
Note: I was born in Missouri and raised in Kansas. Thus, Kalimizzou.
The AIGA KC Design Awards—also known this year as A20—serve to recognize exceptional design work created in the greater Kansas City area. To mark the milestone 20th year, the organization partnered with KCAI Graphic Design students to develop a distinctive new branding package. As President of AIGA KC, Chandler Johnson was interviewed about the collaboration.
The second interview with VoyageKC moves past the origins of Chandler’s career and into his goals of being an advocate in the design community and for Kansas City. Chandler shares how his upbringing impacted his creativity, how he’s applying his leadership skills to AIGA KC, and the impact of AI to design.
In an interview with The Kansas City Star, the announcement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup host city poster competition was shared, inviting artists from Kansas and Missouri to showcase their talents. As spokesperson, Chandler emphasized this opportunity for local creatives to celebrate Kansas City’s vibrant arts and design scene on a global stage, highlighting the Midwest’s unique cultural voice.
Join Chandler Johnson as he discusses the Pick Progress Gallery, a curated collection featuring over 70 posters created by Black artists worldwide. Chandler is joined by local Pick Progress artists Khyneesha Edwards (Graphic Designer), Mönika (Nikky) McCormick (Graphic Designer), Sam Meier (Multi-term Lecturer and Senior Designer), and John Marzette (Senior Designer, Creative Director, DJ, Musician, #1 Hot Wing Fan).
The Pick Progress Gallery is a curated collection featuring over 70 posters created by Black artists worldwide. These posters are a visual representation of phrases of Black empowerment, contributing to a rich tapestry of narratives within the Pick Progress project. Additionally, the gallery showcases 31 different plastic afro-combs, each etched with empowering phrases, and offers a glimpse into the diverse perspectives shared by Black individuals through quotes from interviews. Curated by Chandler Johnson, the gallery provides an authentic portrayal of Black culture, celebrating creativity, identity, and resilience.
In an interview with CanvasRebel, Chandler shares insights on fostering inclusivity in the workplace and reflects on the unique challenges creatives often face, especially when communicating their journey to non-creatives. The discussion delves into Chandler’s professional background, exploring what drives a career in design and highlighting the rewarding aspects of bringing ideas to life through creativity.
The interview with VoyageKC offers insights into the journey, inspirations, and creative approach behind a career in design. Through this feature, readers gain a deeper understanding of the influences that shape the work and the dedication to impactful, purpose-driven projects.
NPR • Substack • Wild One. •. South Dakota Tourism • Bernie 2020 • Momofuku •. Wrangler • Visit Costa Rica •. HomSweetHom • Porto’s Bakery • Ft. Myers, FL • Corpus Christi • Wendy’s. •. Pirate’s Bone Burger • Lost Walls Project • Cheap Caribbean •. MMGY Global • Babes Helpin’ Babes • Frigidaire.. • Mindful Goods • KC Care Clinic