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

Tamika, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about one of the craziest things you’ve experienced in your journey so far.

The craziest thing that’s ever happened to my business unfolded when the pandemic hit, and the world seemed to flip upside down overnight. I’ll never forget waking up one morning to cancellations and closure emails—all my event-planning gigs were gone. It felt like watching a domino effect of uncertainty. How was I going to keep my business afloat when the very foundation of what I did—bringing people together—had become impossible?

Amid the chaos, something intriguing happened. People weren’t reaching out for events anymore. My event client remembered I printed invitations, signage, a menus for them and began asking me to provide backdrops for their Zoom meetings. A few clients had passion projects that turned into startups, and they asked for marketing materials for businesses they were launching during the pandemic. It was like a lightbulb moment—suddenly, I realized there was an opportunity to pivot into something completely different.

I threw myself into research—even connecting with industry professionals to learn as much as I could about tools, machinery, and other materials that would help develop the business into a bonified print company. Within weeks, I’d invested in printing equipment and transformed a large walk-in closet in the guest room into a makeshift production studio.

I was managing a business I hadn’t even dreamed of before. It was surreal to think that the very crisis that threatened to sink me had propelled me into an entirely new and thriving venture.

Every time I see a five-star review on TMJPrints.com, I’m reminded of the resilience and adaptability that got me here. What started as a frantic attempt to survive became an expansion of my business incredible growth.

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.

For folks who may not have heard about me before, I’m a self-taught graphic designer who’s passionate about creating unique, personalized designs that leave lasting impressions. My work spans custom invitations, backdrops, custom party favors, and innovative marketing materials—all crafted with the goal of bringing my clients’ visions to life. Beyond graphic design, I’m equally passionate about interior styling and event planning. If I could dedicate myself to just one mission, it would be making ideas come alive through the power of design.

To share a little about me personally, my top five essentials in life are my faith in Jesus, my family, coffee (the stronger, the better!), red lipstick, and disco music—because who doesn’t need a little sparkle in their day? These essentials fuel my creativity and keep me grounded as I navigate the dynamic world of design.

What sets my brand apart is my unwavering dedication to quality and personalization. I believe my I can create anything my client envisions. I take immense pride in crafting products that truly reflect my client’s unique needs while delivering exceptional customer service. Whether it’s a wedding invitation that captures a love story or a Zoom backdrop that elevates a client’s virtual presence, my goal is always to exceed expectations.

But it’s not just about delivering beautiful designs—it’s about solving problems creatively. Whether I’m helping a small business stand out with innovative marketing materials or transforming a blank canvas into a memorable event centerpiece, I thrive on finding thoughtful solutions that make an impact.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to adapt and grow. My journey as a designer has been full of unexpected twists, like pivoting into custom printing during the pandemic. Each challenge has pushed me to learn and innovate, and every success has reinforced my passion for what I do.

For anyone considering working with me, here’s what I want you to know: my work isn’t just a service—it’s a collaboration. I’m here to listen, understand your vision, and turn it into something you’ll truly love. Your satisfaction isn’t just a goal; it’s my driving force. I’m so excited to continue creating and connecting, and I can’t wait to see where this journey leads next.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

For those who don’t live and breathe creativity every day, I know it can be tough to understand what goes into the journey of a creative professional. Let me share three insights that might help shed some light:

Creativity is both art and discipline. There’s a common misconception that creative work is all about random bursts of inspiration. In reality, it takes time, effort, and a process. Designing something exceptional involves hours of research, brainstorming, revisions, and refining. Tools like design software are more accessible than ever, but they don’t replace the creativity, skill, experience, and trained eye that professionals bring to the table. Good design isn’t accidental—it’s intentional and thoughtfully crafted.

Design is about solving problems, not just making things “pretty.” At its heart, graphic design is about communication. Whether it’s a logo that captures a brand’s story, an infographic that simplifies complex information, or a website that enhances user experience, every design has a purpose. As a designer, I’m constantly solving visual puzzles to convey ideas and connect with people.

Collaboration is key, and feedback is a two-way conversation. Great design thrives on collaboration. Constructive feedback from clients is invaluable, but it needs to be clear and specific—vague comments like “make it pop” can be frustrating. On my end, I make it a priority to explain my design choices and how they align with the project goals. Open communication helps ensure the final product is a shared vision brought to life.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building a reputation in my market has been a journey of consistency, hard work, and a deep focus on my clients. I believe several key factors have helped me get to where I am today:

A commitment to quality and creativity. From the very beginning, I’ve poured my heart into every project, whether it’s a custom invitation, a branded backdrop, or innovative marketing materials. That dedication shows in the final product, and it’s something my clients trust and value.

Exceptional customer service is supreme. Listening to my clients, understanding their visions, and guiding them through the design process have been central to my approach. These relationships have turned many first-time clients into loyal ones and led to glowing recommendations.

Adapting and staying ahead of trends is a must. I’ve always embraced change—whether it was pivoting to custom printing during the pandemic or mastering new design styles to stay competitive. Adapting has kept my business relevant and innovative.

A personal touch. Every project I work on is infused with a personal connection. I take the time to understand my clients’ needs and reflect their personality or brand in the design. This approach makes my work unique and meaningful.

Consistency and reliability. Delivering on promises, meeting deadlines, and maintaining high-quality standards have been the foundation of trust with my clients.

Ultimately, my reputation has been built on passion, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to helping clients bring their visions to life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tmjprints.com
• Instagram: tmjprints
• Facebook: tmjprints