Johann Bona is an award-winning creative director and photographer driven by a deep appreciation for simplicity. Guided by the pursuit of distilling the essence of a subject to its purest form, he creates visual narratives that speak volumes with the simplest of gestures. Johann’s visual language communicates a sense of calm that resonates on an emotional level, reflecting his journey toward stillness and his study of the inherent elegance found in both restraint and simplicity. This philosophy led him to cofound Casa Bona, an interior-designed production space that advocates well-being through thoughtful design and curation, and Howell Studios, a minimalist space designed for experiential installations and meaningful gatherings, offering a blank canvas for artistic expression.
With over fifteen years of industry experience, Johann finds fulfillment in sharing his knowledge through mentoring aspiring image-makers. He teaches visual communications at Humber College, one of Toronto’s leading creative institutions, and has lectured at Seneca College and the University of Toronto. A cum laude graduate with a Master’s in Fashion and Luxury Brand Management from Istituto Marangoni in Milan, he began his career as a fashion photographer, dividing his time between Canada, Italy, and Southeast Asia. His work has since been featured in international editions of Esquire, L’Officiel, Town & Country, and Tatler, among others, and over the years, he has built a notable client portfolio, including BBDO, Havaianas, and Wrangler. In 2013, he was signed by the artist management agency Jed Root in Asia. He lives and works in Toronto and is available for bookings worldwide.