BRETT BOWER - BASED SYDNEY AUSTRALIA

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Brett Bower - Sydney, Australia

Known as the 'Sydney Cartoonist,' Brett Bower's artistic journey is nothing short of captivating. Embarking on his career in 1983 at Burbank Films as an animator, he swiftly transitioned to Hannah-Barbera, contributing his talents to the iconic 'Scooby-Doo.' His animation prowess extended to notable films like 'Footrot Flats: A Dog's Tail' and 'Blinky Bill' at Yoram Gross Studios.

In the late 1980s, Brett's creativity blossomed into new dimensions, leading him to create designs for t-shirts and yardage patterns for Mambo. His artistic vision was greatly influenced by esteemed American creators such as Gary Panter, Keith Haring, Robert Crumb, and the legendary Will Eisner.

While developing his craft, Brett's passion for caricature and portraiture flourished. He has sketched countless faces, ranging from politicians and celebrities to everyday individuals. Brett's artistic prowess has carried him across the globe, showcasing his art in places like Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Europe, and the USA. Brett visited 8 countries in 2023 showcasing his cartoons and talking on creativity.

Brett's artistic journey took a digital turn as he became a prominent advocate for drawing technology, collaborating with industry giants like Wacom, Google, and Apple. His presence expanded beyond the canvas, featuring on stages and TV screens. Notably, he embarked on a live art tour with Bill Bryson in 2014 and showcased his talent on the platform of 'Australia's Got Talent' in 2019.

Recent times have witnessed Brett's emergence as an inspirational figure for nurturing creativity. His dynamic presentations, marked by interactivity and profound insights, have garnered attention. Based in Sydney, Australia, Brett is a global artist available for events worldwide.

For bookings within Australia and New Zealand, reach out to Brett Bower at brett@sydneycartoonist.com.

With many years of experience teaching traditional drawing methods and fostering creativity in students, my teaching philosophy revolves around providing a safe and supportive environment for students to experiment with materials and drawing techniques, regardless of their age or experience level. I believe that every student has the potential to excel, and my aim is to build a foundation of success from the start.

I am well-versed in art materials and not intimidated by the perception of "good art." I understand that every student has their own unique style and I aim to help them find their voice through the art of drawing.

In 2020, I produced a short video called "Creative Confidence," which explores how we progress in our ability to draw from infancy to adulthood. This video has been greatly appreciated by adult students and serves as a great starting point for the group.

While I have achieved success in teaching children's workshops, particularly during the Covid period, my true passion lies in facilitating adult teaching. I firmly believe that teaching adults provides a unique opportunity to explore practical theory and case studies in greater depth, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the creative process.   

For instance, it allows us to delve into formulating the gag when creating a cartoon strip or single-panel cartoon, rather than just focusing on drawing a given object or scene.