Johnny Michael
Q What do you do?
“Hi, I’m Johnny. Happy to be here.”
A creative writer, filmmaker, brand creator and digital artist. I love creating work creates human connection and more humor in the world. If you're into that I'd love to connect with you too.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I'm a big fan of the lifelong learning idea. Aside from learning on the job at agencies and alongside great people. I went to college and creative ad school, I've taken lots of writing courses with Second City. I've done Improv. I've watched hundreds of hours on Skillshare... What else? I'm a constant learner, seeking and planning new ways to connect and level up online. The internet and creative community is my favorite form of education. I love new ideas and working hard to learn the skills and abilities that allow me to express myself. I practice creative skills a lot. I write a lot. I read a lot. I observe. I try to use my time as best as possible, investing in my growth as an artist and trying to improve and find new ways to contribute value and good energy to other people. Having integrity and staying focused on what brings joy is important too. I also try and slow down once in a while too.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Doing what feels right for the soul. And bringing funny stuff to unexpected places.
Q What are you working on right now?
A few things: a short film about the word Love.
A comedy channel with my friends for Youtube.
A brand and film project called Hi that inspires human connection.
I also have a job, I work on jeep.com.
I also enjoy learning how to communicate visually with storyboarding. Photography is a hobby too.
Q What’s your style?
Pixar storytelling. Comedy. Truth and wonder that comes from reading Carl Sagan books. Speaking of taste I also love to cook, which is inspired by my Italian mother.... My first short film "Hi".
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Directing / Comedy Filmmaking
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Choosing which things to focus and spend time on.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
For the short films, I'd hire a producer. Someone to find locations, casting etc... For the Hi brand, I'd hire graphic designers to create collections of products I could also use some model friends to be subjects for more lifestyle product shoots
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
When I was in my early 20's. Stop drinking so much. You're wasting time and beating your body up. You can dance and be an awesome person at parties with just water. Plus you should really take some finance classes. I wish I would have learned about compound interest at 16. I would have invested more. And bought Apple stock. And Bitcoin.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I'd love to work in a writer’s room on TV shows like Schitt's Creek or (going back in time again) Modern Family.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Copywriting / Creative Ideation or Concepting / Creative Content - Mostly Freelance roles
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I'd love to work with Apple, Disney, or Pixar. I'm attracted to funny and powerful storytelling.
Q: What is your rate?
Freelance rates are $80-$100 an hour
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Steve Saiz - he's cool.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I go for walks and breathe.
This member profile was originally published in March 2022.