I reserve Mondays to recognize jet-setting women who are making great strides in their communities. I call these features "Madam Mondays!"
If you haven't had your cup of inspiration, don't worry - just read this!
This Monday we ask,
Who is Crystal D. Johnson?
To see more of her work and what inspires Ms. Johnson visit: http://vimeo.com/theothercrystal
Contact information: theothercrystal@gmail.com
Innovative. Creative. Laborious.
These are the words that sum up the passions of this filmmaker and writer. In a world where anyone with a smartphone, Canon camera, and a filter proclaims to be a photographer, this Petersburg native & Cum Laude graduate is showing the world what it really takes to be great.
Crystal D. Johnson studied dance and choreography at the Appomattox Regional Governors' School for the Arts and Technology in Petersburg, Virginia. Even in her dance studies, she expressed an interest in the world of filmmaking. For her senior project, Ms. Johnson choreographed a riveting piece entitled "Arachnophobia." She incorporated a film which interviewed peers and instructors on their experiences and sentiments towards spiders. This film built anticipation to the dance that opened with a gasp from the audience once the lights came up.
To see more of her work and what inspires Ms. Johnson visit: http;//theothercrystal.tumblr.com/
Contact information: theothercrystal@gmail.com
Ms. Johnson then took her talents and curiosity to the Art Institute of Washington, D.C. where she received a Bachelors Degree in Digital Filmmaking and Video Production, an accomplishment that was no easy feat.
"...After three months of stressing for my graduation I was ready; but the night before I found out my grandmother passed away. It literally took all of strength to even want to attend. With the support of my family, I made it through the day, graduated Cum Laude, and received an achievement medal. I knew standing on that stage, waving at my parents, I had made it. I also knew that my grandmother was watching over me saying, 'I was praying for you! Go 'head girl!'"
So what is Ms. Johnson currently up to?
"I work a 9 to 5 just to stay alive" says Ms. Johnson jokingly. While working as an editor for a contracting company, Ms. Johnson has created her own production company entitled "The Other Crystal." Currently she wears the writer, videographer, AND photographer hat. Below is a sample piece Ms. Johnson created called "Lens Test With Kourtney."
Along with starting her own production company Ms. Johnson is shooting private engagements and working on a book. "[I am] getting my peers to write letters to their high school selves called 'What Was I Thinking?' I have a lot going on." Her creativity and passion to inspire are more than evident.
To see more of her work and what inspires Ms. Johnson visit: http;//theothercrystal.tumblr.com/
Contact information: theothercrystal@gmail.com
Her advice to women interested in the world of film?
"I would say do your homework. Especially in the world of filmmaking, which is dominated by men. You have to stand out, in a good way. Without compromising myself, I was able to win an award for writing. I like when people underestimate me because of how I look or because I'm quiet. I shut them up with my knowledge and work ethic."
Ms. Johnson has also mastered the art of saying "NO!"
"No is a complete sentence; it does not need an explanation...Sometimes, there are red flags all over and we ignore them knowing something doesn't feel right. In the end, we end up lost and confused. I have so many people come to me with video or photo ideas and I'm starting to learn you just have to say 'No' and let that be that."
To see more of her work and what inspires Ms. Johnson visit: http://vimeo.com/theothercrystal
Contact information: theothercrystal@gmail.com