I'm a multidisciplinary designer and illustrator with over 8 years of experience in branding, apparel, and illustration. I've worked with top publishers and industry leaders, delivering bold visuals, compelling storytelling, and clean design systems across both print and digital platforms. I love leading creative projects from concept to completion, collaborating on product launches and national campaigns, and creating original apparel inspired by theme parks and pop culture. I’m passionate about branding, product design, and crafting customer experiences.…

CJ Johnson

I'm a multidisciplinary designer and illustrator with over 8 years of experience in branding, apparel, and illustration. I've worked with top publishers and industry leaders, delivering bold visuals, compelling storytelling, and clean design systems across both print and digital platforms. I love leading creative projects from concept to completion, collaborating on product launches and national campaigns, and creating original apparel inspired by theme parks and pop culture. I’m passionate about branding, product design, and crafting customer experiences.…

Available to hire

I’m a multidisciplinary designer and illustrator with over 8 years of experience in branding, apparel, and illustration. I’ve worked with top publishers and industry leaders, delivering bold visuals, compelling storytelling, and clean design systems across both print and digital platforms.

I love leading creative projects from concept to completion, collaborating on product launches and national campaigns, and creating original apparel inspired by theme parks and pop culture. I’m passionate about branding, product design, and crafting customer experiences.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Designer at Innova Disc Golf
January 1, 2017 - Present
Lead creative on disc graphics, apparel, branding, and marketing materials. Shaped visual identity for the largest disc golf brand in the world. Collaborated on product launches and national campaigns.
Freelance Book Cover Illustrator at Scholastic, Inc.
January 1, 2023 - Present
Illustrated and designed covers for Slam!, Fallen Angels, The Glory Field, Outside, and Your Final Moments. Delivered front/back covers with integrated type layout.
Founder & Designer at Nine21 Market
January 1, 2024 - Present
Created original apparel inspired by theme parks and pop culture. Handled branding, product design, and customer experience across Etsy and Shopify.
Freelance Designer at Upwork
January 1, 2024 - Present
Delivered branding, illustration, and book cover work for a variety of clients. Maintained 5-star ratings through strong communication and timely delivery. Projects included logos, apparel graphics, social media content, and editorial layouts.

Education

Add your educational history here.

Qualifications

Scholastic Book Cover Illustrator (Unofficial)
May 20, 2025 - May 20, 2025
Commissioned to illustrate 5 professional covers for Scholastic Inc. as part of a Spring 2025 repackage and new releases.

Industry Experience

Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Education, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Professional Services
    uniE621 2025 Walter Dean Myers Repackaging Campaign 1/3 (Scholastic)
    Earlier this year, Scholastic approached me to repackage three books by the late Walter Dean Myers. I collaborated closely with the art team, providing concepts that we refined together before I brought them to completion. The repackaged books are scheduled for release in Spring 2025. illustrator designer…
    uniE621 2025 Walter Dean Myers Repackaging Campaign 2/3 (Scholastic)
    Earlier this year, Scholastic approached me to repackage three books by the late Walter Dean Myers. I collaborated closely with the art team, providing concepts that we refined together before I brought them to completion. The repackaged books are scheduled for release in Spring 2025. illustrator designer illustrator graphicdesigner…
    uniE621 2025 Walter Dean Myers Repackaging Campaign 3/3 (Scholastic)
    Earlier this year, Scholastic approached me to repackage three books by the late Walter Dean Myers. I collaborated closely with the art team, providing concepts that we refined together before I brought them to completion. The repackaged books are scheduled for release in Spring 2025. illustrator designer…
    uniE621 Outside – Book Cover for Scholastic
    I was hired by Scholastic to illustrate the front and back covers for Outside by Jennifer L. Holm. The story follows a young girl named Razzi, so I focused on capturing her personality and the world around her in a way that feels bold but relatable for middle-grade readers. I handled the full character illustration and background, working with their in-house team to make sure it fit the tone and age range. Super proud to be part of this Spring 2025 release! bookcover illustration middlegradebooks characterart coverdesign freelanceillustrator scholastic digitalart storytelling…
    uniE621 Your Final Moments – Book Cover for Scholastic
    Commissioned by Scholastic to illustrate the cover for Your Final Moments by Jay Coles. This one had a more serious tone, so I aimed for a powerful and emotional visual that matched the book’s themes of justice, reflection, and grief. I created the main character illustration and layout in collaboration with Scholastic’s team, and also provided the back cover art. Part of their Spring 2025 lineup, and a project I’m really proud to have contributed to. bookcover illustration yaillustration coverart freelanceillustrator scholastic digitalillustration emotiveart visualstorytelling…
    uniE621 Founder & Lead Illustrator – Nine21 Market
    Launched and run Nine21 Market, an apparel brand focused on pop culture, parody, and theme park nostalgia. I handle all illustration, product design, and branding for the shop — from concept to final artwork. My work blends humor, storytelling, and bold visuals, and is sold via Shopify and Etsy. appareldesign branding illustration ecommerce parodyart streetwear creativebusiness freelanceillustrator…