The Visionary Behind Ikhonic Style: John Renaissance’s Path to Creative Greatness

Chicago’s creative scene has always thrived on innovation and relentless talent, and few embody this ethos more than John Allen, known to the world as John Renaissance. This 27-year-old artist, entrepreneur, and visionary has turned his multifaceted talents into a beacon for emerging creatives through his brainchild, Ikhonic Style. Born on the East Side of Chicago, John’s journey from local actor to the founder of a thriving entertainment company is nothing short of inspiring.

Ikhonic Beginnings and Expanding Horizons Starting as a modest partnership with a storefront inside Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier, Ikhonic Style quickly evolved into something much bigger. It became a design powerhouse, collaborating with major names like FOX, NBC, NBA, ESPN, and BET. John Renaissance’s unique flair for both design and performance has set him apart in the entertainment industry, where creativity meets entrepreneurship.

In 2022, the company made waves when ESPN aired a $20,000 animation project featuring Ikhonic Style as a designer, with John taking a role as a SAG AFTRA actor. His ability to seamlessly blend art, design, and performance has earned him respect across various creative circles.

A Journey of Screen, Stage, and Sound But John Renaissance’s talents don’t end behind the scenes. He’s also made a mark on-screen, starting with his role in FOX’s Empire in 2015 as an on-camera musician and again in 2018 as a SAG actor. From there, his charisma and skill led to opportunities on reality shows like the Steve Harvey Talk Show, where he participated in a 30-day dating series.

John’s influence further expanded into music when he co-founded a label with Eric “The Wiz” Sexton, signing artists like Daniel “Ndondnt” Weinberg. Although the label disbanded after a few years, it set the foundation for John’s commitment to fostering musical talent.

Returning to Roots with Ikhonic Style After years of seasonal performances aboard Carnival Cruises, which took him to destinations like Aruba, Jamaica, and Mexico, John Renaissance decided it was time to focus solely on his passion projects back on land. His return coincided with the end of the SAG AFTRA strike, allowing him to jump back into the world of casting for shows on networks like OWN and Hulu, while also filming a recent episode of “Pictionary Gameshow” with Eva Marcille.

In September, he hosted the “Shoot Your Shot” film festival in Atlanta, drawing over 100 film submissions from around the globe and sponsors like State Farm and NASA. The festival highlighted his dedication to providing a platform for other storytellers, proving that his commitment to the creative community remains strong.

What’s Next for John Renaissance? John is now setting the stage for the release of four highly anticipated music projects—Sorry For The Drip, Chi-Lanta, Noah’s Ark, and Chocolate Cake. With a release schedule spanning from October 2024 to January 2026, these projects promise to be as versatile and dynamic as John’s career.

Whether designing, performing, casting, or curating experiences, John Renaissance embodies the spirit of artistic evolution. His story is one of growth, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence, making him a true icon of the culture.