Today we’d like to introduce you to India Johnson.
India, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up, I often would go see an HBCU band perform with my family. There was a certain joy felt listening and watching an HBCU band perform. I eventually attended a Historically Black College/University or HBCU for short. I was inspired to write Zuki and the Oh So Amazing Band From Outer Space to share the magical feeling and take children on an adventure with this story. I feel it is important to have black stories of joy and discovery early on. This story is significant in that it highlights HBCUs and lets children learn what they are early on. This is the type of story I would have loved to read as a child. In bringing Zuki and the Oh So Amazing Band From Outer Space to life, I was excited in the opportunity to create something so unique in this space. Overall, I started around HBCU Homecoming season. The energy in this season was empowering to continue forward with the book especially since I was not able to attend any homecoming events due to COVID. Creating the story was a journey in itself, but I feel I was able to learn more about myself and challenge myself through illustrating. Going through the process of character creation and highlighting certain aspects like drum majors, and that feeling of wanting to be in the band, to dance, and that ultimate spark of wanting to be a part of an HBCU. These feelings all evoked from seeing and discovering an HBCU band perform for the very first time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For me, this process has been great. Everything has its balance of challenges and turning those challenges into learning experiences. I had the drive and mission in my heart to create this book, so I did and figured things out along the way. I would say the learning curve of my drawings getting better as I persisted made me go back and redraw things I drew out earlier on. It was a great process all in all. I definitely plan on doing it again after all I have learned.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have always loved to draw! I have a business, iART Productionsj LLC, a creative services business. I do graphic design, illustrations, video editing, and so much more! I am a creative through and through. With this business, I aim to elevate other business in providing them services they would need while conducting business. I have a certain quality of work and do my best in everything I do. I am most proud of my persistence in continuing to go after my passion and pursue my dreams, especially when it feels like things are not moving. That’s when I realize things are usually moving behind the scenes to set up for something greater! My motivation and hunger to see my dreams come to past is what sets me apart. As my dreams come to pass, they are affirmations I can do anything I set my mind to and inspire me to set new goals for myself.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Love that there are creative everywhere, and there is that balance with the many beaches to relax in and to remind people to just live. It’s okay to not create all the time.
Contact Info:
- Email: iartproductionsj@gmail.com
- Website: https://iartproductionsj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/india.monaee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iartproductionsj
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAtdL5ktEdwTLPaug9OSy2Q
- Other: https://linktr.ee/iartproductionsj
Image Credits
Iniyah Johnson, @iniyahhhh, on Instagram for photo credits
