Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/811323
STAFF SPOTLIGHT EDDIE JOHNSON CREATIVE DIRECTOR RR: What peaked your interest for Graphic Design? EJ: To be honest it kind of fell into my lap. I was a Communication Arts major here at VCU, and I interned as a cameraman my junior and senior year. So my foot was already in the door when the job became avaliable. I had dabbled in design before but Illustration was my focus in college. BD: Being a graduate of VCU, was it always in the plan to work at your alma mater? EJ: Actually, no. My ultimate goal was to become an art therapist, illustrate chil- dren's books or become a comic book artist. After graduation, I almost accepted a job as a teacher's aide, but I got the offer to work for VCU Athletics the next day. RR: What is the average day like for you? EJ: It's something new everyday. Basically whatever comes through my E-mail. I get about 30 emails per day with a variety of fun projects. RR: What is your favorite VCU game-day experience. EJ: The home opener. The energy is just different for the first game of the season. RR: Do you have a favorite team to work with? EJ: I enjoy working with field hockey and track because of how passionate they are about their craft. Seeing that passion and toughness makes me work harder on my own projects. RR: How do you get your juices flowing when brainstorming for a new design? EJ: I listen to a lot of music, read books, or draw something in my sketchbook to get the creative juices flowing. RR: Is there a specific visual presence you like to maintain when coming up with designs? EJ: I like to keep it clean, put the athlete first and the verbiage second. I know a lot of designers would disagree with me on that, but people are so drawn into the players that whatever is around them they will pick up on. The first things you see before people even see an event are the designs. RR: What is your favorite theme for games at the Siegel Center? EJ: I love the 'White-Outs'. It's trippy because I'll see someone walking around Richmond wearing a shirt I created and I'll compliment them on their shirt. It's gratify- ing seeing people actually like your work. RR: What part of your job do you love the most? EJ: Having creative control over the projects I work on. I'm extremely lucky and fortunate to work with such an open minded staff. Not a lot of athletic depart- ments give their designers that freedom. My style is very edgy and I dont like to be boxed in. The freedom is priceless. If you've driven down Interstate 95 in Virginia and marveled at an eye-popping VCU Athletics billboard, you've enjoyed the work of Eddie Johnson. A 2006 VCU graduate, Johnson has been shaping the department's brand through his edgy graphic work as VCU's creative director for the last 10 years. Over the years, Johnson's designs have found their way onto everything from VCU posters to t-shirts to the program's athletic facilities. Our Bryant Drayton recently sat down with the New York City native. Favorite Professional Team? New York Knicks Favorite social media app: Instagram, you can follow me at @thisiseddiej Favorite local restaurant? Joe's Inn Last album listened to all the way through? Kanye West, "The Life of Pablo" Favorite person to draw? Lebron James and James Harden Favorite VCU project to work on: The billboard Favorite coach: Rasheen Davis Favorite place to visit: Italy Lightning Round: