John Carney
Overcoming the challenges associated with autism while pursuing a life as an artist is a journey defined not by “fixing” who you are, but by learning how to understand your own mind and harness its unique strengths. Many autistic artists discover that the very traits that once made them feel different—intense focus, deep imagination, sensitivity to detail, and strong emotional perception—become powerful creative tools. Art can serve as a language when spoken words feel limiting, allowing feelings, ideas, and experiences to flow freely onto canvas, paper, or screen. Instead of viewing autism as a barrier, it can be embraced as a distinctive lens through which the world is seen and expressed.
For autistic individuals, becoming an artist often means building confidence in their voice and trusting their perspective, even when it differs from others. Challenges such as sensory overload, social misunderstandings, or self-doubt may still arise, but creativity provides a grounding force and a path toward self-advocacy. Many find that through art they not only communicate more clearly with others but also better understand themselves. In this way, the artistic journey becomes more than a career or hobby—it becomes a personal triumph, a declaration that difference is not a limitation, but a source of originality, depth, and beauty.
Resume
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Art Education at University of Maryland, expected graduation date 2026 Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, MD, 2019- 5/26/2022
- Associates Degree in Studio Arts (8/2021)
- Associates Art History/ Museum Studies (12/2021)
- Associates Graphic Web Design (5/2022)
- Associates Communications (2022)
- Associates Media Production and Film Studies (2023)
- Associates Psychology (2023)
- Associates Theater (2025)
Relevant courses: Over 24 art and theater courses including, but not limited to, Two-Dimensional Design, History of Western Art 1, History of Western Art 2, 3D Game Graphics, and Play Production; voluntarily seeks to take part in further education so one’s career can receive proper support.
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Deck Chief at Pascal Center for Performing Arts, Anne Arundel Community College 2022
- Coordinated light construction,
- Overseeing painting, and building stage decks
- Able to properly multi-task and complete certain tasks in a quickly-moving area.
After School Volunteer, Southern High School Art Department, Harwood, MD 2/7/2019 – 5/21/2019
- Employed personal knowledge and strengths to supplement the knowledge and strength of others. • Sculpted and painted art to be used in several courses at Southern High School
- Organized setting up art pieces to be shown in displays at Southern High School
Special Olympics Speaker, MD 2018 • Gave testimonial for Special Olympics MD to increase awareness/ support Special Olympics
- Can demonstrate being able to cooperate with other individuals to achieve a shared goal.
Guest speaker for RDI, Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) National Convention, Denver, 2012 Colorado
- Inspire as well as motivate myself and other individuals under a point of view that’s shared.
Volunteer for Betty Adkins- Autism Specialist, Prince George’s County 2012 – 2019
- Shared RDI experiences and how it helped me adapt, as well as relate to people without autism through lectures and a video production by PG County School System.
- Advocated for inclusion, equitable practices, and empowerment for historically marginalized communities of disabled people.
Skills
- Arts: Sculpting, painting, drawing, fabrication, digital media
- Technical: writing, intermediate knowledge of American Sign Language, typing 35 words per minute, Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Audition, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat, Maya
- Practical: moderate construction knowledge, design experience, facility maintenance
Other
- 2008 – 2010 – Received rank of red belt in Hapmudo at Yung Sung Lee Hapmudo Studios