David Johnson

At his core, David Johnson is a storykeeper and creative bridge-builder. Chicago-based and shaped by life on the South Side and in the suburbs, Johnson is a creative storyteller and cultural translator whose work has taken him worldwide — first on a volunteer trip to El Salvador, then as a staff photographer for an Ethiopian newspaper. The creative freedom to "go cover the city" meant he could move at his own pace, stopping to meet people, hear their stories, and take part in their world, capturing it all in vivid color. These early encounters laid the groundwork for his understanding of himself as a cultural translator. Johnson communicates the visual language of the subject, audience, and brand, providing space for each group to see themselves fully within the work. Johnson's sense of what is meaningful also powered the formation of True Chicago in 2017, an arts nonprofit that empowers Black and brown youth in Chicago to own their creative futures. Born from a spontaneous workshop, the platform now hosts conferences and a quarterly mentorship program, equipping the next generation with the resources, knowledge, and opportunities needed to thrive. In 2020, he founded KNDRD, a creative agency built to help brands like Microsoft, Pepsi, and Coors show up more authentically in culture and build real relationships with growth communities. At the heart of KNDRD's work is the belief that translating intention into meaningful cultural connection isn't optional but essential. David's work has taken him across global cities including Shanghai and São Paulo, but his heart stays in Chicago, where he is committed to building creative infrastructure that lasts.