Meet Ciara Johnson | Artist

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

Hi Ciara, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Rulerless is a free thinking, truth seeking creative capsule of freehand line art. It is very clean, geometric symmetry that plays with color theory all done by hand without a ruler. As its matured, it has grown into a multi medium brand consisting of textile designs, pattern licensing, apparel and merchandise all anchored in its one word catchphrase. This expansion came to head when I realized how limitless the brand could be.

Rulerless is also my personal philosophy and not just in the present way that I move in life. It’s also my upbringing in not having a traditional family or structure, there was no one to tell me what to do, I only listened to my internal compass.
Its liberation from outward control. The more it evolves, the more I feel like I’m just a portal for its continuous development.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I feel like i’m part of the outsiders, and maybe I always will be. Any industry could be considered hard to break through and if you don’t have the right connections, or the money to back you up, it’s like throwing yourself to the wolves. Being an artist takes passion and grit, but to brand what you are creating is a whole new level of concerns and commitment, so this is a loaded question with answers that will be revealed in the near future.

One thing I feel is highly misunderstood, is that many people will think this is an overnight success. Some might not realize the amount of attention and time it takes or how much someone poured themselves into what they truly believe in for years.

I’m very strategic and make sure everything is calculated and in order. I stepped away from a career that I had built over twenty years. Losing that security was a huge risk. I didn’t have a safety net underneath me. I was running on faith and the vision I saw very clearly.
Releasing Rulerless as a brand is blindly hoping I will find the people that think differently, that are rebels, the people who pay attention to details, that follow their own true north, that just “get it”. I’m looking for the lovers with a hungry curiosity, the ones who question everything and can admit to not knowing everything, the ones that walk gently and show genuine kindness. Which is not an easy task, especially as a woman.

The most important decision was the commitment. You have to go all in and stay consistent. You can’t get lazy and you can’t assume that opportunity is going to find you. The saying “closed mouths don’t get fed” rings in my ears every day, and it’s too easy to give up, which is what most people do. I refuse to give up on myself and Rulerless. Filing for my trademarks and creating my business plan was also an important decision. It’s a complete investment in ones vision, and at the same time you’re able to show the bones of what you’re doing to potential investors, banks, etc. while protecting it.

To be successful in branding or just as an artist, you must have an authentic vision and a clear voice in what you have to offer. Then you deliver that vision to your audience so that they can see it, and then want to be a part of what you’ve created. It’s too easy to copy or take inspiration from someone else, but will it stick in the long run? Authenticity and originality will set you apart and make you stand out. If you don’t have that, then you’ll just blend into what’s easily accepted and before you know it, you’re forgotten.

What was most difficult for me was dropping my fear. Sounds simple, but that has been the most difficult decision, to not let myself get locked out of actions just because I fear failure. I can be entirely too careful in my steps. I have to push myself into action and that’s literally the most difficult thing for me to do.

In the beginning, I had my career and I was a single mother. I only found time to create late into the night/early morning. In hindsight I don’t know how I did it. Now, I have the flow of the day to plan correctly, rest when I need, and spend time with my loved ones. I’m a slow burn with bursts of productivity, which actually is a very effective way of being for me. Plus I like to work hard, and in turn play hard, that’s the fun part of this balance.

But I’ve always been a creative. I started writing poetry at an early age. As Rulerless took root and time went by, I realized I couldn’t fit into anyone else’s box or schedule anymore. My internal voice grew stronger, louder and more confident. I have so many visions that come through, I’m honestly thinking about something creatively all the time. Everything is art. I’ll create until my time runs out.

In the long run, I want to break peoples mold of thinking the way things should be and instead broaden the picture to what could be. I want people to listen and believe in their own gifts they have to offer, and I want to help guide their success, open themselves up to their cores and offer insight with honesty and clarity.
I want my son to be shocked by what his mother was able to build despite the many challenges. I’m aiming to grow something that is so much bigger than me. Artwork that pulls people in, so they can see and appreciate it’s depth and complexities. The intricate ways the line work communicates. Along with a one word multi medium brand that gives them something to believe in, which ultimately is themselves. I want to leave behind tasteful aesthetics and quality products. I want to be remembered by the free thinkers, the ones that aren’t afraid to go against the grain, the creatives with their own blueprint that break outside of the box. All the fun little weirdos.

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?
If I had a good friend coming into town for a week, I’d start each day with a really good cup of coffee. Mavro in Mar Vista and Cognoscenti in Culver City are my two favorites. Then I’d probably take them to Palisades Park for a walk along the cliffs one day and then venture out to the Sunken City in San Pedro on another. I’d book us a really amazing massage/body scrub at Olympic Day Spa, and then have them choose a museum they’ve always wanted to visit. Our eating adventures would include Destroyer in Culver City, Sushi Enya in Venice Beach and Porterhouse Bourbon and Bones in El Segundo. For nights out, taking them to Jumbo’s Clown Room in Hollywood is a must, the crowd is eclectic and the dancers are so talented, I love it there. We would also visit The Bourbon Room in Hollywood simply to enjoy their lounge space with a nice cocktail.

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 late grandfather was the biggest support factor in my early development as a curious artist. He repeatedly told me to keep my eyes on the prize, and I remind myself of his words when the going gets tough. I have a handful of very supportive friends that I couldn’t imagine without but my lifelong friend Linda “Lovemade” Nguyen has always inspired me with her accomplishments and she has consistently recognized and encouraged my talents, plus she’s an amazing soundboard. Also, my mother. She’s relentless in ensuring I don’t waste time and am constantly creating, not losing my drive and she knows there is no other way for me to be but to follow my own path. But I dedicate this shoutout to the most important person I found along this journey, Patrick “Embryo” Tapu. He understands me, believes in me, inspires me, challenges me and grounds me. He’s my lover and my best friend.

If I had the opportunity to gain a mentor, I would love Rick Rubin to be that for me, with the curiosity and taste level that is necessary to be my ultimate soundboard. I truly believe he has the capability and guidance that has organically grown within himself to offer his gifts to artists. That opportunity for me would be a dream come true.

Website: https://linktr.ee/rulerless and rulerless.com

Instagram: @ciarabella and @rulerless.original

Image Credits
Patrick “Embryo” Tapu @directedbyembryo