Chakaras Johnson

As Creative Director, I spearhead the creative strategy and design development at Helen Marie. I'm responsible for leading idea generation and translating the needs of clients into effective design solutions and compelling brand communications. In December of 2004, I co-founded Helen Marie in December 2004 with the goal of delivering high-end creative and web technology solutions to the world’s leading brands. My design solutions and emotive-driven thinking have delivered powerful communication experiences for such diverse clients as 1-800-flowers, Puma, and the National Black Programming Consortium. Prior to Helen Marie, I enjoyed nine years of design experience across top agencies in the United States. As Design Director at Studio Red at the Rockwell group, I established the group’s graphic design practice and acted as Design Director on interdisciplinary projects for Coca-Cola, Subway and Club Med for the US, Asian and European markets. As a Senior Designer @radical.media I designed award winning websites for clients including The Cisneros Foundation, George Harrison and Errol Morris. I hold a B.F.A. In visual communications and have studied as a computer technician in the United States Army Signal Corps. I continue to develop my creative and leadership skills with diverse interests beyond the office: I am a seven year student of the afro-brazilian martial art, Capoeira, a visiting instructor of graphic design at the PRATT Institute of Design, and a ten year veteran in the Army reserve. When I'm not designing, you can find me honing my creative skills through painting and illustration. Specialties: Visual Identity and Branding, Graphic Design, Interactive Design and Creative Direction