Hi, I’m John Carter, a creative and versatile artist based in Sunderland with over a decade of experience in illustration and portraits of people and pets, plus concept artwork for short films. I also work with scenic backdrops, prop design for theatre, large-format painting, and community art engagement. I enjoy turning ideas into tangible art through freelance projects, murals, exhibitions, and public art installations. I pride myself on adaptability, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving. I thrive in both freelance and collaborative environments, delivering murals, exhibitions, and public artworks while maintaining clear communication with clients from concept to delivery.

John Carter

Hi, I’m John Carter, a creative and versatile artist based in Sunderland with over a decade of experience in illustration and portraits of people and pets, plus concept artwork for short films. I also work with scenic backdrops, prop design for theatre, large-format painting, and community art engagement. I enjoy turning ideas into tangible art through freelance projects, murals, exhibitions, and public art installations. I pride myself on adaptability, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving. I thrive in both freelance and collaborative environments, delivering murals, exhibitions, and public artworks while maintaining clear communication with clients from concept to delivery.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m John Carter, a creative and versatile artist based in Sunderland with over a decade of experience in illustration and portraits of people and pets, plus concept artwork for short films. I also work with scenic backdrops, prop design for theatre, large-format painting, and community art engagement. I enjoy turning ideas into tangible art through freelance projects, murals, exhibitions, and public art installations.

I pride myself on adaptability, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving. I thrive in both freelance and collaborative environments, delivering murals, exhibitions, and public artworks while maintaining clear communication with clients from concept to delivery.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Artist
February 1, 2012 - Present
Commissioned for various private and public projects, including a 1950s diner canvas featured in a Jubilee exhibition. Produced commissioned paintings and personal portraits for individual clients. Created murals, illustrations, and custom artwork for exhibitions and local events. Managed all aspects of freelance work from design to client delivery.
Scenic Artist & Prop Maker at Royal Shakespeare Company
September 1, 2008 - Present
Sculpted and painted props for productions including “The Taming of the Shrew” and “Love’s Labour’s Lost.” Collaborated with a team of designers to construct visually striking stage sets.
Set Painter/Restorer at Proscenium Theatrical Scenery Hire
August 31, 2008 - August 8, 2025
Designed, painted, and restored theatrical sets and props for productions such as Wizard of Oz and Little Shop of Horrors. Worked with various materials including latex, wood, and plaster.
Independent Props Artist at Film and Theatre
August 31, 2006 - August 8, 2025
Assisted with moulding, casting, and model-making for theatre productions. Focused on creating durable, realistic props for stage use.
Independent Community Artist at Manchester
September 30, 2006 - August 8, 2025
Supported the rejuvenation of playgrounds and community spaces through visual art installations.
Volunteer Art Worker at Hartlepool Art Studio (Artrium)
September 30, 2010 - August 8, 2025
Led art workshops for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Encouraged community engagement through collaborative projects.
Freelance Artist at Self-Employed (Freelance)
February 1, 2012 - Present
Commissioned for various private and public projects, including a 1950s diner canvas featured in a Jubilee exhibition. Produced commissioned paintings and personal portraits for individual clients. Created murals, illustrations, and artwork for exhibitions and local events. Managed all aspects of freelance work from design to client delivery.
Scenic Artist & Prop Maker at Royal Shakespeare Company
September 1, 2008 - Present
Sculpted and painted props for The Taming of the Shrew and Love’s Labour’s Lost. Collaborated with a team of designers to construct visually striking stage sets.
Set Painter/Restorer at Proscenium Theatrical Scenery Hire
August 1, 2008 - October 2, 2025
Designed, painted, and restored theatrical sets and props for productions like The Wizard of Oz and Little Shop of Horrors. Worked with latex, wood, and plaster.
Props Artist at Independent Props Artist (Film and Theatre) – Cornholme
August 1, 2006 - October 2, 2025
Assisted Ivo Coveney with moulding, casting, and model-making for theatre productions. Focused on creating durable, realistic props for stage use.
Independent Community Artist at Manchester
September 1, 2006 - October 2, 2025
Supported the rejuvenation of playgrounds and community spaces through visual art installations.
Volunteer Art Worker at Hartlepool Art Studio (Artrium)
September 1, 2010 - October 2, 2025
Led art workshops for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Encouraged community engagement through collaborative projects.

Education

BA (Hons) Fine Art & Painting at Wolverhampton University
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2006
BA (Hons) Fine Art & Painting at Wolverhampton University
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2006

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Other