Bio
Professional Overview
Craig A. Stanley is an accomplished scenic artist and visual storytelling specialist with over 25 years of experience in the film and television industry. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Craig has contributed his artistic expertise to major Hollywood productions, Emmy-winning television series, and blockbuster films that have collectively grossed over $1 billion worldwide.
Professional Specialties
Scenic Artistry & Set Painting
Craig specializes in scenic painting, mural creation, and surface texturing for film and television productions. As a scenic artist, he transforms raw set pieces into believable environments by applying specialized painting techniques, creating realistic textures, and executing the production designer's vision with precision and artistry.
Technical Expertise
• Traditional Scenic Painting: Large-scale backdrop creation, mural painting, faux finishing techniques
• Set Surface Treatment: Aging, weathering, and texture application for authentic period looks
• Graffiti & Street Art: Specialized urban art creation for contemporary productions
• Color Matching & Mixing: Expert-level paint formulation for continuity across scenes
• Rapid Production Techniques: Fast-turnaround painting methods essential for television schedules
Notable Film & Television Credits
Emmy-Winning & Award-Nominated Productions
Craig's scenic artistry has contributed to productions that have received critical acclaim and industry recognition:
• Ozark (2018) - Netflix Original Series - Scenic Artist
• Emmy Award-winning drama series with 45 Emmy nominations and 4 wins
• Achieved over 4 billion minutes of viewing time during peak popularity
• Craig's work helped create the authentic Missouri Ozarks atmosphere
• Cobra Kai (2021) - Netflix Original Series - Artist - 10 episodes
• 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating for multiple seasons
• One of Netflix's most-watched series with 14.1 million views for Season 6 debut
• Craig contributed to the iconic dojo and tournament environments
Major Blockbuster Films
Craig's scenic work has appeared in films with significant box office success:
• The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) - Art Department
• $865 million worldwide box office gross
• Broke November opening weekend records with $158 million opening
• Craig's work contributed to the dystopian Capitol and arena environments
• The Darkest Minds (2018) - Graffiti Artist
• Specialized in creating authentic urban decay and resistance messaging
• Applied street art techniques for post-apocalyptic world-building
• Blockers (2018) - Artist
• $94.2 million worldwide box office success
• Craig's scenic work supported the suburban comedy's authentic settings
Long-Running Television Series
Craig's extensive television experience includes major network and streaming productions:
• Will Trent (2024-2025) - ABC Network - Scenic Artist - 11+ episodes
• Current hit crime drama series set in Atlanta
• Craig's local expertise brings authentic Georgia atmosphere to production
• Black Lightning (2018-2020) - The CW Network - Scenic Artist - 45 episodes • DC Comics superhero series requiring specialized urban environments
• Craig painted authentic inner-city sets and superhero world environments.
• The Haves and the Have Nots (2013-2018) - OWN Network - Scenic Artist/Set Painter -97 episodes
• Tyler Perry Studios production showcasing Craig's versatility
• Extensive work creating upscale and working-class environments
Industry Impact & Recognition
Production Volume & Reach
• 30+ credited productions on IMDB spanning film and television
• 200+ episodes of television scenic work
• Billions of viewers worldwide have seen Craig's artistic contributions
• Major streaming platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Hulu
Atlanta Film Industry Leadership
Craig has been instrumental in helping Atlanta as a major film production hub, working on productions that have brought millions of dollars in economic impact to Georgia. His expertise in rapid-turnaround artistic work has made him a sought-after artist for the city's booming television and film industry.
Educational Background & Early Career
The Creative Circus School - Atlanta, Georgia (1998)
• Specialized in graphic design and commercial illustration
• Developed foundational skills in color theory, composition, and visual storytelling
Career Evolution
Craig's career began with music industry work, painting tour backdrops for major recording artists including Brooks & Dunn, Jagged Edge, and Trey Songz. This experience in large-scale, high-pressure artistic production prepared him for the demanding schedules of film and television work.
Commercial & Brand Work
Sherwin-Williams Partnership
Craig served as a specialized airbrush artist for Sherwin-Williams, creating custom artwork and demonstrations that showcased advanced painting techniques and color applications.
Automotive Artistry
Specialized in automotive customization and vehicle graphics for film productions, including his notable work on The Fast and The Furious (2001), where his custom vehicle artwork helped establish the franchise's signature aesthetic.
Published Works & Children's Literature
Book Illustration
• "My Sister, My Friend" (2020) - Illustrated children's book written by Maria Hoskins
• "Our Joyful Noise" (2024) - Collaboration with Simon & Schuster Publishing (Atheneum Books for Young Readers) - Author: Gabriele Davis
Personal Philosophy & Artistic Vision
Craig's artistic philosophy centers on visual storytelling and cultural authenticity. His extensive travels with his wife Coleen have informed his understanding of diverse cultures and environments, which he incorporates into his scenic work to create authentic, believable worlds for film and television audiences.
His ultimate goal is to "share happiness and joy through artwork with as many people as possible," a mission he fulfills through both his entertainment industry work and his fine art practice.
