I'm an artist, a graphic designer, and an impulsive
recluse who decided to dabble in fashion. I also like long walks in the park, Beyoncé, and I binge watch social media like it's Netflix.
-tamara ann johnson
I've been an artist all my life, since grade school I've had a fondness for freehand sketching. Pen and ink illustrations have been my go-to mediums due to their ability to capture my rawest forms of visceral art. Thanks to my late father's past time hobby of collecting comic books, I have woven the techniques of action and exaggerated illustration into my work that gives most of my pieces a unique signature.
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I would like to say that I am thoroughly self-taught but my true formal training began at West Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; life drawing and illustration classes at Moore College of Art; and later attending Howard University to study architecture and design.
Alongside my passion I developed a creative brand named Liliglow that celebrates 7 years of handmade and independent fashion. In that time frame I owned a boutique in West Philadelphia for 1 year that was a design house for unique creations by local artists, makers, and musicians.
about tamara
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f463f1_82abc18d4643466882e9b4707e31e430~mv2_d_2114_2524_s_2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_0,w_2114,h_1856/fill/w_121,h_106,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/f463f1_82abc18d4643466882e9b4707e31e430~mv2_d_2114_2524_s_2.jpg)
![Tamara for Liliglow](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f463f1_272460c6a8904d899c08ad8629775f65~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_118,h_118,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/f463f1_272460c6a8904d899c08ad8629775f65~mv2.jpg)
Social media marketing for Tamara's own handmade designs and retail label Liliglow Boutique. Tamara is wearing her handmade summer tunic. Photography Credit: Faith Ima
![Vernell and Krystofer for Liliglow](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f463f1_f12cd4b1f02b43b2b4ce8971ebdd058d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_147,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/f463f1_f12cd4b1f02b43b2b4ce8971ebdd058d~mv2.jpg)
Social media marketing campaign for Liliglow. Promotion for local brand The Standard Hippo Co. Menswear Models: Vernell Bailey and Krystofer Pinnock Photography Credit: Tamara Johnson Location: Indigo Bleu Design & Culture Center
![Alicia for Liliglow](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f463f1_df404ef5f5d74363a75c164f21e140e3~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_147,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/f463f1_df404ef5f5d74363a75c164f21e140e3~mv2.jpg)
Social media marketing for Liliglow featuring clothing by independent label Stitch Niche. Model: Alicia Knox Photography Credit: Tamara Johnson Location: Indigo Bleu Design and Culture Center
![Kristen for Liliglow](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f463f1_88382cc9c5f8431dbbccb129af38aaba~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_147,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/f463f1_88382cc9c5f8431dbbccb129af38aaba~mv2.jpg)
Web Campaign for Liliglow's women's accessories and jewelry. Model: Kristen Gola Photography Credit: Tamara Johnson Location: Philadelphia Museum of Art Botanical Gardens
![Drayona for Liliglow](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f463f1_19eea4f2025d4922961c6ce68ce421d2~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_147,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/f463f1_19eea4f2025d4922961c6ce68ce421d2~mv2.jpg)
Social media marketing for Liliglow and independent designers, Happimade Jewelry and Li Li's Creations custom apparel. Model: Drayona Denson (Tamara's daughter) Photography Credit: Tamara Johnson Location: Liliglow Boutique
![Genefer for Liliglow](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f463f1_3d7f545360ab4fc19aedb0a86cf6f923~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_147,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/f463f1_3d7f545360ab4fc19aedb0a86cf6f923~mv2.jpg)
Creative Portrait of Genefer Dutton for her spotlight on Orange Thursday, a bi-weekly short film that documents individuals who embrace art, entrepreneurship, and all things creative. Photography Credit: Tamara Johnson Subject: Genefer Dutton Location: Indigo Bleu Design and Culture Center
![Jennifer for Liliglow](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f463f1_c8bff8c95be8443a86c60fe071bb80bf~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_147,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/f463f1_c8bff8c95be8443a86c60fe071bb80bf~mv2.jpg)
Social media campaign for Liliglow to market womens sportswear by independent line, The Standard Hippo Co. Model: Jennifer Bailey Photography Credit: Tamara Johnson Location: Indigo Bleu Design and Culture Center
![Olivia for Liliglow](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f463f1_4498226fe83c442994ae7027424ae743~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_147,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/f463f1_4498226fe83c442994ae7027424ae743~mv2.jpg)
Social media marketing for Liliglow to promote independent designers, IAMMISKEEN, Designs by Najee, lolahSoul Jewelry, and Mavazi Couture. Model: Olivia Brown Photography Credit: Tamara Johnson
![Tamara for Liliglow](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f463f1_fdcb4866d35b4309b91bcdf6723014bd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_147,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/f463f1_fdcb4866d35b4309b91bcdf6723014bd~mv2.jpg)
Social media marketing for Liliglow to promote independent lines, Designs by Najee, Happimade, and lolahSoul Jewelry. Photography Credit: Danielle Green Location: Indigo Bleu Design and Culture Center