We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rasheeda L. Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rasheeda L. below.

Rasheeda L., looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I’ve had scholarships to art classes since around 7 years old at a major museum in my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA. As I kid, I didn’t realize that art was something I could choose as a career; all my young life I was told to “go to college and get a good job”. Fast forward to today where I am thriving as an independent Artist and Teaching Artist. When I first quit my full time job doing retail window displays in March if 2022, I was extremely nervous and not sure if it was the right choice. Once my business began building to where it is now, I sometimes wished I’d made the choice to quit working full time for others a decade ago. I had to realize that, not only do things happen when it’s the right time, I also really didn’t have the right attitude or level of commitment to and confidence in my craft to do what I am doing now. I’m grateful for God’s plan for me.

Rasheeda L., before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I own a full service art making company called Analog Art NYC. I specialize in murals and public art but also create portraits/fine art, graphic design and sculpture work. I’m most proud of the work I do bringing art education to youth and adults throughout NYC as a Teaching Artist. It not only allows me to give back to my community but also inspires me to keep going with this work. If one young person decides to pursue the arts as a career or entrepreneur, I feel I will have done what I was born to do.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

So, resilient is the main word I have always used to decribe myself. January of 1999 I found myself experiencing my first bipolar episode (a deep depression that turned to mania). It took me over a decade to fully stabilize myself all while still accomplishing things that others thought were amazing. Meanwhile, I felt like I was floating over my body watching myself just going through the motions day to day. June of 2025 will mark 10 years since my last manic episode, and I couldn’t be more proud of the strides I’ve made not only in business, but with my mental health and living the life I want since then.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Stop asking us, “do you get paid for that!” And, instead, go out and explore the arts to get a better understanding of what we do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.analogartnyc.com
• Instagram: @analogartnyc
• Facebook: @analogartnyc
• Youtube: @analogartnyc3072
• Other: https://www.linktree.com/analogartnycllc

Image Credits

N/a