, underpaid, or boxed in. I’m proud to be building something that gives them a lane to grow, get credited, and thrive.
What sets me apart is my mindset. I don’t chase trends — I chase impact. I’m not here to do everything; I’m here to do what matters, and to do it well. Whether it’s helping a brand elevate its identity or building a scene that challenges the way people think, I’m committed to excellence and emotional honesty in the work.
What I’m most proud of is that this didn’t come from a blueprint — it came from being willing to learn, grow, and lead. I want potential clients and collaborators to know that when they work with me, they’re not just hiring a service — they’re partnering with someone who actually cares about the outcome. About the details. About the feeling it leaves behind.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One story that really reflects my resilience is the journey I’ve been on since moving to Los Angeles in 2019 — just months before the pandemic hit. I’m born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, so I’ve always carried that grit and hustle with me. But moving to LA as an aspiring creative and entrepreneur was a different kind of challenge. I came here with big dreams and a lot of heart, but no real safety net — and when the world shut down, everything I was hoping to build felt like it hit a wall.
Work stopped. Opportunities dried up. And I was still trying to find my footing. There were days I didn’t know how I was going to make rent or where my next job was coming from. But I kept showing up. I kept creating. I edited late at night, worked random gigs during the day, and leaned into every chance I had to sharpen my craft and move forward, even if it was inch by inch.
The word “Resilience” is tattooed on my right arm — and it’s not just a word to me. It’s who I am. It’s how I made it through one of the hardest seasons of my life and came out stronger, more focused, and more determined to build something that lasts. That mindset lives in everything I do — from acting, to directing, to leading MCTG. LA tested me. But Chicago built me. And resilience is what keeps me going.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
There was a point in my journey when I was working for a well-known luxury brand — the kind of name people recognize instantly. On paper, it looked like a solid opportunity: great location, respected company, and a job that came with a certain level of prestige. But after a while, I realized it just wasn’t feeding me. It wasn’t challenging me creatively, it wasn’t fueling my purpose, and more importantly, it wasn’t motivating me to keep pushing forward in the direction I truly wanted to go.
I found myself waking up and going through the motions — mentally checking out while physically showing up. That disconnect started to weigh on me. I knew deep down that I was made to create, to tell stories, to build something of my own. So I made the decision to walk away, even though it meant stepping into uncertainty.
That pivot led me to double down on my own path — developing MCTG, investing in my skills, and taking the risks that aligned with my purpose. It was scary, but necessary. Leaving that comfort zone reminded me that not everything that looks “good” on the outside is good for you. That experience pushed me closer to my calling, and I’ve never looked back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eriq-johnson.myportfolio.com/home
- Instagram: @imeriqj
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eriq-johnson-a3008312b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@imeriqj?si=RjtxkMGkwzv6h197
Image Credits
N/a