We recently had the chance to connect with Derrick “Saint” Johnson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Derrick “Saint”, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’d like to think that I am walking the path laid out in front of me, but I’m also wandering off the path to see what’s hidden beyond my sight. Sometimes walking the path turns into fruitful wandering, and I find myself deep in my mind, plotting and scheming new ways to present my work and emotions.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Derrick “Saint” Johnson, originally from southern Indiana, but now located in Nashville, TN. I’ve always enjoyed art, creating, and being around art my entire life. My mom and grandma introduced me to art at a young age; a drawing here, some painting there, but I didn’t discover my true passion, photography, until I was a sophomore in high school. I used my newfound passion to photograph friends, family, and local events at the time, until it was time to attend college. I spent 2 years at a junior college, where I learned the basics of photography and learned about various amazing photographers that came before me, before transferring to Nossi College of Art and Design in late 2020. With 4 years of school under my belt, working with various brands and businesses, I started branching into other fields similar to photography (video, film, etc).
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I’d have to say, being just a photographer. Years before I found photography, I spent a good chunk of my time drawing, sketching, and bringing the images in my head to life. Don’t get me wrong, photography is still my first love, but during my pursuit of knowledge, I found myself putting more focus into photography and putting the other half of myself in a box until I graduated from college. I’ve found myself leaning more and more on my other artistic skills in the past 2 years since moving on from college as I navigate the tricky, rapidly changing adult world. I’m an artist, and photography is now one of many tools I use to bring my thoughts to life.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Please have more faith in yourself and fully believe in what we’re doing. It’s annoying, but everything will eventually begin to make sense. Put some more trust in God, too. Trust in the phases you’re going through, ask for more, and take what’s yours.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
My lifelong project is pretty simple; I want to document my life. I want to capture and create memories from my long, mundane life. The good, the bad, and whatever happens in between it all. Pretty basic, but it works for someone like me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That even when things got rough, I always smiled and pushed forward no matter what was in my way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cloudphoto.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vibeclouds/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-johnson-9147451a1/
Image Credits
Image #3: Adrian
Image #7: Lucky
