About

Hello

Thanks for stopping by—I’m John Carter, a designer with a passion for visual storytelling and a background that’s anything but typical.

I spent over 15 years in the hospitality industry before making a bold career shift after becoming a dad. That change wasn’t just about finding balance—it was about building a life centered on creativity, connection, and purpose.

Today, I bring that same people-first mindset to my design work. Whether it’s a digital interface, a print campaign, or a visual identity, I focus on making things that are both engaging and functional—design that serves real people in the real-world.

As the tools and tech evolve, I keep evolving too. Always learning, always refining, always aiming to create work that feels clear, meaningful, and grounded.

My Experience

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

My background includes designing for federal agencies like the EPA, FEMA, and USAID, where clarity, accessibility, and trust are top priorities. I’ve built everything from infographics and interactive PDFs to SharePoint sites and social media toolkits, always with an eye on both purpose and polish.

Before design, I spent over a decade in hospitality—managing people, solving problems on the fly, and learning how to read a room. That experience continues to shape how I work today: collaborative, calm under pressure, and always thinking about the end user.

Whether I’m building a system of branded templates or art directing a visual campaign, I thrive on turning complex ideas into clean, effective design.

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