Micah Johnson discovered his love for painting in a painting class in 2016, and since then he has transitioned to digital art. At the time, Johnson was a second baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers and used his off-season to explore creative directions.
Soon after, Johnson attended a team bonding event where teammates shared their hobbies. Johnson showcased his interest in painting for the first time when the coach challenged him to paint the Dodgers MVP trophy, which sparked a deeper artistic passion. In 2018, after retiring from baseball, Johnson fully embraced art as his second career.
Johnson created Aku, a young boy with a space helmet and big dreams. Time magazine described Aku as 'the world's first digital explorer.' Below is the journey of how Micah Johnson and the Aku World became iconic net art.
Johnson minted his first Aku World NFT after retirement
After retirement, Johnson turned to art creation to inspire his nephew, who once asked if astronauts could be Black. This moment prompted Johnson to create Aku, a character who encourages children to dare to dream and see themselves as limitless.
NFTs provided Johnson with a way to break through traditional art barriers and share his artwork. In 2020, he released his first NFT—a baseball-themed looping animation (.15 seconds). Shortly after, he launched 'Aku's Ten-Chapter Journey,' telling the story of a young boy exploring time and space.
Between 2021 and 2022, Johnson's NFT sales exceeded $20 million, solidifying his status as a pioneer in the digital art field. His largest collection, 'Akutars,' debuted in 2022. This collection features 15,000 avatars, showcasing Aku's 3D avatar, each adorned with designs in collaboration with brands such as Puma, Billionaire Boys Club, and Paper Planes.
The former baseball player also discovered that NFTs offered an easier way to share and sell his artwork compared to the traditional art world. After retiring, he struggled to find his place in the traditional art scene.
Johnson shared with Office Magazine:
Art allowed me to escape the anxiety and depression I was facing at the end of my career. I knew it was something I needed to do for the rest of my life. However, after retiring, I went over a year without selling any artwork and needed a way to support my family. I discovered NFTs at the end of 2019 and immediately realized it was an opportunity to enter a world without barriers.
Johnson's journey in digital art continues to gain significance and impact.
Like most people, Johnson entered the world of digital art after learning about NFTs on Discord and Twitter. He was curious and decided to try it, selling his first NFT piece in 2020. His early works depicted boys wearing space helmets, their eyes shining with wonder and hope.
Soon, Aku evolved into an animated character and went viral online. By 2021, the Aku World project was selected for television and film, reaching new heights.
Aku is viewed by some as another version of Johnson in his youth, symbolizing imagination, resilience, and the courage to chase dreams. Through 'Aku World,' Johnson conveys his philosophy: empowering children of color to see the infinite possibilities of the future. This digital art project reflects Johnson's personal journey from baseball player to pioneering digital artist.
His second career as a digital artist rekindled his baseball dreams.
Although Johnson's first NFT referenced baseball, he avoided mentioning the sport in Aku World to establish his independence. However, in 2024, two significant baseball projects prompted his return.
First, after Major League Baseball (MLB) included the statistics of players from the Negro Leagues in the official records, Johnson designed a baseball card to celebrate the Negro Leagues. Johnson described this opportunity as 'a dream come true.'
Later, in July 2024, Major League Baseball (MLB) authorized Aku to produce official merchandise, marking a fulfilling moment. Johnson wrote on Instagram, 'Receiving official MLB authorization is an opportunity I cherish. Baseball gave me a life I never imagined. I know that once I leave this sport, I need to grow as an artist on my own, but one day, when I am ready, I will return and give back to this great sport with my talent.'
Inspire the next generation
Micah Johnson’s journey from professional athlete to renowned digital artist showcases the power of pursuing passion. Through Aku World, Johnson inspires children to have grand dreams while reshaping the landscape of digital art.
His story undoubtedly showcases the spirit of perseverance, creativity, and the limitless potential of believing in dreams.
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