The phrase “A picture is worth a thousand words” refers to the idea of a complex notion or thought and its ability to be conveyed with a single still image. Many photographers aim to create visually appealing and breathtaking images with the hopes that stories can be told, people who view them are somehow influenced or moved and beautiful moments in life can be captured. It can also be a way for photographers to express part of themselves through their work. Twenty-three-year-old Alex Johnson, who recently graduated from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a bachelor’s degree in rhetoric, says he’s interested in all things beautiful—visually and otherwise. New to Columbia College Chicago this semester, Johnson wants to create change through art. He looks forward to practicing his art once he receives his second degree and wants his work to mean something and be viewed by the masses. Columbia: Prepare for him to take over!
Jackson Thomas:Â Can you start by telling me a little about yourself? What are some of your interests? What did you major in at your previous school? Where are you from?
Alex Johnson: Well, I’m 23 years old. In spring 2010, I graduated from UIUC and majored in rhetoric with a concentration in creative writing. I’m from Chicago, and I’ve lived in Old Town—a Chicago neighborhood—for 22 years.
JT: How did you first hear about Columbia College Chicago?
AJ: I live very close to downtown, so I see the students quite often. My sister also attended Columbia in the ’80s and spoke very highly of the institution.Â
JT: What made you want to attend Columbia for its graduate student program?
AJ: I’m not in Columbia’s graduate program, yet. I’m a PBCOM student (which is an alternative academic program designed for students sort of “in between” and are seeking more education in their field of study). But to answer the question, [it was because] I heard amazing things about Columbia’s photography program!
JT: What program are you pursuing at Columbia, and can you tell me why you chose this particular program? What makes you passionate about it, and why are you passionate about it?
AJ: I’m pursuing a degree in photography. I choose the program because everyone at Columbia seems enthusiastic about their work. That’s the kind of environment I want to be part of.
JT: What was the defining factor that made you realize Columbia College Chicago was the school for you?
AJ: The spring orientation made me realize Columbia was the school for me. I want to be great, and to do that I have to surround myself with greatness. I realized at orientation this was the place to do so!
JT: What are you most looking forward to when school starts?
AJ: I’m looking forward to learning how to shoot with a film camera and working in a dark room. I can’t even express how excited I am about that!
JT: How do you think graduate school will be different for you opposed to how undergraduate school was?
AJ: Being at UIUC prepared me very well for life. I don’t think there will be a major difference between undergrad and grad school. Perhaps if there is a difference it’s that I get to focus solely on my major classes instead of worrying about general education requirements.
JT: How many classes are you taking in the spring, can you tell me a little about them and what you may or may not like or be looking forward to about them?
AJ: I’m taking four classes this semester to get a feel for the course load. Because I’m a PBCOM student I focus only on the classes I need to fulfill my major requirements, so they mostly pertain to photography.
JT: What’s next after grad school? What is your dream job, and what would you like to do with your degrees?
AJ: After grad school I of course want to work in my field. Right now I’m not sure what kind of photography I want to do. I’m hoping my time at Columbia will help me figure that out. I do love to shoot portraits, and I’m very interested in dance photography. Who knows, maybe Alvin Ailey will hire me to shoot its dancers.