Available to hire
Hi, I’m James Keating—an illustrator and visual storyteller with over 20 years of experience creating high-craft artwork across children’s books, branding, murals, and custom visual projects. I love turning ideas into clear, engaging visuals, whether I’m designing a book from concept to distribution or building a brand identity that feels cohesive and memorable.
I’ve worked as a co-owner and illustrator for Fly Paper L.L.C., served as a logo and branding designer for multiple local businesses, and taught foundational drawing and painting to kids and adults with limited mobility and health concerns. My background also includes editorial and comic-style illustration, plus hands-on mural and scenic painting—so I bring both studio detail and large-scale production experience to every visual communication challenge.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Bar Tender / Server at Pizzeria Sorellina
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2024Developed and instituted organizational guidelines for bar staff, cultivated strong repeat customer relationships, and maintained a meticulously clean and well-inventoried bar setup to support efficient service.
Co-Owner / Illustrator / Book Designer at Fly Paper L.L.C.
January 1, 2022 - PresentServed as artist, illustrator, and book designer for the "Mountain Fly" children’s book. Oversaw creative direction and design execution to support concept-to-publication outcomes. Also contributed to branding and visual assets for the studio’s projects.
Co-Owner/Illustrator at Fly Paper L.L.C
January 1, 2022 - PresentCo-owned and illustrated for Mountain Fly; book design and illustration; entrepreneurial responsibilities.
Bartender/Server at Pizzeria Sorellina
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2024Developed organizational guidelines for bar staff; built strong client relationships; maintained a clean and well-inventoried bar.
Concept Artist at Crazy Carrot Studios
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2023Created concepts for initial designs of primary characters, designed props, performed environmental art duties, and collaborated with writers and directors to establish the game's aesthetic.
Contributing Artist / Illustrator at Printed in Blood (project)
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018Contributed art and illustration work for "The Thing" project.
Author / Illustrator
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018Authored and illustrated the children’s book "You Got My Nose." Self-published the book and managed the process from concept through distribution.
Contributing Artist
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018Served as an artist/contributing illustrator for the “The Thing” project.
Author/Illustrator
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018Authored and illustrated the children’s book “You Got My Nose,” successfully self-publishing the book and managing the project from concept through distribution.
Author/Illustrator at You Got My Nose
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018Self-published a children’s book; illustrated and managed the project end-to-end.
Sales Representative / Forklift Operator / Stockroom Manager / Small Engine Repair at ACE Hardware
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2019Operated forklifts efficiently and managed stockroom operations. Maintained accurate inventory levels, ensured equipment functionality, and supported hardware store logistics and repair responsibilities.
Sales Representative/Forklift Operator/Stockroom Manager at Ace Hardware
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2019Operated forklifts, managed stockrooms, maintained inventory and equipment.
Instructor (Drawing and Painting)
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014Instructed foundational drawing and painting skills to children and adults with limited mobility and health concerns. Supported inclusive learning through practical instruction and hands-on creative exercises.
Art Instructor
January 1, 2014 - PresentInstructed foundational drawing and painting skills to children and adults with limited mobility and health concerns, adapting instruction to different ability levels while maintaining an encouraging learning environment.
Art Instructor at Independent / Community
January 1, 2014 - PresentProvided foundational drawing and painting instruction for children and adults with limited mobility and health concerns.
Logo Designer / Branding Designer at Self-Employed
January 1, 2008 - PresentDesigned logos and visual identities for multiple clients (including Austin Speed Shop, Buffy’s Vintage Stainless, Hey Cupcake Craft, Tryst Clothing, Zen Landscaping, Hinkley Construction, and additional small business brands). Delivered custom identity assets aligned to each client’s needs and helped translate brand narratives into recognizable visual marks.
Logo Designer
January 1, 2008 - PresentSelf-employed logo and branding designer supporting multiple local businesses with visual identity development. Designed logos and brand elements for clients including Austin Speedshop, Buffy’s Vintage Stainless, Hey Cupcake Crave (logo), Tryst Clothing, Zen Landscaping, Hinkley Construction, Pigeon Earth (artwork), Serene Hills Kingfisher Review, Lift Mag, Pizzeria Sorella, Foodies Roadside, Robson Law Firm, and other ongoing branding needs.
Logo Designer at Self-Employed
January 1, 2008 - PresentCreated logos for diverse clients including Austin Speedshop and Pizzeria Sorellina.
Author / Illustrator
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2007Authored and illustrated "The Artwork of James Keating" as a self-published anthology.
Author/Illustrator
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2007Authored and illustrated “The Artwork of James Keating,” an illustrated, self-published anthology.
Author/Illustrator at The Artwork of James Keating
January 1, 2007 - PresentSelf-published anthology; authored and illustrated the collection.
Illustrator (Historical Renditions)
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2006Researched, illustrated, and created historically accurate renditions of Texas Rangers life in the mid-to-late 1800s for “The Texas Rangers Volunteer Frontiersman” (unpublished).
Volunteer Frontiersman (Texas Rangers) - Research & Illustration at The Texas Rangers Volunteer Frontiersman
January 1, 2006 - PresentIllustrated historically accurate renditions and conducted research on Texas Rangers life in the mid-to-late 1800s.
Concept Artist at Rhythiium Software
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2005Generated concept art for innovative software design. Collaborated with software developers and writers to enhance product design.
Concept Artist at Rhythium Software
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2005Generated concept art for innovative software designs. Collaborated with software developers and writers to enhance product design.
Concept Artist at Rhythtium Software
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2005Created concept art for characters and environments; contributed to creature designs and worked closely with UX developers, writers, and the art director.
Comic Book Illustrator (Freelance)
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2007Collaborated with Stephen Romano on a series of comic adaptations and illustration projects. Illustrated “House by the Cemetery” (Lucio Fulci) with Stephen Romano; contributed to “Contamination” with Stephen Romano; produced illustrations for “Phantasm”; created artwork for “Freudstein”; and provided illustrations for the novel “The Riot Act.”
Comic Book Illustrator/Freelance at Self-Employed
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2007Pencils, ink, layout, and cover design for multiple projects including zombie and horror themes; collaboration with Stephen Romano on several titles.
Bartender / Manager at Empanada Parlor
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2001Onboarded and retained reliable staff, managed opening/closing procedures, and implemented regulations that reduced waste and increased profits.
Bartender/Manager at Empanada Parlor
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2001Onboarded reliable staff, managed opening/closing responsibilities, and implemented regulations to reduce waste and increase profits.
Manager / Bartender / Server at Guero’s Taco Bar
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 2014Oversaw daily operations and supervised staff to ensure exceptional and efficient customer service. Managed front-of-house and back-of-house activities to optimize workflow and guest satisfaction.
Manager/Bartender/Server at Guero’s Taco Bar
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 2014Managed daily operations and staff; ensured excellent customer service and efficient operation.
Mural Artist (Oil/Fresco/Acrylic)
January 1, 1993 - PresentExecuted multiple mural and large-format painting projects, including "The Hill of Golgotha (Calvary)" (oil on canvas), "The Ascension" (fresco), and other community and commercial murals (e.g., at Guero’s Taco Bar, El Sol y La Luna Restaurant, Lightsay Apartments). Delivered scenic painting support for school theater productions and created additional painted wood murals.
Mural Artist (Contract/Commissioned Work)
January 1, 1993 - PresentCreated and installed multiple murals and painting commissions. Notable works include “The Hill of Golgotha (Calvary)” (oil on canvas, 8’x14’) at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in El Paso; “The Ascension” (fresco, 12’x6’) at Cathedral High School in El Paso; “Women with Horse” (oil on wood, 7’x4’) at Guero’s Taco Bar in Austin; “Dancing with Sun” (mixed media on wood, 4’x5’) at El Sol y La Luna restaurant in Austin; and “Dragon Mural” (acrylic on cement, 26’x4’) for Lights Eye Apartments in Austin.
Mural Artist at Various
January 1, 1993 - PresentCreated large-scale murals for churches, schools, and commercial spaces (examples: The Hill of Golgotha, The Ascension, Guero’s Taco Bar, Hi Hat Public Lounge).
Assistant Manager at Pier One Imports
January 1, 1992 - January 1, 1996Served as assistant manager supporting daily store operations, staffing, and customer service.
Sales / Operations (Early roles)
January 1, 1987 - December 31, 1999Education
Bachelor of Fine Art at St Edward University
August 29, 1994 - January 15, 2024Associates Degree—Liberal Arts Drawing/Painting at El Paso Community College
January 1, 1987 - January 1, 1999Painting/Drawing, English at St. Edward’s University
August 1, 1994 - May 31, 1997Coursework in Art at University of Texas at El Paso
August 1, 1991 - May 31, 1992Associates Degree, Liberal Arts at El Paso Community College
January 1, 1987 - January 1, 1999 at St. Edward’s University
August 1, 1994 - May 1, 1997 at University of Texas at El Paso
August 1, 1991 - May 1, 1992Associate's Degree, Liberal Arts at El Paso Community College
January 11, 2030 - September 27, 2026Painting/Drawing at St. Edward’s University
August 1, 1994 - May 1, 1997English at St. Edward’s University
August 1, 1994 - May 1, 1997Coursework, Painting/Drawing at University of Texas at El Paso
August 1, 1991 - May 1, 1992Qualifications
Photoshop Certified
July 22, 2019 - September 30, 2020Industry Experience
Education, Gaming, Other, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality, Real Estate & Construction
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