John Armitage, a native of Oakland, California, started his educational experience in the city of Calabasas and then in the state of Ohio. After graduating from high school in Columbus, Ohio, John enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably. He was admitted to California State University, Fullerton in 1983 after his military service. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Photography in 1987. As a filmmaker, his initial ambition was to seek a career in photojournalism.

John's career direction will be altered by an internship with product and special-effects photographer Jack Eadon, who would help him hone his talents in product and commercial photography. This internship taught him how to manipulate illumination in his photographic works – a key aspect that would eventually help his many commercial and corporate customers.