We recently connected with Parker Johnson and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Parker thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?
I like to search Instagram for what other creatives are making and how I can replicate it. Watching videos also helps me. I’m a big fan of music so anytime I’m shooting or editing, I’m always listening to some sort of music. Looking at my past work is also helpful for me to know what I have and haven’t shot.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Starting at 10 years old, I began taking photos and videos for my elementary school morning announcements, which turned into editing the end-of-the-year recap video. Middle school was much of the same, photos and videos but not as often. 8th grade, I took some videos for the middle school football team, which began my love for sports media. Moving into high school, I had many more opportunities. High school football team, basketball, and soccer teams as well as taking photos of my friends. October 8th, 2022 was my first college game with a media/field credential. I had shot the 2 previous KU football games prior to KU vs TCU on College Gameday, but from the stands. My first professional game came 6 months later at Sporting Kansas City. Sporting, the MLS soccer team in Kansas City, allowed me to shoot this game on an exemption, I have shot almost every game since March 25, 2023. Growing into the sports media world, I have met some people I thought I would never meet, players included. I am the Founder and CEO of IONYOU Media, a full media house, with services such as a wire service, sports network, and media production.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I have set a goal for my company, and it is a bit outrageous but possible: becoming the biggest media house in the world, including services that are provided by ESPN, USA TODAY, Getty Images, AP, Two Circles Media, NBC, and other media empires and put all of them under one roof.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
With a smaller team, it’s easy to keep everyone happy and excited to shoot. I am just starting so I don’t have any good advice but the one piece I do have is to treat them like you would want to be treated, that will go a long way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://parkerjohnson.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parker.the.creative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553572590551
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parker-i-johnson/
- Twitter: https://x.com/parkerjohnsonpg
- Other: https://www.flickr.com/photos/parker-johnson/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15753444/
Image Credits
Parker Johnson/IONYOU Media