Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jocelyn Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jocelyn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I officially started trying to be a creative at 22. I was graduating from Emory University and I had been telling my family I was thinking about Law School. At my graduation dinner I told them that I wanted to be a singer. If I made this girl group, that I was auditioning for the day after my graduation, that I was going to stay in ATL to figure it out. My family was shocked to say the least. I did not have a plan…or a job. LOL. But I knew what I was passionate about. I’m glad I followed my heart. It has been one of many risks I have taken in my life over the years as I was creating my own path and finding my myself. No regrets at all.
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 have been a singer and writer for a s long as I can remember. I started going on auditions and taking unpaid gigs after college. I worked the local scene with local artists, but went on auditions for a year before I started landed legit gigs as a singer. I started singing background and learned so much about my voice, was able to network and the rest is history. I love performing with live bands. I was lead in a band called Diverse Floetry for a few years as well as sang with corporate bands all over southeast US. I have produced my own plays as well. I love being a producer/director and giving life to authentic stories. One creative work that I’ve only dived into the last few years has been teaching yoga. I enjoy teaching “Grown Up and Me” yoga classes that include yoga, learning new tools and language, and fun crafts that parent and child can do together. I also teach small groups of women to offer a safe space to stretch and strengthen our minds and our bodies. I hope to combine all of these facets into a children’s book coupled with educational songs for learning and play.
I want people to know that I genuinely enjoy singing and talking to crowds. I come alive on stage because there is nothing like bringing good energy to a crowd. My heart is open and I always over prepare even for the small gigs because I am grateful for every single show.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Sometimes a lot of non creatives can think that artists are selfish. It can take time away from family, friends, and important events and sometimes the art does not reward you for as much as you pour into it. Being an artist can feel very lonely because sometimes nobody really sees or understands your goal but you. I hope people that do have an artist in their life understand that true artists create because it makes their heart smile. Being an artist is just as much about making money as it is about building community, influencing culture while also being a journey for the artist to find themselves. Give some grace to the artist in your life because everyone’s path is different and support as often as you can.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I get to do what genuinely makes me happy. It helps me to have more peace of mind, be grateful for moments of joy, and encourages me to continue living my life to the fullest. I’ve always had to work a 9-5 while also being a creative and that used to make me feel like I wasn’t successful. Now I am very grateful for all the things I have accomplished as a creative and a professional. I have put blood, sweat, and tears into both resumes and I am very proud of myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.producedbyj.com
- Instagram: _producedbyj