Available to hire
Hi, I’m Joseph Powell, a freelance illustrator, muralist, and teacher based in Columbia SC. I bring a passion for art into local communities through mural projects, custom furniture design, and educational art classes specially designed for middle school kids. With my BFA in Commercial Illustration and experience working on iconic public artworks and children’s books, I love blending creativity with practical skills.
Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated on various murals, music video productions, and educational programs. I’m deeply committed to fostering artistic growth, whether through workshops or custom art designs, and love creating engaging environments that inspire creativity and learning.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Muralist, Portrait Artist, Designer, Fine Woodworker at Clayton’s Public House
January 1, 2016 - June 6, 2024Designed, painted, framed, and installed several large murals and portraits including the “Full Moon Circus” mural (130 sq ft) and portraits like “Bartender” and “Madam Butterfly” (32 sq ft each). Painted vine motifs on I-beams and installed over 130 framed pictures inside the venue using reclaimed doors and 3D ceiling elements. Additionally designed and built custom bar cabinets, footrests, and bench seats.
Contributing Music Video Producer/Artist at Talenthouse.com
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2015Produced and contributed artwork for music video competitions for major artists including The Who, Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics, and Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits over the period from 2011 to 2015.
Workshop Instructor/ Costume and Curriculum Designer at LA Opera/ Educational Program
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2008Redesigned and instructed workshops for kids making tri-corner hats and costume pattern designs for children's operas including “Figaro’s American Adventure” and “The Marriage of Figueroa” reaching over 1000 students in Los Angeles elementary schools between 2007 and 2008.
Curriculum Designer, Instructor at Art Center College of Design Kids Program
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2020Designed and taught illustration classes including “SupersizeMe,” which teaches the mural making process by enlarging images using grids, and “Portrait Self Portrait,” focusing on measuring and comparing shapes for likeness. This concept was adopted to the college level as “Supersize.”
Lead Scenic Painter at TV Commercials
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2006Lead scenic painter for commercials including Ashley Furniture and Rooms To Go/Cindy Crawford Furniture commercials, working under noted producers and art directors.
Artist, Scenic, Prop and Staging / Art Director at Music Video Production
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 1997Created artwork collages, props, and scenic designs for multiple music videos for artists such as Kyle Vincent, Kathy Mattea, Warren Hill, and The Ojays during 1997, working under art director Eric Campbell.
Custom Furniture Designer and Builder at Quackenbush and Winkler
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1996Designed inlaid table top designs and built custom furniture such as tables, cabinets, end tables, and desks under the direction of John Coy and owner Mel Sherman.
Art Preparatory / Art Handler at LACMA / Los Angeles County Museum Of Art
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1995Set up and dismantled gallery shows, moved, crated, and transported art from various locations including museums, galleries, and LAX airport.
Muralist and Mural Installer at AWI (Architectural Wall-coverings and Installations)
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 1996Worked alongside the owner Joseph Sansone to paint and install murals including a ceiling mural in Scottsdale, AZ, and murals in Union Station DTLA, Newhall Mall Valencia, and other locations. Assisted in installation of James Doolin and Terry Shoonhoven murals.
Restoration Artist at Los Angeles Central Library, Rotunda Restoration Project
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1991Hired to restore lost designs on four columns in the Lodwrick M Cook rotunda as part of a restoration project.
Fine Art Muralist at Frank Stella’s Mural “Dusk”
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1991One of five artists chosen to replicate Frank Stella’s 40,000 sq ft “Dusk” mural on the Pac Bell building DTLA, the largest and one of the costliest abstract murals in the world, translated from Stella's “Moby Dick” series.
Advertisement Muralist at Adrem Creative Services
January 1, 1988 - December 31, 1990Created advertisement murals for major clients including IKEA, Miller Highlife, Korean Airlines, FM 92 The Beat, Guinness Stout, and Geico.
Celebrity Portrait Artist at Frazier Smith Show, KLSX 97.1fm Classic Rock
September 1, 1990 - December 31, 1990Produced celebrity portraits of notable individuals such as Rod Stewart, Willie Dixon, Steve Allen, Kirk Douglas, Eddie Money, John Astin, Soupy Sales, Ian McLagan, Ed McMahon, and Former President Ronald Reagan.
Muralist, Portrait Artist, Designer, Fine Woodworker at Clayton’s Public House, Spring Arcade Building, DTLA
January 1, 2016 - June 19, 2024Designed, painted, framed, and installed murals and portraits including “Full Moon Circus” and other artworks. Created a vine motif design on an I-beam, installed over 130 framed pictures, and built custom furniture such as cabinets and bench seats for the bar area.
Contributing Music Video Producer/Artist at Talenthouse.com
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2015Produced and contributed art for music video competitions for notable artists including The Who, Dave Stewart, and Mark Knopfler.
Workshop Instructor/ Costume and Curriculum Designer at LA Opera/ Educational Program
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2008Redesigned instructional content and taught workshops in elementary schools in Los Angeles, creating patterns and lesson plans for children's operas, engaging over 1000 students.
Curriculum Designer, Instructor at Art Center College of Design Kids Program
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2020Designed and taught unique kids' illustration classes, introducing mural making processes and portrait drawing techniques that became adopted at the college level.
Lead Scenic Painter at TV Commercials
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2006Lead scenic painter for commercials, working with producers and art directors to create immersive sets for furniture ads featuring personalities such as Cindy Crawford.
Artist, scenic, prop and staging/ Art Director at Music Video Production
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 1997Created artwork collages and props for various music videos for artists like Kyle Vincent, Kathy Mattea, Warren Hill, and The Ojays under Art Director Eric Campbell.
Custom Furniture Designer and Builder at Quackenbush and Winkler
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1996Designed inlaid table tops and built custom furniture including tables, cabinets, and desks under direction of John Coy.
Art Preparatory/ Art Handler at LACMA/ Los Angeles County Museum Of Art
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1995Set up and dismantled gallery shows, moved, crated, and transported art between museums, galleries, and airport.
Muralist and Mural Installer at AWI (Architectural Wall-coverings and Installations)
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 1996Worked alongside the owner to paint murals and install significant public artworks including those at Union Station DTLA and Scottsdale residence.
Restoration Artist at Los Angeles Central Library, Rotunda Restoration Project
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1991Restored lost design elements on the columns in the Lodwrick M Cook rotunda through Anzalone Painting Contractors.
Fine Art Muralist at Frank Stella’s Mural “Dusk”
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1991One of five artists chosen to replicate Frank Stella's large-scale abstract mural on the Pac Bell building in DTLA, the largest abstract mural in the world at the time.
Advertisement Muralist at Adrem Creative Services
January 1, 1988 - December 31, 1990Created murals for prominent clients including IKEA, Miller Highlife, Korean Airlines, Guinness Stout, and Geico.
Celebrity Portrait Artist at Frazier Smith Show, KLSX 97.1fm Classic Rock
January 1, 1988 - December 31, 1990Created celebrity portraits of notable personalities including Rod Stewart, Kirk Douglas, and Former President Ronald Reagan.
Muralist, Portrait Artist, Designer, Fine Woodworker at Clayton’s Public House, Spring Arcade Building, DTLA
January 1, 2016 - June 30, 2024Designed, painted, framed, and installed murals and portraits including a 130 sq ft mural “Full Moon Circus”, several 32 sq ft portraits, and a 2x4 ft painting for the Instagram Station. Painted a vine motif on an interior and exterior I-beam and installed over 130 framed pictures on interior walls made of reclaimed raised panel doors with 3D elements hung from the ceiling. Designed, built, finished, and installed custom furniture pieces including cabinets and bench seats.
Contributing Music Video Producer/Artist at Talenthouse.com
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2015Produced and created music videos for competitions featuring songs from The Who, Dave Stewart, and Mark Knopfler between 2011 and 2015.
Workshop Instructor/ Costume and Curriculum Designer at LA Opera/ Educational Program
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2008Redesigned instructions for kids’ opera hats and conducted workshops in 15 elementary schools for about 1000 students. Designed patterns, workshops, and lesson plans for new children’s opera productions, instructing costume painting workshops across multiple schools.
Curriculum Designer, Instructor at Art Center College of Design Kids Program
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2020Designed and taught kids’ illustration classes “SupersizeMe” introducing mural making through grid enlargement and "Portrait Self Portrait" focusing on measuring, estimating, and comparing shapes to achieve likenesses. The “SupersizeMe” concept was adapted to a college-level course.
Lead Scenic Painter at TV Commercials
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2006Worked as lead scenic painter for furniture commercials including Ashley Furniture and Rooms To Go, coordinating with producers and art directors.
Artist, Scenic, Prop and Staging at Music Video Production
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 1997Created artwork collages and props featured in music videos for multiple artists including Kyle Vincent, Kathy Mattea, Warren Hill, and The Ojays in 1997 under art direction.
Custom Furniture Designer and Builder at Quackenbush and Winkler
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1996Created inlaid table top designs and built custom furniture such as tables, cabinets, end tables, and desks under owner Mel Sherman and director John Coy.
Art Preparatory/ Art Handler at LACMA/ Los Angeles County Museum Of Art
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1995Handled setting up and dismantling gallery shows including moving, crating, and transporting art between museums, galleries, and the airport.
Muralist and Mural Installer at AWI (Architectural Wall-coverings and Installations)
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 1995Created and installed murals including a ceiling mural in Scottsdale, AZ, and three James Doolin murals in Union Station DTLA, plus installations at Newhall Mall.
Restoration Artist at Los Angeles Central Library, Rotunda Restoration Project
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1991Restored lost designs on four columns in the Lodwrick M Cook rotunda, contracted through Anzalone Painting Contractors.
Fine Art Muralist at Frank Stella’s Mural “Dusk” Project
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1991One of five artists selected to replicate Frank Stella’s original mural “Dusk” on the Pac Bell building in DTLA (40,000 sq ft), working under Joseph Sansone. This was the largest abstract mural in the world at the time and a major public art landmark.
Muralist, Portrait Artist, Designer, Fine Woodworker at Clayton’s Public House, Spring Arcade Building, DTLA
January 1, 2016 - June 6, 2024Designed, painted, framed, finished, and installed a variety of murals and portraits, including "Full Moon Circus" and "Ringmaster and Fire Eater." Also designed and painted vine motifs, installed over 130 framed pictures, and custom-built furniture such as cabinets and bench seats for the bar and Instagram station.
Contributing Music Video Producer/Artist at Talenthouse.com
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2015Produced and contributed to music video competitions for artists including The Who, Dave Stewart, and Mark Knopfler, creating video content aligned with their songs.
Workshop Instructor/ Costume and Curriculum Designer at LA Opera/ Educational Program
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2008Redesigned instructional materials and designed patterns for children’s operas including "Figaro’s American Adventure" and "The Marriage of Figueroa." Instructed workshops in 15 LA elementary schools, teaching costume making and painting designs to approximately 1000 students.
Curriculum Designer, Instructor at Art Center College of Design Kids Program
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2020Designed and taught the “SupersizeMe” kids illustration class to introduce mural making through image enlargement techniques and the “Portrait Self Portrait” class focusing on measurement and likeness in drawing.
Lead Scenic Painter at TV Commercials
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2006Served as lead scenic painter on furniture commercials including Ashley Furniture and Rooms To Go, collaborating with producers and art directors to execute scenic designs for televised ads.
Artist, Scenic, Prop and Staging/ Art Director at Music Video Production
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 1997Created artwork collages and props for music videos including Kyle Vincent’s "Wake Me Up" and other artists such as Kathy Mattea, Warren Hill, and The Ojays.
Custom Furniture Designer and Builder at Quackenbush and Winkler
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1996Designed and built custom furniture including tables, cabinets, and inlaid table tops under owner Mel Sherman and direction of John Coy.
Art Preparatory/ Art Handler at LACMA/ Los Angeles County Museum Of Art
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1995Handled setting up and dismantling gallery shows, including moving, crating, and transporting art between museums, galleries, and airports.
Muralist and Mural Installer at AWI (Architectural Wall-coverings and Installations)
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 1996Collaborated with the owner to paint and install large murals including a ceiling mural in Scottsdale, AZ, and mural installations at Union Station DTLA and Newhall Mall.
Restoration Artist at Los Angeles Central Library, Rotunda Restoration Project
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1991Selected artist to restore lost designs on four columns of the Lodwrick M Cook rotunda, working through Anzalone Painting Contractors.
Fine Art Muralist at Frank Stella’s Mural "Dusk"
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1991One of five artists replicating Frank Stella’s "Dusk" mural on the Pac Bell building in DTLA, the largest abstract mural in the world at the time, translating a piece from Stella’s “Moby Dick” series.
Advertisement Muralist at Adrem Creative Services
January 1, 1988 - September 1, 1990Created advertisement murals for clients including IKEA, Miller Highlife, Korean Airlines, FM 92 The Beat, Guinness Stout, and Geico.
Celebrity Portrait Artist at Frazier Smith Show, KLSX 97.1fm Classic Rock
January 1, 1988 - September 1, 1990Produced celebrity portraits of notable figures such as Rod Stewart, Willie Dixon, Steve Allen, Kirk Douglas, Eddie Money, John Astin, Soupy Sales, Ian McLagan, Ed McMahon, and former President Ronald Reagan.
Education
BFA Commercial Illustration at Art Center College of Design
September 20, 1986 - September 20, 1990Awarded Art Center College of Design scholarship
Qualifications
Illustrator
January 20, 2016 - December 8, 2016Clayton’s Public House voted best new restaurant 2019 in downtown Los Angeles, California by DTLA News.
Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Retail, Manufacturing, Other
130 ft interior mural done for Clayton’s Public House, 541 Spring Street, downtown, Los Angeles, California, 2016-2018
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