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

Juniper , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

In reading “The Creative Act” by Rick Rubin, he talks about how turning an idea into a full fledged project can be intimidating because you’re bringing the intangible into the tangible, and I completely agree. In your mind, the idea can be as abstract as you want it to be, but in reality it becomes something else, no matter how heavy of a hand you have in it.

My creative process before was kind of like, writing it down in a journal, talking about it, and then forgetting about it. Sometimes I couldn’t get past that hurdle of writing it down, because it’s like I’m admitting to myself that this is something I want. But now I recognize that being nervous is the same emotion as when you’re excited about something. It’s just the on other side of ego.

Heavy is the Head is a short film I’m currently working on, and instead of running from the project because of how big it may seem, I separated the process into phases. So the first phase could be crowdfunding, it could be posting about it on social media, but it’s all about putting myself in the right position to accomplish the goal. I also list specific dates on when I should be finished with each phase, if the goal is to complete the project in a certain timeframe.

I think in order to move beyond the idea phase and actually launch your project, you need to get out of your own way. Sometimes we self sabotage and rush the process with no resources, and then we think it’s a reflection of our talents. It’s not. If you need resources, get them. Branch out to your inner and outer circles to see what someone might have for you, if that’s what you need.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a multi-hyphenate who mostly dabbles in film and photo. I got into this industry because I like expressing myself through art and using my creative abilities to help other people express themselves. I take photography commissions for portraiture: maternal, personal, and special events. What sets me a part from others is that in photography, there’s still a cinematic element in my work. You are the main character and you should look and feel like it!

I’ve recently been most proud of the visuals I just created for Yuki Jackson’s BIPOC Reading Series at the Straz Center. I was tasked with creating videos that aligned with the aesthetic of “Record: Testimony of The Divine Feminine” and it was accepted really well. I was honored that Yuki reached out to me because I hadn’t previously been commissioned for visuals before, but now I’m eager to do it again.

That bleeds into my next point, really. I want anyone who is looking to commission me to know that I’m not bound by my experience. If my work fits the aesthetic of what you’re looking for, but what you need isn’t listed under my services, reach out to me! We can still find a middle ground I’m sure. I won’t know I can do it until I do it.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I’ve been reading a lot of memoirs lately, some self help books. “The Creative Act” has been one that has been on circulation for the last couple months because every chapter offers a new gem and outlook on art. One of the main things that stuck with me was this analogy to describe ideas. Rick Rubin talks about thinking of ideas as a cloud that hovers over you, and that the idea exists as its own thing but chooses you as the vessel to help it manifest. Thinking of myself as a vessel that ideas flow through instead of taking responsibility for them has helped in a form of detachment. I am not just my art but I am art.

“Art on My Mind: Visual Politics” by bell hooks is another book that shifted the way I talk about and approach art. In the earlier chapters she mentions how black people find it harder to see themselves represented in fine art, and I think it’s because some abstract art doesn’t exist solely on its context. It’s just there to make you feel something, and you can’t blame yourself if you don’t. We tend to resonate with things that show us our lived experiences, positive or not.

I’m re-reading “The Alchemist” because I find new stuff every time I read it. It’s like the original hero’s journey.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being able to see my work resonate with other people. I know everyone probably says that, but it genuinely makes my heart so full. Earlier this year, my first short film, “Bahati” was accepted into Only Wave’s Film Festival, and I had people coming up to me after the show was over to tell me they cried watching it. I also cried when it was time for me to stand and wave to the audience after it aired, haha, I’m pretty emotional. The process had felt so seamless and I’ve been lucky to have a support system that has been more than willing to expend their resources.

I guess I cried because the love throughout the process had been ever present, you know? Even the AirBnb host whose house I used as a film set congratulated me after the film went live on YouTube. “You made our house look so cool!” she said. Shoutout to her, seriously.

It’s rewarding because I can feel my chest open whenever I create something new. More of myself is being put out there and it’s being received so wholeheartedly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.juniperjohnson.me/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junipers.street/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juniper-johnson-758208148/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/junipers_street
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd8JT1Ua9rKcOZd9QJpa9TQ
• Other: To support my indiegogo campaign for my next short film: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/heavy-is-the-head-a-short-film/x/33596092#/