Robert Carter

Robert Carter was born in St. Albans, England and moved to Ontario, Canada, at an early age. He began his journey into the world of art from the get-go, constantly doodling and sketching anything and everything. He went on to study Art and Illustration, graduating from the prestigious Sheridan College School of Art and Animation in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

A professional illustrator for well over a decade, Robert’s style combines a strong foundation in portraiture with a unique sense of visual and conceptual problem-solving. He creates striking, vibrant and textured illustrations and portraits ranging from realistic to surreal. With a background in traditional oil painting Robert applied those skills to the digital realm, teaching himself the digital painting medium. Which is now his preferred method of working, for its speed and flexibility.

Robert would like to continue to explore and expand his work, continually striving to improve himself and his art. He now lives and works as a professional freelance illustrator in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Website: crackedhat.com
Twitter: @Crackedhat
Instagram: @cracked_hat_illustration
Behance: behance.net/RobertCarterWhat stands out for you as one of your favourite career highlights so far?

A few years ago I was commissioned to do my first, of which would become many portraits for The Royal Canadian Geographical Society. It was of Alex Trebek, which the Society recently presented a framed print of, and gave to him personally. That was a real honour. Through the work I’ve done for Canadian Geographic over these passed few years I was made an official Member of the College of Fellows.What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on illustrating a reprinting of a very famous classic novel. I can’t say much more about it than that at the moment but I’m extremely excited to be part of it. Should be published sometime next year.How’d you get started as an artist?

I feel I was set on a trajectory towards art from very early on. Always drawing whenever and wherever I might be. Eventually going to art school I started working almost immediately after graduating. I’m still good friends with the art director who gave me my first professional paying project.

Who or what influences your art?

Long ago a friend of mine, who is now a terrific graphic designer/illustrator in his own right was the first I think to influence my style drastically. In later years I discovered Norman Rockwell who became a massive influence on my art. Now I have many influences, which I continually add to as I discover (or re-discover) be it illustration, fine art, comic art, photography, film, animation etc.

What is your creative process like?

I always start with very loose thumbnail sketches, brainstorming concepts. After I think I’ve got something I’ll do a further detailed sketch working out the composition etc. After which I move on to searching for, or photographing reference I may need. In Photoshop I’ll cobble it together to give me something to paint from. These days I do all my roughs in Photoshop with my Wacom Cintiq. I can then take the rough and start painting directly on to it digitally.