Interview With: Johnny Murphy, Creator of 'I Dream of Johnny'

Q: What are you up to these days?
A: I’m on work mode filling orders from trade shows.

Q: What is you artistic background?
A: I’m a photographer by trade. I moved to LA to photograph actors and models.

Q: How did you transition from photography into art?
A: I really liked the photography and manipulation of photoshop to make real art from live things.

Q: How did you turn your art into fashion?
A: I thought it may look good as wearable art, so I tried it out on t-shirts. Then, I started heat pressing onto fabric and hand stitching it onto different colored shirts. People really liked the hand made look.

Q: When did you decide the shirts would be sellable?
A: My friends encouraged me to share my creativity. I would make gifts for them and they said, why not share with everyone?

Q: What is your ‘dream’ for I Dream of Johnny”?
A: I want to implement my business with charities and non-profit events to give to deserving organizations. That’s very important to me.

Q: You started with kids clothing? Why not adults?
A: I say my clothes are for kids of all ages because really, they’re for the kid in all of us. I like seeing the excitement in kids eyes. I think they get a lot of enjoyment out of what I do. I want to create an upbeat child friendly vibe, it’s a representation of myself at the same time.

Q: What do you think about the idea of Art Therapy?
A: It’s a great idea, where I’ve been heading. I want to teach and encourage kids to implement art work and fundraising at the same time. I really look forward to this.

Q: Art and Fashion for Fundraising?
A: Too many communities are losing their art programs, and to have kids express themselves through art is so important to expand a child’s mind. Allowing them to create their own wearable art promotes their artistic side.

Q: I have to ask, what do you think about coming to Sacramento?
A: I’m looking forward to it, I’ve never been. Sacramento seems to be up on art and fashion, and I think Retail Therapy, Art Beast and myself, are a good blend to implement this event.

Q: What do you think about us (Retail Therapy)?
A: You ladies are great, you’re more than a Retail Store! When we met for the first time at LA Fashion Market, I felt so connected. We both want the same outcome and it’s refreshing to see what you’re doing for your community and for the arts. I feel like we’ve known each other forever. I’m inspired by Retail Therapy’s support and care for the community.

Come meet Johnny February 27th at Art Beast Childrens Studio in Sacramento for Art Therapy - Where Art Meets Fashion Fundraiser for Tubman House. For more information and to RSVP, visit Retail Therapy under Events