About

Hello

Hi, I’m John Carter. I’m a designer with a love for visual storytelling and a background that took an unconventional path.

Before design, I spent more than fifteen years in the hospitality industry, learning what it means to connect with people and create meaningful experiences. When I became a dad, I made a big shift—trading late nights for a creative life that’s centered on purpose, balance, and growth.

Today, I bring that same people-first mindset to everything I design. Whether it’s a digital interface, a print campaign, or a brand identity, my focus is always on clarity and connection—design that looks good, works well, and feels right in the real world.

I’m also a lifelong learner. As tools and technology evolve, I keep evolving too—refining my craft and finding new ways to make ideas come to life.

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My Experience

Over the years, I’ve taken on a wide range of design projects, everything from government websites and public health campaigns to e-learning modules and brand identities.

My experience includes work with federal agencies such as the EPA, FEMA, and USAID, where clarity, accessibility, and trust are essential. I’ve created infographics, interactive PDFs, SharePoint sites, and social media toolkits, always balancing function with a refined visual style.

Before design, I spent more than a decade in hospitality, managing teams and solving problems on the fly. That background taught me how to stay calm under pressure, collaborate with all kinds of people, and design with empathy for the end user.

Today, whether I’m building a system of branded templates or leading the creative direction for a campaign, I focus on turning complex ideas into clear, purposeful design that works in the real world.

My Interests

Outside the Studio.

When I’m not designing, you’ll probably find me working in the garden, building something in the garage, or chasing four dogs through the woods near our home in Northern Virginia.

I’ve always been drawn to learning—whether that’s exploring history, experimenting with new AI tools, or just figuring out how to fix a dishwasher the hard way.

I’m a big fan of museums, road trips, philosophical rabbit holes, and video games that reward curiosity. Most of all, I love spending time with my family—especially when it involves a good walk, a bad joke, or discovering somewhere new.

Resume

Professional Summary

Highly creative and versatile Graphic Designer with over 10 years of professional experience. Proven expertise across brand management, visual communication, web design, illustration, digital marketing, and photography. Adept at collaborating within multi-disciplinary teams to deliver impactful visual solutions across various industries, including government, non-profit, hospitality, and transportation.

Professional Experience

Graphic Designer

Cadmus Group, Fairfax, VA (January 2022 – Present)
  • Design SharePoint sites, WordPress websites, and responsive HTML/CSS interfaces.
  • Create interactive e-learning modules using Adobe Captivate.
  • Create high-quality visual collateral including digital marketing materials, infographics, web graphics, and presentations.
  • Provide design solutions aligned with client brand identities and communication strategies.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously in fast-paced environments.

Graphic Designer & Photographer

Sharp & Company, Rockville, MD (August 2014 – December 2022)
  • Delivered visual design and photography solutions for diverse client projects.
  • Developed internal and external communications materials, advertising, web designs, and print collateral.

Owner & Photographer

J. Carter Photography, McLean, VA (September 2014 – November 2021)
  • Managed all aspects of independent photography business.
  • Provided photographic services, specializing in family portraits, promotional, and event photography.

Freelance Graphic Designer & Photographer

John Carter Designs (June 2011 – Present)
  • Delivered creative services to clients including web design, visual branding, promotional photography, and graphic design.
  • Clients included Kinetik, Thomas Silliman Associates, National Race Against The Odds, International Biometrics & Identification Association, Arrowine, Willie’s Po’Boy Food Truck.

Graphic Design Intern

Communities In Schools, Arlington, VA (September 2012 – September 2013)
  • Designed social media graphics, email templates, website graphics, and banners.
  • Prepared publications for print and assisted in website and WordPress blog maintenance.
  • Managed photo retouching for departmental library.

Education

  • George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
    Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design, December 2020
    Magna Cum Laude
  • Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria, VA
    Associate of Applied Arts, Communication Design (Interactive), May 2013
    Associate of Applied Arts, Communication Design (Print), May 2013
    Summa Cum Laude (4.0 GPA)

Technical Skills

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Adobe XD, Captivate
  • Digital Photography and Photo Editing
  • Web Design (WordPress)
  • Typography and Layout
  • Section 508 Compliance
  • MS Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint Design