For Charlize McCarter, art was never just a subject—it was the one thing that always made sense.
Charlize McCarter, “Still Life I.” 2025. Oil on canvas.
Growing up, she faced learning challenges that made traditional academic paths difficult. But in the studio, with a paintbrush in hand, she found her purpose. “It truly is the main thing that has ever made sense to me or actually held my attention for a long period of time,” she recalled.
Graduating from the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences in May with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, degree in Graphic Design & Photography, Minor in Art History & Creative Writing, McCarter leaves with a multidisciplinary practice that spans graphic design, photography, and painting. She sees each medium as deeply interconnected. “I’ll use my photography as a reference for my paintings,” she explained. “Everything pretty much intertwines, even emotionally.”
Sketching her path
McCarter’s journey to the University was anything but expected. Born in California and raised in New York City, she later moved to Arizona and initially planned to attend college on the West Coast.
Charlize McCarter, “Fearless Scavengers,” Kenya, 2024
But a spontaneous campus visit during a family trip changed everything.
“As soon as I set foot on the UM campus, I fell in love,” she said.
Drawn by both the campus environment and the opportunity to pursue a B.F.A. in graphic design, she arrived at the beginning of her first year with a simple goal: to grow creatively by exploring the full range of artistic disciplines available to her.
That openness led to one of her most significant discoveries: photography.
Inspired by her grandparents, who were photographers and traveled the world, McCarter developed an early fascination with images.
That childhood curiosity resurfaced at the University when she enrolled in an introductory photography course, an experience that expanded her creative perspective.
That early influence came full circle during a trip to Africa with her grandparents, where she began photographing wildlife—an experience that deepened her connection to both photography and the natural world.
Three of those images, including “Fearless Scavengers,” were later selected for exhibition at the University of Miami Citizens Board Centennial Soirée, marking an early milestone in her artistic journey.
Over the past four years, McCarter’s artistic voice has evolved alongside her technical skills. One of her proudest accomplishments is a large-scale oil painting featured in a student exhibition at the Lowe Art Museum—an artwork she spent more than 150 hours developing.
Her growth at the University extended beyond technique. Through long hours in the studio, she learned the value of patience, something that she now considers one of the most important lessons of her college experience.
“I’ve learned how much patience and discipline my work really demands, and how much I’m capable of when I fully commit to something.” she said.
Drawing from community
McCarter credits faculty mentors with helping her refine her work and build confidence in her creative voice. Among them are faculty members Lenny Salas Moreno, Gerardo Olhovich, Ivan Santiago, and Claudio Nolasco in the Department of Art and Art History, who encouraged her to push beyond surface-level ideas and explore deeper meaning in her work.
Their guidance reinforced an essential principle: growth comes from embracing critique.
Equally impactful were the relationships she built with peers. “I’ve created so many meaningful relationships here, and they have inspired me to keep building on that strong network for years to come.” she said.
Charlize McCarter, “As You Showed Me,” from series In the Keeping Of, 2026
From mock-up to market
Beyond the classroom, McCarter gained professional experience as a creative intern at a marketing agency in Arizona, where she worked closely with creative directors to develop visual concepts and content.
During the internship, she pitched a concept for a commercial that was selected by the client.
This opportunity allowed her to take a project from idea to execution. She later produced a 60-second commercial using emerging artificial intelligence tools, an experience that shaped her interest in creative direction and storytelling.
The Bigger Picture
Reflecting on her time at the University, McCarter described a profound personal and artistic transformation.
“The Charli that I was prior to coming to UM would be so deeply proud of the person who I am today,” she said.
