Meet Patrice Johnson | Multi-hyphenate & Owner of BLANKSLATE Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Patrice Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patrice, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
The arts have always been a major part of my life. From pirouettes in ballet class to belting out tunes in band to singing in the church choir, creativity has been a constant part of me. Theatre’s captivating narratives and the sheer beauty of every artistic expression have enthralled me since childhood. It wasn’t just entertainment; it was a portal to new worlds, a wellspring of emotion, and a way to understand and experience life on a profound level.

This deep connection naturally steered me towards a career advocating for the arts. As the Arts Equity Marketing and PR Manager for Arts Huntsville, I get to champion the invaluable role of arts in our community, ensuring everyone has access to this transformative power. It’s incredibly fulfilling to bridge the gap between artists and audiences, nurturing the very ecosystem that so enriched my life.

But my artistic fire extends beyond advocacy. Running my own creative agency allows me to tap back into my artistic roots. It’s thrilling to collaborate with other creatives, translating their visions into impactful campaigns. Whether it’s crafting a captivating marketing strategy for a local theatre production or designing a fundraising campaign for a dance company, I’m actively contributing to the artistic landscape I so deeply cherish.

Looking back, my background in dance, band, and choir wasn’t just a collection of hobbies; it honed my creative muscles and instilled a profound appreciation for artistic disciplines. Now, I get to wear two hats – one fighting for the arts’ accessibility and one actively contributing to their vibrancy. It’s a perfect blend of passion and purpose, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The arts have always been a passion of mine. I’ve always been drawn to creative expression. That passion led me down a unique path – one where I advocate for the arts on a larger scale and nurture them on a personal level. Being a military spouse often made getting my footing a bit hard but having a creative career and forging my own path gave me the flexibility I needed to take my career with me no matter where we landed.

What sets me apart is my ‘multi-hyphenate’ approach. As the Arts Equity Marketing and PR Manager for Arts Huntsville, I champion accessibility, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of art no matter their background. But my own creative agency allows me to get my hands dirty, collaborating with other artists and crafting impactful works and projects. It’s a blend of advocacy and creation that fuels my fire.

Getting here wasn’t easy…by any means. Balancing two careers requires focus and organization. Then throwing in a family (a military family at that) made it even more challenging. But the challenges are outweighed by the rewards. When I see a diverse crowd at a theatre performance or a well-executed campaign or project for a local artist, it reminds me of the impact I’m making.

My journey has taught me several valuable lessons. First, never underestimate the power of a multi-disciplinary background and the arts. My experiences in dance, music, and theatre along with DEI, marketing, and PR provide endless creative inspiration. Second, persistence is key. There will be setbacks, but passion can fuel you through them. Don’t stop, keep going!

I want the world to know that the arts are more than entertainment; they’re a bridge to understanding, empathy, and joy. My story, and the story of my agency, embodies that belief. We’re not just promoting art; we’re fostering a thriving, inclusive creative ecosystem. There hadn’t always been a seat at the table…so I created my own table.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The day would start with a delicious breakfast. Depending on the mood, we might head to Another Broken Egg for a sit-down meal, or grab some amazing donuts and coffee from Big Foot’s Little Donuts for a more casual option.

Fuelled by breakfast, we’d then delve into the vibrant art scene. First stop: Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, a haven for local creatives. From there, we’d take a leisurely walk downtown, enjoying the city’s public art installations and popping into some of the eclectic local galleries and businesses.

Lunchtime would be another chance to explore the city’s great cuisine. With so many fantastic restaurants downtown (and in the vicinity!), it would be a tough choice. Domaine South or one of the restaurants at Stovehouse might be good choices, as they offer a variety.

The heart of the day would be the evening’s live music. I’d make sure to include visits to The Camp and Campus 805, as these are can’t-miss spots for experiencing the local music scene.

And of course, if one of my events (like Soigné, the immersive experiences with unique themes) happened to be running during your visit, attending would be a must!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family and friends for their unmatched support in all that I do! They believe in me when I don’t always trust my own vision. I want to give love to the Huntsville arts community. They are such a wonderfully unique group of creatives and are full of immense talent. I’d like to give love to the local arts council, Arts Huntsville. We are a small team and we work so hard to make miracles happen in order to help others’ dreams come true. I’d also like to shout out A Woman’s Worth and Unspoken Love Autism foundation. The work they both do within the community is simply amazing and much needed.

Instagram: Patrice_j

Image Credits
Charles Beason