Dina Lydia Johnson
Author, self-publisher, graphic designer, costumer

Costume Goddess and Digital Genie

Websites:

• http://costumegoddess.com
• http://digital-genie.com

As a commercial artist, I work with people who need my graphic design, web design, and illustration skills. I retouch digital photos to perfect the image. I self-publish a series of costume how-to books, design theatrical costumes and dabble in theater/dance. Right now I am hard at work on a new edition of Tribal Trends for Bellydancers.

DIGITAL GRAPHICS: I'm accomplished at graphics and illustration, using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop. I can apply those skills to both printed materials and web images. I can draw freehand as well, including portraits and figures, which many designers cannot do.

SELF-PUBLISHING: I understand and teach the details of successful self-publishing.

PHOTO IMAGING: I do photography of people, products, or anything to place in printed publications or webpages.

Got ugly photos? I retouch photos with flaws to improve their appearance dramatically. I can also apply special effects to turn the photo into an art piece.

I need a space to hold a self-publishing workshop - big enough for 15 or so. If you would like to offer one, please let me know! We'll work out a trade.

Maryland Institute of Art, BA in Illustration.

As a freelance artist, I have created graphics, logos, illustrations, flyers and so on since the 80s, as well as portraiture and caricature art.

I've designed a number of professional websites and have self-published seven costuming books, which are marketed internationally. I did all the illustration, photography, and page layout.

I am a liberal activist and have a site for political art: "Citizen Artiste," which has a link on my business homepage, "Costume Goddess".

TESTIMONIALS:

Craig Salins, Executive Director, Washington Public Campaigns:

"We have been so pleased to have Dina as our graphic artist, web designer and event photographer, assisting with the look and feel of our organization's public face.

Dina is supremely creative, and she knows how to meld appearance with message. From designing logos, flyers, web pages - or the entire graphic decor for our annual Awards Dinner, Dina is always pleasant to work with. We're honored to have Dina assisting our work."

Ivan Weiss, former Chair, 34th District Democrats:

"I worked closely with Dina as chairman of the 34th District Democrats when she became a Precinct Committee Officer. Dina designed our buttons, our logo, our banner, and our T-shirts. The 34th's logo became known and admired statewide as a result.

Dina was hands-on, attentive, and responsive...a pleasure to work with. She hastened, facilitated, and intensified the design process. I believe Dina will succeed because of her commitment, creative focus, and dedication to making each project a masterpiece."

Dan Mullins, Chair, Highland Park Action Committee:

"I have worked with Dina Johnson on many projects that were truly enhanced by her great design sense and artistic vision. Without her, there would be no Highland Park community web presence.

She knows how to convey an idea or a concept with simplicity and style; when working with a not-for-profit organization like ours, she can keep the job on a tight budget.

For our organization she has created posters, banners, yard signs, fliers, maps, badges, business cards and web site, and helped create a "brand" for our neighborhood that is now easily recognized. I don't know what we would do without Dina Johnson."

Simone Van Dorp, professional dancer:

"Dina, I purchased your books and just wanted to say how useful and enjoyable I have found them. I have made a belt and bra following your instructions and they fit like a glove! Your ideas have got my creative juices flowing and helped me with design problems I was having.
The books are beautifully laid out and a pleasure to read and look at - great value for money, something that is hard to find these days. "