Ryan Johnston

Ryan Johnston is a Canadian Instagram star and artist. He is best known as the brother of model and YouTuber Catherine Paiz, but has built his own following by sharing pencil and charcoal drawings on his Instagram account, @jbuddha_, which has amassed over 500,000 followers. His content blends artistic skill with glimpses into his family life, making him a relatable figure in the social media space.[edit]

Ryan Johnston was born in Montreal, Canada, on July 15, 1992. Growing up, he showed an early interest in art, particularly drawing with pencil and charcoal. In September 2013, he opened his Instagram account, @jbuddha_, and posted his first drawing, a piece done in pencil and charcoal. This marked the beginning of his social media journey. He continued to share his artwork regularly, gradually attracting an audience. Before gaining online fame, he worked on honing his artistic skills and building a portfolio. His breakthrough came not from a single viral moment but from consistent posting that showcased his talent, leading to a steady growth in followers.[edit]

After launching his Instagram account in 2013, Johnston steadily grew his following by posting detailed pencil and charcoal drawings. His art, often featuring portraits and original designs, resonated with viewers and helped him reach over 500,000 followers. He also established a presence on YouTube, though his Instagram remains his primary platform. His career is centered on social media, where he engages fans with both artistic content and personal updates. As of 2026, he continues to post regularly and has expanded his reach through collaborations with other creators, though specific brand deals are not publicly documented.[edit]

Ryan Johnston presents himself as a down-to-earth family man with a creative side. His Instagram feed is a mix of his artwork and candid family moments, which has earned him a loyal following. Fans appreciate his authenticity and his skill as an artist. He does not have an official fandom name, but his followers engage heavily with posts featuring his drawings. His public image is that of a supportive brother and devoted father, with a low-key, relatable online persona.[edit]

Ryan Johnston currently holds no placement in the iFANN Global Top 1,000 rankings or any scope-specific list. The iFANN Global Fame Engine evaluated his digital footprint in August 2026 and determined he does not yet command a ranked position among the world's most prominent figures. While his Instagram account @jbuddha_ has crossed the 500,000 follower threshold and his YouTube presence remains active, these metrics have not translated into a global ranking at this time. His audience operates without a formalized moniker, distinguishing him from celebrities who possess branded tribes like Swifties or K-Pop armies. Followers engage with his content as a community rather than a structured fandom, often identifying simply through his family connections or shared appreciation for his charcoal sketches. There are no documented fan campaigns, organized streaming parties, or charitable drives led by his supporters that would signal a shift toward official fandom status. The lack of a specific name for his fanbase reflects a more organic, low-key following that prioritizes personal connection over collective identity. Unlike stars whose public image is defined by viral legends or massive crowd reactions, Johnston's reach remains grounded in the quiet consistency of his daily posts and family updates. This absence of a ranked standing highlights the difference between having a loyal local following and achieving the widespread cultural saturation required for global fame lists.[edit]

Johnston's Instagram handle, jbuddha_, blends his initials with a spiritual nod, reflecting his personal brand. He is a self-taught artist who never attended formal training, relying instead on natural talent to create pencil and charcoal works. His sister Catherine Paiz is engaged to YouTuber Austin McBroom, placing Johnston at the center of a well-known social media dynasty. A sketch of his daughter Bellamy once went viral, sparking a wave of shares across his feed. He also bears a permanent tattoo of his daughters' names on his arm. Despite his growing online presence, there are no recorded legendary moments or extraordinary crowd reactions associated with his career. No fan rituals or iconic performance stories have emerged to define his legacy in pop culture mythology. His reputation rests on authenticity and artistic skill rather than sensational events or organized fan lore.[edit]

Ryan Johnston is the brother of Catherine Paiz, Joshua Johnston, and Valentina Johnston. He grew up in Montreal with his siblings. As of 2026, he is engaged to Leslie Hernandez, with whom he has two daughters: Bellamy, born in 2019, and Arya, born in July 2020. The couple had a brief separation in 2022 before reconciling and getting engaged in April 2026. The family lives together in Canada, and Johnston often shares photos of his daughters on social media.[edit]

Ryan Johnston is associated with his sister Catherine Paiz, a model and YouTuber, and her fiancé Austin McBroom. He has also been linked romantically to Amanda Perez and Leslie Hernandez, the mother of his children.[edit]

Ryan Johnston dated Amanda Perez, known as amanduhhperez on Instagram, in 2017. The relationship was brief and ended that same year. In 2018, he began dating Leslie Hernandez. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Bellamy, in 2019, and their second daughter, Arya, in July 2020. They separated briefly in 2022 but reconciled and became engaged in April 2026. As of 2026, Johnston is engaged to Hernandez and they live together with their two daughters.[edit]

iFANN currently estimates Ryan Johnston's net worth at $1 Million for 2026. This figure represents an editorial analysis of his financial standing based on his established career trajectory. Income streams primarily derive from social media activities, including potential brand sponsorships on Instagram and ad revenue generated from his YouTube channel. As a working artist, he may also generate additional funds through selling prints or accepting commissions, though these specific transactions remain unconfirmed publicly. His wealth has accumulated gradually since launching his Instagram account in 2013, gaining significant momentum after surpassing the 500,000 follower mark. Compared to his sister Catherine Paiz, his earnings remain modest but provide a comfortable lifestyle within Canada.[edit]