We were lucky to catch up with Rebecca Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rebecca, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I do and consider myself very lucky. I currently run my design firm, focusing on interior design and brand identity, while engaging a fine art practice and co-owning a bar and restaurant.

Work initially was a balancing act between creating and simply earning an income to live and explore in NY. Early jobs included everything from waitress, doggy daycare, stylist assistant to swim instructor, all the while taking whatever art commissions presented themselves, whether fine art, styling, or graphic design, paid or unpaid.

I’ve always loved observing people and learning. Although not specific to the arts, each job contributed to my knowledge of what makes people tick—aiding in creating environments for a particular audience/client —and inspired running themes in fine art series. Despite differences, I focus on finding hope in the universal similarities within nature, family, and relationships.

A milestone project was Andco Coworking, a 10,000 sqft space in downtown Jersey City. The owner, a notable property developer, Eric Silverman, contacted me after noticing my local design work. He contracted me to take the lead on the interior design scope. He trusted me immensely, allowed for creative expression, and acted as a mentor.

The project was successful and led to a beautiful working relationship. Other stand-out achievements include my partner and I opening our first restaurant, Frankie, within a commercial space of Silverman’s. We became acquainted with the gallery Deep Space, which reactivated my fine art career, leading to my participation in the Venice Biennale this past year. We are soon to launch Andco Coworking’s second location.

Knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t let imposter syndrome hold me back or waste my time. I’d let confidence and kindness guide me.

Finding and surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and know your potential is very important.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m the founder of Swimclub Studio, a multidisciplinary design firm focusing on interior design, creative direction, and brand identity. I also have a fine art practice and co-own Moonflower (wine bar), Frankie (restaurant), and Moondog (Airbnb).

I started life feeling only quite right when creating, and the sensation hasn’t left.

As far back as I can remember, art has been my haven and favored language. As a preteen, my mom enrolled me in a small all-ages art class in a nondescript garage behind a small frame shop in my hometown (I grew up in Freehold, NJ). We were focusing on graphite and colored pencil drawings. The group varied in age from eleven to forty plus, conversation murmuring; I’m sure I was silent, being young and shy; my teacher would lean over my drawing to demonstrate how to shade correctly; she had weathered hands adorned in an array of silver bangles, turquoise rings, a raspy voice, and a faint cigarette smell- I loved the class.

I knew little about NY or the art world beyond this garage room, but I felt at home. During this time, my family suffered a terrible loss; my younger sister passed away, and I leaned heavily into art and music to hold me. I knew I had to pursue a life surrounded by people who shared these passions. I felt I was handed a heavy gift of grief early in life, and I often didn’t have words but found comfort and connection through art. I aimed to make life work and artwork that would speak to people, especially in these times.

Years later, I must thank my mom for driving me to Brooklyn to attend Pratt’s portfolio review. I ended up at Pratt, and my world expanded massively.

In reflection, since graduating from Pratt, I have created a life following the school’s principle of “Poetic Pragmatism,” balancing practical skills with an artistic vision to improve the world. Improving the world is a big statement, but I believe improvement starts small and within the community. Creating safe spaces that spark joy and aiding people in telling their stories is significant; we all need to be seen.

Active in the design industry for nearly 14 years, I’ve been between offices and construction sites, keeping curious, studying, traveling, finding inspiration, discovering, failing, trying, succeeding, and continuously learning.

I love uplifting people through art and design and watching a creative ecosystem thrive. It is remarkable to lead projects where so many talented individuals can contribute their skills. I am proud to have worked on an array of projects, including cafes, unique homes, coworking spaces, restaurants, a vet clinic, florists, and wellness studios.

I create environments that engage in whimsy, celebrate color, and juxtapose material to create unique harmonies. I thrive on creating places where people smile and have a butterfly-in-the-stomach moment of inspiration and delight. I aim to make one feel a soulful connection. I strive to create safe spaces, allowing a sense of belonging and ease. I want everyone to always feel welcome to the party.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Without artists, society as we know it halts. In the age of AI, I think a unique mark and original thought should be upheld with the utmost value. We need to protect artists from AI, implement policies within social platforms, and catch up to AI advances in the legal system.

Creatives need to be paid their worth and not given salary cuts or taken less seriously because they seem to have a “fun job.” Each creative can bring a valuable skillset and perspective to the project.

People need to respect the time + labor behind the craft/object and be willing to pay for it, especially those with financial comfort. We all need to learn to slow down and stop purchasing trending trinkets from Amazon – take the time to find an original artist, wait for the custom creation, visit local galleries, boutiques + markets, and explore sites like Artsy & Etsy. Invest in artists and local small businesses; they are what make a community worth living in; they are the ecosystem. Fill your home and lives with objects and art created with soul, I promise, it is far more meaningful and rewarding.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Human connection and new perspective.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.swimclub.studio
• Instagram: @frankiebinx
• Other: Current Gallery Show:https://www.artsy.net/show/deep-space-gallery-ultraviolet?sort=partner_show_position

  Studio Instagram:
  @swimclub.studio

  Moonflower
  @moonflower.nyc

  Frankie
  @frankieeatsjc

  Moondog
  @moondogcabin

Image Credits

Erik Bernstein (img labeled as photographer)