Edgar Arnette is a Bahamian author, illustrator, and visual artist whose career spans more than four decades in design, publishing, and the creative arts.

His work bridges traditional craftsmanship with digital innovation, and he has played an important role in shaping both the visual identity of the Ministry of Education and children’s literature in the Caribbean.

Early Career in Printing & Design

Edgar began his career in the late 1970s at Executive Printers, starting as a paste-up artist and later advancing to work on offset presses and the darkroom. By the early 1980s, he transitioned into a graphic role, producing layouts for newspapers, brochures, logos, stationery, and other materials.

This foundation in commercial printing gave him the technical skills and precision that would define his later projects.

Ministry of Education – Printing, Graphics & Media (1984–2001)

In 1984, Edgar joined the Ministry of Education, initially painting school signs. Soon, his role expanded into the Learning Resources Section, where he produced graphics for the Printing Department, assisted teachers with charts and visual aids, and contributed to classroom learning.

From the late 1980s to the 1990s, he supported the Broadcasting Division, contributing to the educational TV show It’s Academic, operating cameras, assisting with studio setups, and designing television graphics.

He also worked alongside the Ministry’s photographers, capturing official events and ID photos.

Edgar’s artistry was also crucial to the BJC and BGCSE examination system, where, for nearly a decade, he created precise drawings for examination papers.

Advanced Training & Digital Innovation (2001–2002)

In 2001, Edgar took a year of advanced training in Digital Graphics, Multimedia, and Web Design at Sheridan Technical Center in Hollywood, Florida. There, he mastered emerging tools such as Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Flash, and QuarkXPress, which positioned him at the forefront of digital publishing and online communication.

Launch of the Ministry of Education Website (2002)

Returning to the Bahamas in August 2002, Edgar was assigned to the Ministry’s Public Information Unit (later Communications Division).

In December 2002, he achieved a milestone: the launch of the Ministry of Education’s first official website, bringing the institution into the digital age.

This pioneering work made information, policies, and resources more accessible to teachers, students, and the wider public. For more than two decades, Edgar remained central to the Ministry’s digital and print communications, producing newsletters, flyers, brochures, reports, and CD/DVD covers, while also maintaining the Ministry’s online presence.

Later Career & Retirement (2003–2023)

From 2003 to 2023, Edgar remained a key member of the Communications Division, where he combined photography, digital design, and print publishing.

His work included business cards, newspaper ads, event invitations, and official publications, all marked by a balance of professionalism and artistic flair.

Author, Illustrator & Artist

Alongside his government work, Edgar has built a parallel career as a children’s book author and illustrator. His books include:

• Bahamian & Caribbean Birds A–Z
• Bahamian & Caribbean Sea Creatures A–Z
• Reckley’s Night Journey (published by Longman Caribbean in the Read Awhile series)

These works celebrate the natural world, folklore, and cultural heritage of the Bahamas and the Caribbean. His art and stories are known for their humor, vivid detail, and ability to inspire curiosity in young readers.

Edgar has also exhibited as an award-winning artist. At the 1976 National Arts Festival, he received awards in both drawing and painting categories. Over the years, he has continued to create fine art alongside his commercial and literary work, establishing himself as a versatile creative force.

Today

Edgar devotes his time to writing, illustration, and digital arts. His mission remains the same: to tell Bahamian/Caribbean stories through words and images, preserving the region’s culture while inspiring new generations of readers and authors.