Michael Johnson - Bio

Welcome to my teacher web site. My name is Michael Johnson and I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, moving from one ghetto to another; South Union (South Side), Fifth Ward and Seventh Ward Houston, Texas. I was once a foster child until my birth mother found me and adopted me. As a teen I enjoyed reading and drawing comic book characters such as Superman, Black Panther, Thor, and Captain America. Also, I was a bit of a graffiti artist during high school years... "I really was into early Hip-Hop.

At the age of 38, I became the first in my family to earn a college degree. I earned an Associates Degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Houston in 2008, and also earned the "Best of Show" Award for my portfolio. But when considering teaching Graphic Design inside Texas prisons, I went back to college (Sam Houston State University) and earned a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice (2013). I was offered a full scholarship to enter into SHSU Graduate Program, so I went on to earn my Master's degree in Criminal Justice & Criminology (2015). While working on my Master's I won Best Student Researcher for my qualitative research. I went from being a horrible student in high school to someone who now loves learning.

I have created numerous print and web designs for graphic design firms, Hip-hop artist, accounting firms, state agencies, and I have ran my own graphic design company servicing many clients throughout Texas. Therefore, I have lots of knowledge to offer my students. I facilitate my class as if it's a real graphic design firm, where students are graphic designers working to earn a grade rather than a paycheck. I tell my students for this class, just as in the real world, "You get out what you put in."