Stephan Johnson

photographer / illustrator filmmaker

photographer / illustrator filmmaker

BIOGRAPHY

Stephan I. Johnson is a Minneapolis-based multidisciplinary freelance artist whose creative journey has been shaped by a lifelong curiosity for visual storytelling and cultural expression. Originally from Akron, Ohio, Stephan moved to the Twin Cities in 2008 after graduating from Buchtel High School. His early artistic interests began with painting, drawing, and sculpting, but a pivotal moment in his childhood redirected his path: while exploring his grandmother’s attic, he discovered an old Canon AE-1 35mm camera. Intrigued by how photographs could preserve a moment in time while the subject still stood before him, Stephan dismantled the camera to understand its inner workings. This hands-on experience ignited a deep passion for photography that continues to fuel his work to this day.

Stephan’s artistic practice now spans a wide array of disciplines, including photography, videography, poetry, music, graphic design, live performance, and cultural education. His work is grounded in the belief that art should uplift and inform, and he has dedicated himself to using his talents to empower others—particularly youth and marginalized voices in his community. Whether leading workshops, collaborating on community projects, or capturing portraits, Stephan’s commitment to personal growth and collective healing is at the heart of everything he creates.

Outside of his artistic pursuits, Stephan is also passionate about travel, holistic wellness, food culture, martial arts, and nature. These diverse interests often inform and inspire his art, blending visual aesthetics with deeper messages about identity, healing, and resilience.

Qualifications

Stephan is skilled in DSLR photography and video production, including both studio and on-location shoots. He specializes in commercial portraiture and creative visual storytelling that highlights community voices and individual expression. In addition to camera-based media, he is proficient in graphic design and digital illustration, using software tools to create dynamic visuals for print and digital platforms. His well-rounded artistic background, combined with years of self-directed learning and community engagement, make him a versatile and thoughtful contributor to any creative endeavor.

skills

  • DSLR photo and video production

  • commercial portraiture

  • graphic design and illustration

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