Today we’d like to introduce you to Kerry G. Johnson.
Hi Kerry G., can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Kerry G. Johnson: A Creative Journey in Graphic Design, Illustration, and Visual Storytelling
Art has always been more than a profession for me, it has been a lifelong visual storytelling language. From the earliest days of sketching characters and observing the personalities of those around me, I discovered that drawing could communicate humor, humanity, and stories in ways that words alone could not.
I was born in Nashville, Tennessee, where my early fascination with cartoons, comics, and newspaper illustrations began to take shape. Those childhood inspirations eventually guided me toward formal art training at the Columbus College of Art and Design and later at The Ohio State University. It was during these formative years that I realized my creative voice would live somewhere between art, storytelling, and communication
Over the course of my career, I have embraced many creative roles, including caricature artist, graphic designer, art director, children’s book illustrator, and visual storyteller. Each discipline has allowed me to explore a different dimension of creativity while staying grounded in the core belief that art should connect people and ideas.
My professional journey began in the fast-paced world of journalism, where I worked as an illustrator and graphic designer for several newspapers, including the Columbus Dispatch, The Baltimore Sun, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. These newsroom experiences sharpened my ability to communicate visually under pressure and taught me the value of storytelling through design and illustration.
As my career evolved, I expanded into children’s book illustration and character design, fields where imagination and storytelling intersect beautifully. I have had the opportunity to illustrate a variety of books that encourage creativity, self-confidence, and learning for young readers. I am particularly proud of projects that help children see themselves reflected in stories and characters that celebrate diversity and curiosity.
Alongside illustration, my work as an art director has allowed me to shape visual identities and communication strategies for universities, companies, organizations, and publications. In these roles, I have learned that design is not just about aesthetics—it is about clarity, purpose, and helping audiences understand complex ideas through compelling visual brand narratives.
Caricature art has also been a central part of my creative expression. Whether sketching live at community events or creating digital illustrations, I enjoy capturing the personality and spirit of my subjects. Caricature is a unique form of portraiture—it exaggerates features but reveals something true about the person behind the face.
Throughout my journey, I have remained committed to sharing my passion for art through school visits, presentations, and community engagement. Speaking with students and aspiring artists reminds me why creative storytelling matters. Art can inspire confidence, spark imagination, and open doors to careers many young people never knew existed.
Today, my creative vision continues to evolve across illustration, branding, and multimedia storytelling. My creative journey is still unfolding, but one lesson has stayed constant: art has the power to connect communities, celebrate culture, and bring stories to life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Obstacles and Challenges Along the Way
Like most creative journeys, mine has not been entirely smooth. The path of an artist is often filled with uncertainty, reinvention, and persistence. Early in my career, working in newspaper graphics and illustration meant constantly producing under tight deadlines while also learning how to adapt to the rapidly changing media landscape. As print journalism began to shift and evolve in the digital age, many artists and designer (including myself) had to rethink how our skills could translate into new platforms and industries.
Another challenge has been balancing creative passion with professional stability. Artists often wear many hats—illustrator, designer, entrepreneur, marketer, and storyteller—and learning how to navigate those roles while building a sustainable career takes time. There were moments when projects didn’t materialize, when ideas had to be reworked, or when opportunities required stepping outside my comfort zone.
Representation in creative fields has also been an ongoing conversation. As an African American illustrator and visual storyteller, I have always been mindful of the importance of creating work that reflects diverse communities and authentic cultural experiences. Sometimes, that has meant pushing forward in spaces where those voices were not always centered, while continuing to advocate for inclusive storytelling in children’s books, media, and design.
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal creative goals has also been another challenge. While serving in demanding roles as an art director and designer, I have also made time for illustration projects, community engagement, and storytelling initiatives.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Your Work — Artist / Creative
At my core, I am a visual storyteller. My work lives at the intersection of illustration, graphic design, and narrative, and I have spent much of my career exploring how images can communicate ideas, culture, diversity, and human connection.
What sets my work apart is my ability to move fluidly between different creative disciplines—illustration, caricature art, and social media storytelling—while keeping the human story at the center. I approach every project with a storyteller’s mindset first. Whether it’s a caricature at a community event, a children’s book illustration, or a graphic design project, the goal is always the same: to create visuals that engage people, spark imagination, and leave a lasting impression.
Ultimately, what I am most proud of is the opportunity to use my creativity to connect with people. Art has given me the ability to bring ideas to life, celebrate culture and community, and hopefully inspire the next generation of artists to find their own creative voice.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
While I am proud of my work as an artist and illustrator, an equally important part of my life is my commitment to community service and leadership. Creativity has always been a powerful tool for connection, and I try to use my talents not only in my professional work but also in ways that uplift and support the community around me.
I am a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where community service and leadership are core values that guide much of the work we do. Through my fraternity and other civic initiatives, I have had the opportunity to participate in educational programs, mentorship efforts, and community outreach that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
In addition to my fraternity involvement, I also serve my community through my church and civic leadership roles. I am honored to be a commissioner with the Howard County (MD) Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission, which works each year to honor the legacy and message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through educational programs and community events. I also serve as First Vice President of the African American Community Roundtable of Howard County, an organization dedicated to strengthening connections among community groups, promoting civic engagement, and advocating for equity and opportunity throughout Howard County.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kerrygjohnsondraws.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caricaturekerry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kerry.G.Johnson.Illustration?pnref=lhc
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerryjohnson/
- Twitter: https://x.com/caricaturekerry
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@caricaturekerry
