Art is the bridge between the soul and the world—a way to explore, question, and reveal what it means to be a spiritual being in a human body.

Art isn’t just about creating—it’s a way of making sense of the world, of uncovering hidden truths and connecting the seen with the unseen. My work exists at this intersection, where spirituality, memory, science, and human experience meet. Through photography, design, storytelling, and game-based learning, I use creativity to challenge perceptions, spark curiosity, and reveal the deeper connections that shape our reality. Whether capturing the essence of a fleeting moment, designing experiences that engage the mind, or experimenting with new forms of expression, my goal is to make the invisible visible, to question what we take for granted, and to invite others into a shared journey of discovery. To create is to step into the unknown and return with something meaningful, transformative, and true.

Jacksonville State University
MFA in Visual Communication Design // December 2021
BFA in Graphic Design/Photography // April 2011

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Diploma in Interior Design // March 2007

  • Graphic Design
    • Typography
    • Composition
    • Branding
    • Illustration
    • Art Direction
    • Concept Development
    • Project Management
    • Print, Digital, and Production Design
    • UI/UX Design
    • Web Design
      • HTML, CSS
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Non-Technical
    • Ideation
    • Creativity
    • Communication
    • Critical Thinking
    • Research & Analytics
    • Problem Solving
    • Strategy
  • Digital & Alt Process Photography
  • Digital Imaging + Restoration
  • Video Production + Editing
  • Adobe Creative Suite
    • Photoshop
    • Illustrator
    • InDesign
    • Adobe XD
    • Premiere Pro
    • Dreamweaver
    • Lightroom
    • Bridge, Acrobat, Etc.
  • Microsoft Office
    • Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook
  • Web
    • Content Management Systems (CMS)
      • WordPress, Shopify, Squarespace, Weebly, Wix, Joomla, etc.
    • Hosting & Domain Registration, FTP
    • phpBB, Coppermine, Piwigo, etc.
  • File/Task Management
    • Google, Dropbox, OneDrive
    • Asana
  • Canva
  • Mac & PC systems
  • And many more
  • WE, the Women’s Caucus Exhibition
    • West Rich Promenade Gallery | Columbus, OH
    • Juried by Christy Coleman-Schoedinger, Elizabeth Flinsch, Rebecca Ibel, and Lorie Novak
  • PDN.edu Student Photo Contest 2020
    • Grand Prize in Fine Art & Personal Work
  • SPE 2020 Combined Caucus Exhibition
    • BOX 13 Artspace | Houston, TX
    • Juried by Zackary Druker
  • Hahnemuhle Student Photo Competition, 2019
    • International Juried Competition
    • Finalist
    • Published in Fine Art Printer, 2020
  • JSU Art + Design: 46th Annual Juried Student Show
    • Hammond Gallery, Jacksonville State University
    • Juried by Bridgett Conn
  • From the Ashes: Exploring Identity After Trauma
    • Student Art Gallery, Jacksonville State University
  • Photographer’s Forum: 38th Annual College & High School Photography Contest
    • Finalist
    • Published in Best of College & High School Photography 2018
  • Enclosed: A Juried Exhibition of Silver Gelatin Photography
    • Roundhouse Gallery, Jacksonville State University
    • Juried by Ron Baker & Anita Stewart
    • First Place in Show

Carol Record is an interdisciplinary artist, designer, writer, educator, and game creator whose work explores the human condition—from spirituality to science, memory to technology, and art to activism. She teaches graphic design and photography at Upper Iowa University and is the founder of Blackwater Buccaneers, a game publishing company dedicated to game-based learning.

Her photography bridges spirituality, artistic and scientific exploration, and documentary storytelling, serving as both a tool for reflection and a means of inquiry. She also engages with interactive media and political satire as forms of critique and change. She is the creator of Lumen PhotoVocab Game, an educational card game designed to strengthen visual literacy and critical thinking in photography. Her photography has been exhibited regionally and internationally, and her award-winning #MeToo series, My Worst Nightmare received the Grand Prize in Fine Art & Personal Work in PDNedu’s Student Photo Contest.

Carol holds an MFA in Visual Communication Design and a BFA in Graphic Design & Photography from Jacksonville State University, as well as a Diploma in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Chicago Online. She is also developing MoonForged, a creative think tank for visionaries, misfits, and innovators working toward transformative change.

While my primary focus is on my own artistic and research projects, I’m always excited to connect with others who share a passion for art, education, storytelling, and innovative problem-solving.

I’m open to:
✅ Exhibitions & Art Shows – Featuring my photography, design work, or interactive projects.
✅ Speaking & Workshops – Discussing game-based learning, photography, design, art, and creativity.
✅ Collaborative Projects – Exploring innovative ideas with like-minded creatives and thinkers.
✅ Interviews & Features – Sharing my work and insights on podcasts, blogs, and media.

If you have an idea that aligns with my work and vision, I’d love to hear from you!