About John Carlson

Born in New York City, raised in Boulder, Colorado.
I grew up with a love for design and drawing.

After getting my illustration degree at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, I accepted a position at Einstein Bros. Bagels as an art director. There, I learned to use my skills as a illustrator in tandem with my design skills. From packaging to in-store collateral to advertising, that’s where I built a solid base for art direction, packaging design and illustration.

After my time at Einstein Bros. Bagels, I got the opportunity to work at Danone as an art director and packaging designer.  There, I worked on concept development, packaging design, and illustration for a wide variety of products. It was a great place for me to grow as a packaging designer.

More recently my role was as a Senior Designer and Illustrator for the Big Red F Restaurant Group in Boulder, Colorado.
From brand design to signage, package design, merchandise design, print and digital advertising, I provided signature creative that grabs attention for the brands they serve.

Currently, I’m a freelance designer and illustrator specializing in branding and packaging design.

I'm also a poster designer and fine artist currently creating original art and posters sold at various retail shops in Boulder, Colorado.