Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Johnson.
Sean, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, I came to know poetry at a young age and from then on, I developed an insatiable love for the written and spoken word. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from University of Houston where I majored in Education and minored in Art and English. After graduation, I performed spoken word throughout the country as well as starred in several local plays before continuing on to receive my Masters in Literacy from Walden University. My poetry has appeared in Riversongs, The Chaos, American Journal of Poetry, Third Wednesday, Sierra Nevada, Typishly and several other publications. My poem “Rearview Mirror” was nominated for The Pushcart Prize in Poetry 2014. I am the author of the chapbooks, Unpredicted Prophecy and My Name Be. All My Heroes Were Assassinated is my first full-length collection with two of its poems nominated for “Best of the Best” by Edify Fiction and Lunch Ticket.
Though I have always been a serious writer, my interest in visual arts began in 2014 when a visitor to my home begged to purchase two of my “dabblings” from the wall. Since that time I have been a featured live painter, exhibition artist, and vendor at The Writer’s Block, Black Girl Excellence, Domestic Violence Seminars, Midtown Arts Center, Culture Vulture Magazine, Galas and a host of other events. My paintings have been published in The Hunger Magazine, Homology Lit, and Boston Accent Lit. Additionally, I have recently had two art exhibitions with my pARTner, Courtney Moore.
Additionally, I am a K-8 Texas Certified teacher who has been in education for over 16 years and during my time as an educator, I have taught a variety of subjects to a wide array of learners, ranging from Bridge Kinder to 8th grade. Though I currently teach art, the one thing that has remained a constant in my career is my love for teaching literacy. Literacy is fundamental in understanding all subjects as well as being the key to understanding and expressing one’s self.
In addition to my artistic endeavors, I am also a rock star auntie and humanitarian known for my monthly homeless outreach, disaster relief program, and mission work in Peru, Central America, and Africa. I believe in placing God above all, and my favorite motto is, “Don’t let your loyalty become your slavery. If they don’t appreciate what you bring to the table…let them eat alone.”
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Whew! I will say that I have probably had it better than most in that I was raised in a two-parent household where I was constantly validated and supported. I have never been afraid to fail or try. I have always known who I was, and that’s half the battle of anything we do in life.
However, I have struggled. I have overdrawn my account. I have not known how I was going to pay something and had too much pride to ask. I have been ready to give up, throw my hands up, never pick up a pen or paintbrush again. I have sat in my closet and cried, felt defeated, and depressed.
But oh when I wake up in the morning….I’m always ready for the new day. As long as I am alive, I’ll keep pushing no matter the sacrifice, no matter the cost.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a multi-genre artist and Sean Johnson Arts specializes in everything.
Ghostwriting
Occasion Writing and Planning
Proofreading
Copy and Content Editing
Tutoring
Painting
Acting
Motivational Speaking
Spoken Word
Art-Based Literacy Workshops
Resume and Bio Writing
If you need it done, I can do it! Extraordinary work, reasonable prices!
I am known for never doing the same thing twice. If I paint a hat, it’s one of a kind. No one will have the same hat you have. Same for my other products. I am most proud of being able to do so many things for people. I am a one stop shop!
What were you like growing up?
Believe it or not, I was shy, scary, and easily flustered. I was also very skinny and ALWAYS had stomach problems. You could never tell it now considering I am outgoing, outspoken, fearless, always ready, and thicker than a King Sized Snickers.
Pricing:
- Resume and Bio Writing–$65
- Tutoring–$25
- Proofreading/Editing–$2/page
Contact Info:
- Website: https://seanjohnsonarts.net/
- Phone: 832-758-4268
- Email: seanjohnsonarts@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanjohnsonarts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sean-Johnson-Arts-1862875100409259/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanjohnsonarts
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SeanJohnsonArts
Image Credit:
Patrick Buckner, Self the Poet, Rochell Sampay
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
