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Chandler Johnson

Kansas City Art Institute - Vanderslice Hall

part of a series on Ember (em·ber) | Ember

About the speaker

Chandler Johnson is a distinguished Art Director in the Kansas City area. With over a decade of experience, Chandler has collaborated with a wide range of businesses and not-for-profits, including the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Kansas City Chiefs, KC Current, Unbound, NPR, and FIFA World Cup 2026. He is also a former President of AIGA Kansas City (2024-2025) and Communication Professor at Illinois State University and the University of Missouri at Kansas City.

Chandler has honed his expertise in graphic design, videography, audio, and web design. His innovative approach and commitment to excellence have had a significant impact in each of these fields, and he’s always eager to share his knowledge to help shape the next generation of professionals.
 
Chandler’s most recent notable work is the Pick Progress project. As creator and curator of Pick Progress, a six-year initiative that has celebrated the Black experience through diverse artistic expressions, featuring over 100 designers from around the globe, and insightful interviews. The project's success was recognized on Kickstarter, where it was highlighted as a 'Project We Love' in 2020, which raised over $10,000. Pick Progress has also been featured in galleries at Johnson County Community College and the University of Kansas.
 
Chandler's dedication to fostering creativity and community is evident in all his endeavors, making him a respected leader and influencer in the world of design and beyond.

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