Born in 1960 in Fayette, Alabama, Charly Palmer was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Interested by art from a very young age, he remembers his fascination with illustrations in Ezra Jack Keats’ books. The random geometric shapes, the simplicity of the layered textures and patterns, and the bold colors caught his eye and his mind. Much of Palmer’s work today shows signs of this early influence. His refined his natural talents while studying art and design at the American Academy of Art and the School of the Art Institute and the artwork he produces as a result has led him to owning his own design studio. Both the bold geometric style for which he is famous and the more experimental and spontaneous artwork he created under the assumed name of “Carlos” are acclaimed and coveted worldwide. Palmer’s creations can be found in Fortune 500 companies, universities, and countless other public, private, and corporate collections. He was also commissioned to create the official poster for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Palmer continues to paint as well as teach design and illustration in Atlanta.