ERICA LYNNE JOHNSON

For several years I have heard "you have the best job ever” and how could I argue?

I support artists as they achieve their vision, and provide creative professionals with the tools they need to deliver exceptional content.  I have seen a project come to fruition while traveling the world and meeting extraordinarily interesting people and talented creators and storytellers from varied backgrounds. Unique experience has taught me how to effectively draw a line between concept and execution - balancing the (sometimes delicate) relationship between client and artist, expectation and realization.

I come from the American Midwest, where I was raised and attended college (Big 10 represent!), which is meant to translate to "down to earth, genuinely nice person with a solid work ethic". I felt compelled to answer my calling as a starving artist so I moved to Manhattan, arriving on my 23rd birthday, and survived for quite some time on pizza and bagels. New York City has since become my home and stomping ground, my daily classroom, consistent subject matter, favorite setting, and regular stay-cation.

When I put on my producer’s hat, I am the metaphorical umbrella over the entire creative process of a project, ensuring every aspect runs smoothly: effectively clarifying client needs, managing expectations, coordinating strong teams, providing efficient communication, anticipating potential obstacles and making adjustments to minimize stakeholders' risks.   

NOW . . .

I am working freelance as a producer and pm, plus writing more, reading lots, navigating remote learning, adjusting to virtual-everything; grateful for this life lesson (yes, again) that sometimes you have to fly straight into the headwind: embrace uncertainty and steadily pilot a life none of us were expecting.

BEFORE . . .

I worked with creative agency Blue Pixel Creates executive producing a workshop series for Best Buy. Their “Camera Experience Shops” sell gear and accessories to rival the photo giants and their educational series was highlighting that presence. Customers would join Photo Coaches and Best Buy Experts to spend an afternoon shooting dynamic subject matter, while learning how to make better images, and trying out the latest in photography accessories and DI technology. I produced the customer-facing workshops (+ worked on some internal Best Buy CES trainings & other fun agency projects) from July 2018 until June 2020.

SOMETHING I LOVED . . .

When Panasonic Lumix launched their S1 Series, they hosted a multi-day activation for dealers and press. Myka Productions produced simultaneous photo sets throughout Austin Texas. This video, produced by Panasonic, gives a glimpse, along with snaps I shot (below) Blast and hit!

and also . . .

I worked with creative agency Technology, Humans and Taste on Operations, doing Finance and Creative Production. I managed a number of projects, all of which allowed me to approach the creative work from an agency perspective, furthering my knowledge about AI, VR and other few-letter technologies that are changing the face of advertising and experiential events. T.H.A.T’s unique method boasts the channeling of creative chaos of the digital space into effective strategic creative campaigns for clients. I also enjoyed some Dim Sum.  

BEFORE T.H.A.T. . . .

I worked with the experts at Kate Ryan Inc., a full service agency representing Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Photographers to the advertising, editorial and retail community. An incredible roster of talent provided me the opportunity to produce amazing projects and strengthen the work of accomplished creative professionals. Working directly with representation enhanced my agency experience, and allowed me to actively encourage the advancement of the photographers' careers.  Below is a small sampling of a few favorites. 

I have been lucky enough to produce jobs + support photographers from one end of the globe to the other ...

SMALL GROUP TRAVEL + WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

For several years I helped run Mentor Series Worldwide Treks hosted by Popular Photography Magazine and sponsored by Nikon USA, Manfrotto & SanDisk.  My colleague and I chose the travel location and workshop focus, created fully customized itineraries for multi-day travel events, handled all the financials from initial estimates to final P-n-L, filed proper paperwork to obtain permits & visas, and supervised instructors and on-site staff.  I was lucky enough to play a significant role in marketing the program and creating content for the editorial publication and online platform.  See below a sample of the announcement spreads we created and published monthly (in print) for each event.  We also facilitated a monthly newsletter, provided sponsorship post reports, and launched a supporting digital campaign.   

Since working at Bonnier Corporation, both for the Mentor Series program and other sponsored events I produced for the Sales and Marketing team, I started my own travel production company, Myka Productions. I work with clients to develop event programs, provide customized itineraries and book like-minded group travel. Each step of my career has been like realizing a dream.

See some of my travel images HERE, images are "Moments Along the Journey".

AND EVEN BEFORE THAT . . .

I was living in New York for a few short months when I learned the real lesson - it's not about who you know, it's about who you meet.  I have been incredibly fortunate to encounter positively extraordinary people throughout my career. Early on I worked closely with fine art photographer and entrepreneur Clifford Ross, on his licensing program (Babar the elephant) and his accomplished career. After my time there, I worked for several years with photographer Brigitte Lacombe, where I learned the particulars of commercial photography, the travel experience, and production overall.  Brigitte taught me a great deal about life and art, but especially she taught me still image making, interpreting the human condition, the necessity of firsthand observation; the value of integrity, grace and good timing.  

BECAUSE A WEBPAGE CAN TELL YOU ONLY SO MUCH . . . 

Let’s connect! I am committed to producing stellar events, project managing your next big campaign. My conscientious approach yields results.

I am a firm believer that the measure of a project’s success naturally relies on all players delighting in the process.