From The Desk Of: Kyle RM Johnson
Jul 22, 2016
Kyle came to Paper Chase about a year ago to create some promotional materials, since then we've had the pleasure of working with him on multiple print projects including softcover and hardcover portfolios. We sat down with Kyle to learn more about his love for travel and adventure.
Fill in the blank: "I don't show up at a meeting without _________."
A printed & bound portfolio
I'd write to... / I would love to get a letter from...
Charlie Rose / Charlie Rose
Would try once... / No, thanks....
Almost any local cuisine when traveling / Fast-food
I'm a true believer in... / Major skeptic about...
Early mornings / Sleeping in
Subject I won’t shut up about lately... / Subject I avoid...
My truck "Hank the Tank Jr." and Mountain Bikes/ How being an only child shapes my personality
Constantly craving... / Don't see the appeal of...
Citrus / Soda
_____ always inspires / ______ totally sucks
Wandering in the wilderness / Being in a mall
I'm early for... / I'm late for...
Almost everything / Nearly nothing
______ is worth the wait / I have no patience for _____
Good food / A lot of things, but trying to work on that
Describe your personal aesthetic in three words:
Colorful, genuine, classic
Describe the creative space at your company:
Completely mobile. My wife and I downsized our lives, both personally and professionally to be more nomadic, making following work and chasing personal projects tremendously easier.
What are your design inspirations?
The geography and colors of the Southwest, the cinematic work of Robert Richardson and Emmanuel Lubezki, eclectic architecture.
How does one tap into their creative side?
When I travel for work I try earnestly to run and explore the environment I'm in. It clears the mind and gets the blood moving. When I explore on my own time I try to escape as much of the populated commotion of cities and listen to the little moments I feel moved and emotional, its in those moments I can be truly creative.
What’s the motto/life philosophy/advice you live by?
Wake up early and make the most of every moment
What is your favorite aspect of the job you do?
The chaos of it all
The paper product I can’t live without is ____ and I use it to _____.
A portfolio... chase down my future
What career moves and/or aspirations brought you to your current role?
I wanted to be a cinematographer, but the college I was at had no film program so I took the most literal translation of the title and studied both Directing and Photography. That lead me into lighting for motion commercials, then to lighting for stills on a commercial level, then to shooting... I am getting back to pursuing more cinematic endeavors.
Share an insight on your life or life in general that you’ve discovered:
That I prefer watching the sun rise to watching the sun set
When do you feel like you’re at your best?
When I'm in perpetual motion. I love a frenetic energy to my life. Sure there are point life overwhelms, but it makes to happy to hustle and test those limits.
What is a quote that inspires you:
"Hey I found the safest place to keep all our tenderness. Keep all our bad ideas. Keep all our hope. It's here in the smallest bones, the feet and the inner-ear. It's such an enormous thing to walk and to listen." - John K. Samson
How does your brand convey its unique personality?
I can't stand the term "brand". I know that marketing and aesthetic are part of being a working photographer, but that word hurts my ears.
Branding is __________.
For companies, not people
Because of my experience doing __________, I tend to pay more attention than most people do to __________.
Photography... the light around us
Describe a typical day at work:
(On Set) Wake up before the sun, eat some granola, down a cold brew coffee with coconut milk, shoot all day. (Off Set) Wake up early, edit images, write emails, reach out to people for some current documentary projects in the works, catch up on news, climb, trail run, plan next adventure, go on said adventure.
What is the best professional lesson you’ve ever learned?
When you find a creative collaborator you truly vibe with, keep them close
How do you start and/or end your day?
Best way to start my day is with my amazing wife, and best way to end the day is with my amazing wife
What brought you to Paper Chase Press?
A need for high-quality, small run printed mailers, cards, and portfolios
How often do you use printed goods to promote your business?
Quarterly
What's the response like to these printed goods?
Excellent
What’s the motto/life philosophy/advice you live by?
You teach best, what you need most
make your own
Hardcover Books
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Softcover Books
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