Available to hire
Hi, I’m Steven E. Strickland, a freelance illustrator, muralist, and scenic painter with over four decades of experience bringing walls to life and stories to paper. I specialize in bold, narrative visuals for venues, educational spaces, and commercial projects, delivering artwork that fits the space and mood while telling a compelling story.
I collaborate with museums, zoos, schools, restaurants, theaters, and creative studios across the United States, offering murals, custom illustrations, and large-scale scenic painting. I’m passionate about turning ideas into immersive visuals that engage audiences and stand the test of time.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Muralist, illustrator, scenic paintr at Various
September 5, 1987 - PresentPresent Scenic Painter, Illustrator, Muralist, various clients
2021 Crest Bowl/Brickhouse Pizza Florissant, MO
2020 Red’s Tavern Bunker Hill, IL
2019 Crest Bowl Florissant, MO
2009-19 King Pin Lanes Bridgeton, MO
2016 Volleyball Beach 365 Bridgeton, MO
2014 Rockwood School Dist. Rockwood, MO
2005-
Present Brody Robertson Ocala, FL
2008 MO Dept of Conservation Sedalia, MO
2008 St. Louis Zoo St. Louis, MO
2007 MO Dept of Conservation Sedalia, MO
2006 MO Dept of Conservation Sedalia, MO
2006 St. Louis Zoo St. Louis, MO
2005 St. Louis Zoo St. Louis, MO
2003-04 St. Louis Zoo St. Louis, MO
2003 MO Dept of Conservation Warsaw, MO
2002 MO Dept of Conservation Warsaw, MO
2001-02 US Dept of Energy Weldon Spring, MO
2000-01 St. Louis Zoo St. Louis, MO
2000-01 Paul Stuarts Jewelers St. Peters, MO
2000-01 Erie Zoo Erie, PA
1996-2000 Trendmasters Inc. St. Louis, MO
1999 Rockwood School Dist. Ballwin, MO
1998 St. Louis Zoo St. Louis, MO
1997 Residential Murals Toledo, OH
1995 The MO Botanical Gardens St. Louis, MO
1994 St. Louis Marriott West Chesterfield, MO
1993 The Toledo Zoo Toledo, OH
1993 Dinamation International Toledo, OH
1991-92 The Cleveland Zoo Cleveland, OH
1991-92 Sea World San Diego, CA
1990-92 The Larson Co. Tucson, AZ
1988 St. Louis Zoo St. Louis, MO
1987 Bristol-Meyers St. Louis, MO
1987 Capitol Land Construction St. Louis, MO
muralist, illustrator, scenic painter at various
December 31, 1986 - PresentLETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:
• Kristen Parham
Digital Marketing | Design Coordination
[email protected]
773-968-4422
07/09/2025
To whom it may concern,
It is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter of recommendation for Steve Strickland. I had the pleasure of working alongside Steve for five years, during which time he consistently impressed me with his artistry, professionalism, and collaborative spirit.
Steve played a pivotal role in elevating our company’s scenic capabilities, especially in the realm of 3D form painting. His skillset brought a new level of depth and realism to our creative work. Whether he was transforming foam into faux marble or giving life to large-scale immersive environments, Steve’s work always left a lasting impression. His attention to texture, light, and color brought a painterly finesse to every project, and our visual storytelling was measurably stronger because of it.
Beyond his technical abilities, Steve’s can-do attitude and ability to adapt made him an invaluable member of our team. No matter the scale, timeline, or complexity of the task, Steve approached each challenge with curiosity, problem-solving instinct, and a calm, steady presence. He was not only reliable but also genuinely uplifting to work with—someone who elevated both the work and the people around him.
I wholeheartedly recommend Steve for any role or opportunity that calls for a combination of artistic vision, technical mastery, and collaborative drive. His portfolio speaks for itself—but it’s his character, adaptability, and integrity that truly set him apart.
Please feel free to contact me directly if you’d like to discuss Steve’s qualifications or contributions further.
Sincerely,
Kristen Parham
• From:
Ellen Lyner
Owner and Designer at Lyner Productions and artist for The Copper Mare.com
[email protected]
(314) 378-8062
“Steve is an incredible artist. He always brought more to the table than asked and was the highlight of every project. I always knew he would come through with his artistic talent and make every project shine.”
• From:
Brody Robertson
Owner Brody Robertson Show Jumps
[email protected]
(314) 283-8515
Steve is an integral part of what we do with our designs. He is always game and willing to step outside of the box. His beautiful artwork makes us look very good!
• From:
Mary Brong
Designer and Director of Exhibits and Interpretation at The Saint Louis Zoo
[email protected]
(314) 203-4007
Steve is a very talented artist. I have worked with him often and it has always been a pleasure with excellent results. Great results, personable, good value.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Crest Bowl/Brickhouse Pizza
January 1, 2021 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for clients at Crest Bowl and Brickhouse Pizza.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Red's Tavern
January 1, 2020 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for clients at Red's Tavern.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Crest Bowl
January 1, 2019 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for clients at Crest Bowl.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at King Pin Lanes
January 1, 2019 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for clients at King Pin Lanes.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Volleyball Beach 365
January 1, 2016 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for clients at Volleyball Beach 365.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Rockwood School Dist.
January 1, 2014 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for Rockwood School District.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Brody Robertson
January 1, 2005 - PresentProvided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for client Brody Robertson.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at MO Dept of Conservation
January 1, 2008 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for Missouri Department of Conservation.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 2008 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for St. Louis Zoo.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at MO Dept of Conservation
January 1, 2007 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for Missouri Department of Conservation.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at MO Dept of Conservation
January 1, 2006 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for Missouri Department of Conservation.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 2006 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for St. Louis Zoo.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 2005 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for St. Louis Zoo.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 2004 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for St. Louis Zoo.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at MO Dept of Conservation
January 1, 2003 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for Missouri Department of Conservation.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at MO Dept of Conservation
January 1, 2002 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for Missouri Department of Conservation.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at US Dept of Energy
January 1, 2002 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for US Department of Energy.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 2001 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for St. Louis Zoo.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Paul Stuarts Jewelers
January 1, 2001 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for Paul Stuart's Jewelers.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Erie Zoo
January 1, 2001 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for Erie Zoo.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Trendmasters Inc.
January 1, 2000 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for Trendmasters Inc.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Rockwood School Dist.
January 1, 1999 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for Rockwood School District.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 1998 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for St. Louis Zoo.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Residential Murals
January 1, 1997 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for residential murals.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at The MO Botanical Gardens
January 1, 1995 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for Missouri Botanical Gardens.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at St. Louis Marriott West
January 1, 1994 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for St. Louis Marriott West.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at The Toledo Zoo
January 1, 1993 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for The Toledo Zoo.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Dinamation International
January 1, 1993 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for Dinamation International.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at The Cleveland Zoo
January 1, 1992 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for The Cleveland Zoo.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Sea World
January 1, 1992 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for Sea World.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at The Larson Co.
January 1, 1992 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for The Larson Co.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 1988 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for St. Louis Zoo.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Bristol-Meyers
January 1, 1987 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for Bristol-Meyers.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Capitol Land Construction
January 1, 1987 - October 5, 2025Provided illustration, mural and scenic painting services for Capitol Land Construction.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Crest Bowl/Brickhouse Pizza
January 1, 2021 - October 5, 2025Murals and illustrations for Crest Bowl and Brickhouse Pizza.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Red’s Tavern
January 1, 2020 - October 5, 2025Murals and related artwork for Red’s Tavern.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Crest Bowl
January 1, 2019 - October 5, 2025Murals and art for Crest Bowl.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at King Pin Lanes
January 1, 2019 - October 5, 2025Murals and decorative artwork for King Pin Lanes.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Volleyball Beach 365
January 1, 2016 - October 5, 2025Murals and art for Volleyball Beach 365.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Rockwood School Dist
January 1, 2014 - October 5, 2025Murals and related artwork for Rockwood School District.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Brody Robertson
January 1, 2005 - PresentMurals and art for Brody Robertson.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at MO Dept of Conservation
January 1, 2008 - October 5, 2025Murals and artwork for Missouri Department of Conservation.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 2008 - October 5, 2025Zoo mural and illustration projects.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at MO Dept of Conservation
January 1, 2007 - October 5, 2025Murals and artwork for Missouri Department of Conservation.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at MO Dept of Conservation
January 1, 2006 - October 5, 2025Murals and artwork for Missouri Department of Conservation.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 2006 - October 5, 2025Zoo mural and illustration projects.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 2005 - October 5, 2025Zoo mural and illustration projects.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 2004 - October 5, 2025Zoo mural and illustration projects.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at MO Dept of Conservation
January 1, 2003 - October 5, 2025Murals and artwork for Missouri Department of Conservation.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at MO Dept of Conservation
January 1, 2002 - October 5, 2025Murals and artwork for Missouri Department of Conservation.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at US Dept of Energy
January 1, 2002 - October 5, 2025Murals and artwork for US Department of Energy.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 2001 - October 5, 2025Zoo mural and illustration projects.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Paul Stuarts Jewelers
January 1, 2001 - October 5, 2025Jewelers’ display murals and art pieces.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Erie Zoo
January 1, 2001 - October 5, 2025Zoo mural and illustration projects.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Trendmasters Inc.
January 1, 2000 - October 5, 2025Murals and design work for Trendmasters.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Rockwood School Dist
January 1, 1999 - October 5, 2025Murals and school-related illustrations.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 1998 - October 5, 2025Zoo mural and illustration projects.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Residential Murals
January 1, 1997 - October 5, 2025Residential mural installations.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at The MO Botanical Gardens
January 1, 1995 - October 5, 2025Botanical garden murals and illustrations.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at St. Louis Marriott West
January 1, 1994 - October 5, 2025Hotel mural and decor artwork.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at The Toledo Zoo
January 1, 1993 - October 5, 2025Zoo mural and illustration projects.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Dinamation International
January 1, 1993 - October 5, 2025Dinamation/illustration work.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at The Cleveland Zoo
January 1, 1992 - October 5, 2025Zoo mural and illustration projects.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Sea World
January 1, 1992 - October 5, 2025Sea World mural and illustration projects.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at The Larson Co.
January 1, 1992 - October 5, 2025Murals and decorative artwork.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 1988 - October 5, 2025Zoo mural and illustration projects.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Bristol-Meyers
January 1, 1987 - October 5, 2025Corporate mural/artwork projects.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Capitol Land Construction
January 1, 1987 - October 5, 2025Construction site murals and art.
Illustrator, Muralist, Scenic Painter at Various Clients
January 1, 1982 - PresentIllustration, murals, and scenic painting for a wide range of clients.
Illustrator / Muralist at Crest Bowl/Brickhouse Pizza
January 1, 2021 - October 5, 2025Murals and illustration work for venue signage and decor.
Illustrator / Muralist at Red’s Tavern
January 1, 2020 - October 5, 2025Illustration and mural work for venue decor.
Illustrator / Muralist at Crest Bowl Florissant
January 1, 2019 - October 5, 2025Mural and illustration projects for venue.
Illustrator / Muralist at King Pin Lanes
January 1, 2019 - October 5, 2025Decorative murals and illustrations for bowling alley.
Illustrator / Muralist at Volleyball Beach 365
January 1, 2016 - October 5, 2025Artwork for venue branding and decor.
Illustrator / Muralist at Rockwood School District
January 1, 2014 - October 5, 2025School district murals and illustrations.
Illustrator / Muralist at Brody Robertson
January 1, 2005 - PresentCreative services for Ocala client.
Illustrator / Muralist at MO Dept of Conservation
January 1, 2008 - October 5, 2025Artwork for conservation department projects.
Illustrator / Muralist at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 2008 - October 5, 2025Zoo murals and related artwork.
Illustrator / Muralist at MO Dept of Conservation
January 1, 2007 - October 5, 2025Conservation-related artwork.
Illustrator / Muralist at MO Dept of Conservation
January 1, 2006 - October 5, 2025Conservation-related artwork.
Illustrator / Muralist at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 2006 - October 5, 2025Zoo murals and related artwork.
Illustrator / Muralist at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 2005 - October 5, 2025Zoo murals and related artwork.
Illustrator / Muralist at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 2004 - October 5, 2025Zoo murals and related artwork.
Illustrator / Muralist at MO Dept of Conservation
January 1, 2003 - October 5, 2025Conservation-related artwork.
Illustrator / Muralist at MO Dept of Conservation
January 1, 2002 - October 5, 2025Conservation-related artwork.
Illustrator / Muralist at US Dept of Energy
January 1, 2002 - October 5, 2025Artwork for Weldon Spring project.
Illustrator / Muralist at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 2001 - October 5, 2025Zoo murals and related artwork.
Illustrator / Muralist at Paul Stuarts Jewelers
January 1, 2001 - October 5, 2025Jewelers' display illustrations and branding artwork.
Illustrator / Muralist at Erie Zoo
January 1, 2001 - October 5, 2025Zoo murals and related artwork.
Illustrator / Muralist at Trendmasters Inc.
January 1, 2000 - October 5, 2025Artwork for Trendmasters products and displays.
Illustrator / Muralist at Rockwood School Dist.
January 1, 1999 - October 5, 2025Mural and illustration work for Rockwood School District.
Illustrator / Muralist at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 1998 - October 5, 2025Zoo murals and related artwork.
Residential Murals at Residential Projects
January 1, 1997 - October 5, 2025Residential mural commissions in Toledo, OH.
Artwork for Botanical Gardens at The MO Botanical Gardens
January 1, 1995 - October 5, 2025Artwork projects for botanical gardens in St. Louis.
Mural / Decor Artwork at St. Louis Marriott
January 1, 1994 - October 5, 2025Decorative murals for the West Chesterfield, MO property.
Illustrator / Muralist at The Toledo Zoo
January 1, 1993 - October 5, 2025Zoo murals and related artwork.
Illustrator / Muralist at Dinamation International
January 1, 1993 - October 5, 2025Animatronic and exhibit art creation.
Illustrator / Muralist at The Cleveland Zoo
January 1, 1992 - October 5, 2025Zoo murals and related artwork.
Illustrator / Muralist at Sea World
January 1, 1992 - October 5, 2025Aquatic exhibit artwork and murals.
Illustrator / Muralist at The Larson Co.
January 1, 1992 - October 5, 2025Artwork for commercial projects.
Illustrator / Muralist at St. Louis Zoo
January 1, 1988 - October 5, 2025Zoo murals and related artwork.
Illustrator / Muralist at Bristol -Meyers
January 1, 1987 - October 5, 2025Commercial illustration and mural work.
Illustrator / Muralist at Capitol Land Construction
January 1, 1987 - October 5, 2025Commercial mural and decorative artwork.
Education
BFA at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
January 1, 1982 - January 1, 1986MFA at Washington University School of Fine Art
January 1, 1987 - January 1, 1988BFA at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
January 1, 1982 - January 1, 1986MFA at Washington University School of Fine Arts
January 11, 2030 - October 5, 2025BFA at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
January 1, 1982 - January 1, 1986MFA at Washington University School of Fine Art
January 11, 2030 - October 5, 2025BFA at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
January 1, 1982 - December 31, 1986MFA at Washington University School of Fine Art
January 1, 1987 - December 31, 1988Qualifications
Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other, Government, Retail, Manufacturing, Non-Profit Organization
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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