Pumpkin Carver Earns £10,000 with Elaborate Halloween Designs

A talented pumpkin carver from Capenhurst, Chester, has reported earnings of approximately £10,000 this year through his artistic side venture. Jamie Jones, aged 42, has gained recognition for his intricate pumpkin designs, which often feature portraits of notorious figures such as Ed Gein and Jeffrey Dahmer, alongside various horror characters. His journey into pumpkin carving began at the age of 30, when he discovered his passion for the craft while preparing for a family Halloween gathering.

Jones has developed a unique technique that involves shaving layers from the pumpkin’s surface to create a three-dimensional effect, rather than simply cutting shapes out. Each carving can take anywhere from seven to 27 hours to complete, depending on its complexity. He recalled that his initial foray into the art was marked by extensive practice, stating he would work on 30 to 40 pumpkins annually “until his fingers bled.”

From Hobby to Business

Following a significant win of £300 at a pumpkin carving competition in 2019 at York Maze, Jones launched his business, Pumpkin Freak, in 2020. Since then, he has collaborated with several brands, including Morrisons and Warner Bros, expanding his reach and influence within the niche market of pumpkin artistry.

Jones shared insights into his creative process, explaining that he often draws inspiration from popular culture, including the American television series Halloween Wars. He begins by sketching a stencil or using his own drawings, then employs various linocutters and chisels to carve different depths into the pumpkins. This year, he has focused on a smaller selection of designs, completing around 15 pumpkin carvings for commissions.

His creations have included a haunted supermarket for Morrisons and themed vases for the Hercules musical, as well as caricatures of political figures such as Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.

Community Engagement and Family Involvement

Jones dedicates about two weeks each October to his pumpkin carving, stepping away from his regular job as an events and media sales manager. He has previously sold as many as 70 pumpkins in a single season. The branded projects typically begin in early October, allowing him to manage his time effectively and reduce late-night work sessions.

To preserve the freshness of his carved pumpkins, Jones uses a mixture of water and bleach, which he believes can extend their lifespan by “a few more days.” Many local residents have begun to make a point of visiting his home to admire the displays, highlighting his growing reputation within the community. Additionally, he has taken on the role of adjudicator at the local pumpkin carving contest, further solidifying his status as a key figure in the area.

Jones’s children have also embraced the pumpkin carving tradition, with his eldest daughter showing particular enthusiasm for the craft. He remarked, “I think she’s definitely a budding professional pumpkin carver.”

For those interested in exploring Jamie Jones’s work, more information can be found at his website, www.pumpkinfreak.co.uk, and on his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/pumpkinfreak.