Today we’d like to introduce you to James Carter
James, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into the world of art began in Brisbane, Australia, where I had an amazing childhood. My education was unique—I was homeschooled by my incredibly supportive parents. Homeschooling gave me the freedom to explore my passions, particularly art, from a young age.
From an early age, I was drawn to the arts like a moth to a very colorful flame. My parents noticed my growing interest in art and provided me with drawing books and supplies to help me develop my skills. By the time I was around 7 or 9, I was determined to have a career as an artist. However, a comment from my grandad that “artists don’t make any money until they’re dead” put me off pursuing art for a while. I now understand he meant that famous artists’ works often gain significant value posthumously, but at the time, it was a discouraging blow.
In 2014, my family moved back to England. All while my mum continued to homeschool me. This allowed me to focus on subjects I was passionate about, like psychology, but not thinking of art as much.
At 16, after taking my exams and feeling a bit bored, I picked up a pencil and paper and started drawing again. I was drawn to the challenge of creating detailed, realistic images, which rekindled my love for art. My early drawings were far from perfect, but I enjoyed the process and was determined to improve. Encouraged by my mum, I enrolled in an Art and Design BTEC course at Nelson and Colne College. This three-year course was transformative, thanks to the fantastic support of my tutor. I rediscovered my passion for learning and pushed myself to excel, eventually achieving a triple distinction star.
The idea for Creative Flair began to take shape during my time at Nelson and Colne College, but it was really during my Foundation Diploma in Art at Blackburn College that the concept truly took off. Blackburn College was instrumental in honing my skills and solidifying my passion for art. It was here that I realized I could build a career in art and support other artists along the way.
Currently, I’m studying Fine Art and History of Art at Goldsmiths University, having just finished my first year and about to embark on my second. This academic journey has been crucial in deepening my understanding and appreciation of art’s historical and cultural significance.
Balancing my studies with launching Creative Flair was a challenge, but it was a labor of love (and a lot of late-night coffee). I spent countless hours working on the platform, often sacrificing sleep and social activities to bring my vision to life. The support of my family and friends was invaluable during this time. Their encouragement and belief in my vision kept me going, even when the going got tough.
Creative Flair began as a modest blog, but it quickly grew into a comprehensive platform offering a range of services for artists. We provide educational resources, promotional opportunities, and a space for artists to share their insights and earn money for their contributions. One of our most popular features is our blogging platform, where artists can earn $1 for every 1,000 reads their posts receive. This model not only incentivizes sharing but also helps artists monetize their expertise.
A significant development for Creative Flair has been our focus on video content. Last year, at Roy’s Art Fair in London, Creative Flair truly got its media start. It was an exhilarating experience, as I started meeting and networking with a wide range of London artists. It’s amazing to think that was less than a year ago and how quickly everything has grown. Back then, it was just me and a friend with a phone and a little lav mic. Now, I have a crew and a team I consider family; without them, I couldn’t do what I do now.
We’ve just partnered with Roy’s Art Fair to be their official media partner for their fair this September 2024. This partnership is a testament to how far we’ve come and the impact we’re making in the art community. Our video content now includes artist interviews, event coverage, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, providing a dynamic and engaging way to connect with our audience.
Our online presence, particularly on Instagram, has become a hub for artists to connect and draw inspiration from each other. We share diverse artworks and stories from artists around the globe, fostering a sense of community and support.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Creative Flair has been seeing the tangible impact it has had on the artistic community. We’ve created a space where artists feel valued and supported, and we’re continuously working to expand our services and reach. Recently, we’ve started producing video content and artist interviews, delving deeper into the art world and sharing vibrant, artistic experiences with a global audience.
Looking back, my journey has been one of growth, learning, and resilience. From my early days of exploring art at home to launching and growing Creative Flair, every step has been driven by a passion for creativity and a desire to support others. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved so far, and I’m excited for the future as we continue to uplift and inspire artists around the world.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh, smooth road? Not even close. Imagine navigating a road full of potholes while riding a unicycle, juggling flaming torches—that’s more like it. But honestly, the bumps and twists have made the journey with Creative Flair all the more exhilarating.
Balancing my studies at Goldsmiths University with growing Creative Flair has been like walking a tightrope while spinning plates. I just finished my first year and am about to dive into my second, and let me tell you, there have been plenty of late-night coffee binges. Picture this: me, eyes barely open, trying to finish a term paper while editing a video at 3 AM. It’s a glamorous life.
Our foray into video content started humbly. It was just me and a friend with a phone and a tiny lav mic, figuring things out as we went. There were a lot of “how does this button work?” and “why is the screen black?” moments. It was a steep learning curve filled with hilarious mishaps, like the time we accidentally filmed an entire interview in slow motion. The artist sounded like a philosophical tortoise.
The real game-changer came last year at Roy’s Art Fair in London. It was our big break, but also a major challenge. Networking with a bunch of seasoned London artists felt like crashing a very sophisticated party in my scruffy trainers. But the connections we made were incredible, and it’s wild to think that was less than a year ago. From those humble beginnings, where it was just me and a friend, we’ve now got a whole crew. It’s like going from a garage band to a full orchestra.
Building the Creative Flair team has been another rollercoaster. We went from a duo to a full crew that feels like family. Finding people who share the same vision and passion wasn’t easy, but it’s been worth it. Now, managing this growing team feels like herding cats—enthusiastic, talented cats who all have brilliant ideas. Keeping everyone on the same page has been challenging, but also incredibly rewarding.
Balancing all of this with my university studies? Let’s just say I’ve become a master juggler. My days often start with lectures and end with late-night editing sessions. There have been times when I’ve handed in assignments with one hand while uploading videos with the other. The phrase “burning the candle at both ends” doesn’t quite capture it—I think I’m burning the whole candle factory.
Despite the chaos, the support from my family, friends, and the Creative Flair team has been my anchor. Their encouragement has kept me going through the tough times. Every challenge has been a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and the importance of keeping a sense of humor.
Looking back, these recent struggles have been the fire that forged Creative Flair. They’ve pushed us to innovate and grow, making the platform stronger and more vibrant. As we continue this journey, I’m excited to tackle new challenges, knowing that each one brings us closer to our vision of uplifting and connecting the artistic community. Plus, with my amazing team by my side, there’s no obstacle we can’t turn into another hilarious story to tell.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Absolutely, I’d love to share more about what I do! I’m James Carter, and I wear a few different hats—artist, author, and entrepreneur. My main gig is running Creative Flair, a platform I founded to support and promote the artistic community. But let’s dive into the juicy details of what makes my work tick.
What do I do?
By day (and often by night), I’m an artist. My work spans various mediums, but I have a particular fondness for drawing and painting. I’m passionate about capturing the beauty of the natural world, a love that stems from my childhood in Brisbane, Australia, where I was constantly surrounded by stunning wildlife. This influence is evident in my detailed animal portraits and nature-inspired pieces.
Specializations and Known For
I specialize in realistic and hyper-realistic drawings and paintings. My pieces often feature intricate details that bring subjects to life, whether it’s the fur of a lion or the delicate petals of a flower. People often recognize my work for its attention to detail and the way it captures the essence of the subject matter.
At Creative Flair, my role extends beyond creating art. I’m heavily involved in producing video content, which includes artist interviews, event coverage, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the art world. This has allowed me to connect with a wider audience and provide valuable insights into the creative process.
What am I most proud of?
There are a few things that stand out as proud moments in my career. First, the growth and impact of Creative Flair. Starting from a simple blog, it has evolved into a comprehensive platform that supports artists in various ways. We’ve built a vibrant community where artists can share their work, gain exposure, and even earn money through our unique blogging platform.
Another proud moment was our partnership with Roy’s Art Fair in London. Being named their official media partner for the 2024 fair is a significant milestone. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Creative Flair team, and it underscores our commitment to uplifting the art community.
What sets me apart?
What sets me apart is a combination of my background, my approach to art, and the ethos behind Creative Flair. Growing up homeschooled allowed me the freedom to explore my passions deeply and develop a unique perspective on creativity. My journey from Brisbane to England, navigating different cultures and experiences, has enriched my artistic voice.
In my art, the meticulous attention to detail and the blend of realism with a touch of the extraordinary make my work stand out. I aim to create pieces that not only capture what is seen but also evoke an emotional connection with the viewer.
Through Creative Flair, what sets us apart is our dual focus on community and compensation. We provide a platform where artists can connect, learn, and grow, but also one where their contributions are valued monetarily. Our model of paying artists for blog reads is unique and helps artists monetize their knowledge and insights.
What am I most proud of?
There are a few things that stand out as proud moments in my career. First, the growth and impact of Creative Flair. Starting from a simple blog, it has evolved into a comprehensive platform that supports artists in various ways. We’ve built a vibrant community where artists can share their work, gain exposure, and even earn money through our unique blogging platform.
Another proud moment was our partnership with Roy’s Art Fair in London. Being named their official media partner for the 2024 fair is a significant milestone. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Creative Flair team, and it underscores our commitment to uplifting the art community.
What truly sets Creative Flair apart is our focus on video content. It started with a simple setup—just me, a friend, a phone, and a lav mic—but has grown into a professional operation. We now produce high-quality videos that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the art world, featuring artist interviews and event coverage. Our video content has become a dynamic way to engage with our audience and share the stories of artists from all walks of life.
In summary, my work is a blend of detailed artistry, community building, and innovative content creation. I’m driven by a passion for art and a desire to support and inspire other artists. Whether through my own artworks or the initiatives of Creative Flair, I strive to make a positive impact on the artistic community.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
If I had to pinpoint one superpower behind my success, it would be the incredible support of my family, with a sidekick role played by my homeschooling experience. Picture a superhero team where my family is the mighty foundation, and homeschooling is the versatile, ever-adaptable sidekick. Together, they’ve equipped me with the skills and resilience to face any challenge.
Firstly, let’s talk about my family. Imagine growing up with a team of cheerleaders who are always there, pom-poms ready, no matter what crazy venture I embarked on. Whether I was attempting to play the bagpipes (yes, there was a phase) or deciding to dive headfirst into the art world, my family’s support has been unwavering. They were the ones who believed in my dream of becoming an artist even when I temporarily abandoned it.
Their support has been my secret weapon. Whenever I doubted myself or faced obstacles, they were there with encouragement, advice, and sometimes a much-needed reality check. It’s like having a personal board of directors who genuinely want the best for you and provide snacks during meetings. And trust me, nothing beats the power of a well-timed pep talk from mum or a morale-boosting dad joke when you’re burning the midnight oil.
Now, onto the sidekick: homeschooling. Being homeschooled was like attending the School of Life, where the curriculum was custom-tailored to my interests and passions. It gave me the freedom to explore art deeply, without the distractions and constraints of a traditional classroom. Imagine a classroom where the teacher is also your mum, your classmates are your siblings, and recess can be anything from kayaking to trying your hand at the ukulele.
Homeschooling taught me invaluable skills in time management and self-discipline. Without a strict timetable, I learned how to juggle multiple projects and deadlines on my own. This came in handy when I started Creative Flair and had to balance it with my studies at Goldsmiths University. Managing a growing platform and my coursework simultaneously sometimes feels like a circus act, but thanks to homeschooling, I’m a pretty good juggler.
Additionally, homeschooling allowed me to dive into subjects that fascinated me while skimming through those that didn’t. This way, I could focus on developing my artistic skills and understanding the psychology behind creativity. My education was a bespoke suit, tailored perfectly to fit my aspirations, rather than an off-the-rack uniform.
What truly sets me apart is this unique blend of family support and homeschooling. They’ve both played a pivotal role in shaping my work ethic and resilience. The combination has given me the confidence to pursue my passion for art and the flexibility to adapt to new challenges. It’s like having the best of both worlds: the warmth of a supportive family and the freedom of an individualized education.
In summary, the biggest contributor to my success has been the unwavering support of my family, combined with the adaptable, self-directed learning experience of homeschooling. They’ve taught me that with a strong support system and the right skills, you can turn any challenge into an opportunity. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have a sense of humor and a lot of coffee on standby.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://creativeflair.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativeflairhq/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeFlair.org
- Twitter: https://x.com/CreativeFlairHQ
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@creativeflair_org
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeflairhq?lang=en
