"I believe an Artists' primary role is to themselves, not just to please others. If an artist chooses a path of socially relevant or irrelevant art, it is their choice, but not responsibility. Art may spark emotions in people, who may relate, understand or support your message. Art brings awareness."

Steve Johannsen: The Colors of Music

Steve Johannsen is a very versatile, professional artist who has been creating powerful images his whole life. He loves the challenge of creating and designing for both personal and commercial projects. Primary focuses are on Rock Art, personal commissions and personal art. Steve is a master in many media including pen and ink, pencil, paints and has absolutely No Fear of subject material. His roots are traditional and old school, by-hand…while embracing today’s digital technology. His art career has been a never-ending process of honing and expanding his creative skills and knowledge of new subjects, styles and media in his work. Steve has hands on experience in many related fields, including Offset and digital printing, screen printing posters, signs and apparel, sign painting and more.                                   (Photo: Steve Johannsen with various of his posters)

Art and music. The love between the two has ALWAYS been an inspiration for Artist Steve Johannsen. The amazing visuals and sounds of the late sixties unfolded as Steve was in high school in the midwest. He was having a blast drawing his own mock rock posters and portraits of the rock stars of the era.  He has created some of rock’s most memorable images and worked with some of the biggest names in the music business as well as major festivals.

Interview by Michael Limnios               Archive: Steve Johannsen, 2014 Interview

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started and what has remained the same? Where does your creative drive come from?

EVERY day in the studio is a learning process and nothing remains the same. In my very early days doing professional work, I was mainly fine tuning my technical skills. Even though I put in far more time than I was getting paid for...I had to establish my own quality standards. I was also learning how to come up with sellable concepts. At the same time, I was relying on common sense and a few artist consultations about the Business part. Winging it on my own trust and learning as I went. Over time, all the "training years" fell into place. I became better and quicker on the technical level and concept sketches happened smoother. My drive is in the love of the creative processes but has also been greatly financially driven. Trying to support your family with it.... That's motivation.

How has the visual art and music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your life the most?

I was entranced by most of the amazing art I encountered as a young child. Storybooks, comic books, encyclopedias etc. Later, I found album covers and rock posters were turning my world upside down compared to traditional art. My mother had me listening to good music as an infant, which set another part of my future course. Those creative eras in the 60's and 70's also gave me some hopes and dreams of better days ahead. Niece to many realities.

The relationship between music and other forms of art – such as painting, video art and cinema - has become increasingly important. How do you see this relationship yourself and in how far, do you feel, does music relate to other senses than hearing alone?

I do not see most of those relationships being very important in my world. The choices are your own. Music has undoubtedly been important to my art space. Video and movies may spark an inspirational thought. Same with magazines and printed materials. Inspirations can come from anywhere. Art is definitely part of other visual media. I have not owned a television in over 10 years now. Don't miss it at all.

"After several decades of designing...I learned that I needed to let go of the reins. Do the art one step at a time, then look and listen to the Art tell me where to go on my next step. I may do the sketch, then outline art first, with no brain time on color. The art does lead the way, along with my own instincts and I feel my art and my process have grown because of it." (Photo: Steve Johannsen's posters ©)

How do you want your art to affect people? Is there a message you are trying to convey with your art?

I have rarely chosen a "Path" of delivering a message. Social or otherwise, except in some cartoons. I hope I am creating an image that captures the attention of the viewer...and gets better the closer they get to the art. I like them to feel good (or something) about what they see...possibly a smile or smirk at something a bit silly in the art. If the art is done for any commercial use such as band and event merchandise...I hope they like it well enough to buy some. Supporting the Arts is good for everyone. It is Community.

What is the impact of art and music on the socio-cultural implications? What is the role of artist in today’s society?

I believe an Artists' primary role is to themselves, not just to please others. If an artist chooses a path of socially relevant or irrelevant art, it is their choice, but not responsibility. Art may spark emotions in people, who may relate, understand or support your message. Art brings awareness.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the artistic paths?

Early on, I was trained on techniques and procedures, which were guides along the way to a finished project. I did a slew of alternate concept sketches; I did color compositions. Plans and maps to the finish. I did a lot of work of which I would never get paid for. After several decades of designing...I learned that I needed to let go of the reins. Do the art one step at a time, then look and listen to the Art tell me where to go on my next step. I may do the sketch, then outline art first, with no brain time on color. The art does lead the way, along with my own instincts and I feel my art and my process have grown because of it.

Another lesson along the way was to experiment and try as many new and different things as you can. They each contribute to your personal arsenal of tricks, if you need them. I have done drafting and architectural work. I have been a sign painter and muralist. I have been a photographer. I have been a cartoonist. I studied and became proficient in pencil, pen and ink, watercolors, pastel, oil paints, scratchboard and more...ALL Old School. I worked on offset and screen-printing presses. Then I eventually had to learn computer and digital art and programs, where I have reached a comfort zone.

"I do not see most of those relationships being very important in my world. The choices are your own. Music has undoubtedly been important to my art space. Video and movies may spark an inspirational thought. Same with magazines and printed materials. Inspirations can come from anywhere. Art is definitely part of other visual media. I have not owned a television in over 10 years now. Don't miss it at all." (Photos: Steve Johannsen and Alton Kelley of Family Dog / Steve Johannsen's poster ©)

Why do you think that Family Dog Artists and Underground Comix continues to generate such a devoted following?

For me, those artists were true pioneers in creating new standards and boundaries for art. They grabbed your attention, made you figure out the lettering and gave us something new and special. Plus, art done during those times was all old school, by hand. I believe that is a cherished part of their remaining appeal vs computers and newer digital art. And we won't talk about A.I.

Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?!

I guess my first highlight was leaving the mid-west US to Colorado for art school, late 9172. Small town to the city. Welcome exposure to folks from all over the country and world, different races, different environmental exposures and art styles.

In 1974, Denver, I began seeking some creative work with some friends, laying future groundworks. In late 1976, I moved to W. Colorado and soon started my first Graphic Design business. Designing logos, promotional materials for older printing methods. Full color printing was expensive, so I designed for 1 or 2 color printing. Letting the quality of the art and design do the work.

August 1987, I created a poster for The Grateful Dead in Telluride, which began opening doors for me in the Music world. I was doing art as a staff artist with Relix magazine. New Years 2000, I created a poster for Phil Lesh & Friends. Soon after, I was helping artist Gary Houston screen print posters and we did most of the Grateful Dead family stuff. In 2002, I did my first poster with Warren Haynes and Gov't Mule. I am now in my 22nd year working with them. I have been blessed to work with many of my favorite performers. Many have become dear friends.

Steve Johannsen Art - Home

(Photos: Steve Johannsen /Steve Johannsen's poster ©)