Complaint Review: Michael W. Johnson Michael W. Johnson & Associates

Michael W. Johnson is the principal of Michael W. Johnson & Associates (a creative agency specializing in the beauty, cosmetics & spa sector). Michael works out of his house located at 9 Eric Court, Lawrenceville, New Jersey. I began working for Michael as a freelance graphic designer/art director about 8 years ago. While the relationship got off to a good start, the last 4 years have been a NIGHTMARE. I have found Michael to be extremely dishonest & deceitful, with absolutely no morales or scruples whatsoever.

I am currently owed $11,843.71 for projects going back 5 years. Michael has since ignored all attempts to collect this debt. He does not respond to phone calls or e-mails. He is full of excuses & lies. He is not to be trusted under any circumstances. He has made mistakes regarding projects I have been involved in. Costly mistakes. When it was realized that these mistakes were made, Michael attempted to blame me, the client, even the vendors... everyone but himself. He is completely unable to take any responsibility regarding his own actions, then uses his own mistakes as a grounds for not paying for services.

Michael Johnson regularly hires design students through Craig's List from such places as F.I.T., Pratt, SVA, and passes their work off as "professional design services". Although I have no doubt that some of these kids are talented, people who hire MWJ&A should know what they are getting and what they are paying for.

Michael consistently violates copyright law by not securing the rights to work from freelances. He uses the work of photographers & illustrators in any manner he sees fit, often violating usage agreements and not paying for the true value of the work produced. He uses images of finished work that he has not paid for to promote himself & to generate new business.

At the time of this writing there are currently 2 other posts on this website (www.ripoffreport.com), one from a designer whom he hired (who is owed over $20,000 from Michael & claims to know 5 other designers he owes money to), the other a company who hired him to do a website which he did not complete. I personally know of one other designer he owes money to, and 3 other companies which stopped payment because Michael failed to complete their projects: Bio Jouvance (www.biojouvance.com), Steven Victor MD (www.stevenvictormd.com), Pelle Skincare (www.pelleskincare.com).

Do NOT work for Michael. Do NOT hire Michael. There are other, less painful options out there. Do NOT make the mistake that I and several others made in trusting Michael. He is a predator, preying on the unsuspecting & the unknowing.

Robert T
Brooklyn, New York
U.S.A.