Meet the Artist: Brent Wilson
Mia Macrossan talks to Brent Wilson, a prolific artist whose work is characterised by fluid expressive lines and subtle humour using a classic mid-century cartoon aesthetic.
Books he has illustrated include Mr Impoppable and Koalas Like To… His latest book, Frog, Log & Dave Almost Save the Day, is a laugh out loud romp of a graphic novel bursting with jokes, energy and
Brent is one of the artists exhibiting his work at the 2025 Book Links Exhibition: StoryArt at the Richard Randall Gallery 4 -13 April.
When did you realise that you wanted to be an artist?
I have wanted to be an artist for as long as I remember. When I was about six, I leveled up in my ability to draw and my schoolmates took notice — this is when I realised I might have a talent for it.
What were your favourite illustrations/illustrator as a child?
I was an avid reader of comics growing up. I would always seek out the comics section in the paper, especially the full-colour spreads that used to adorn the Sunday Mail. I would read and reread our collection of trade paperbacks of Peanuts, Garfield, B.C., The Wizard of ID, Hagar and so on. These, (and their creators) had a huge influence on me. I have vivid memories of drawing Snoopy over and over at a young age.
As I got older there were several comic artists that inspired and influenced the evolution of my art into what it is today, and that was Albert Uderzo’s Asterix, Hergé’s Tintin, Bill Watterson with Calvin and Hobbes, Jeff Smith with Bone, and Carl Barks with his Donald Duck and Scrooge McDuck comics; and several animators, including Chuck Jones, Craig McCracken, Genndy Tartakovsky, and Joe Murray. They’re smart and satirical and dripping with talent and care … also, this list is not exhaustive!
What is your preferred medium to work in?
I work digitally on an iPad with Procreate. I enjoy playing around with pencils and more traditional media, but commercially, it’s all digital. I find this method really suits my art style.
How would you describe your art style?
Humorous, mid-century inspired with a modern twist. This is an era of illustration and animation that I really connect with, and I love taking inspiration from. I lean into it because I love it and it’s enjoyable for me.
Where and when and how do you work?
I work wherever and whenever. I currently have a lot of work on so any chance I get, I’m drawing. Using a tablet gives me the flexibility to work anywhere. I have a café I frequent, where I can sit for hours and work, which I really enjoy. Illustration jobs usually start with the fleshing out of the idea/concept — this includes sketching out the characters and thumbnailing scenes. Once these elements are approved, I move on to the final art where line work and colours come together. I really enjoy the process of coming up with the characters.
What are the challenges of working with a writer as opposed to creating both text and art.
Fortunately, I haven’t faced many challenges working with a writer but the difference with creating both text and art is the freedom to create exactly what is in your head (rather than working from a prompt) and then altering that if you think it could work better another way.
Is there an iconic children’s work that you would like to illustrate?
I would love to have a crack at P.D. Eastman’s Go, Dog. Go!
Is/are there artist/s working today that you admire?
There are a few comic artists currently working who blow my mind: French artist Matthieu Bonhomme (who recently released an amazing reimagining of Lucky Luke), Spanish artist Rodríguez Jiménez-Bravo (known as Pau), and American artist Chris Samnee (fantastic series Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters). What these artists can do with pencil and ink I could only aspire to do!
Can you tell us something about the pieces that you are going to exhibit at the Richard Randall Art Studio?
The pieces I will exhibit are fun and splashed with colour and bold lines. They are expressive and, hopefully, a welcome addition to someone’s art collection.
Thank you, Brent, for talking to StoryLinks.
The StoryArt Exhibition is annual event showcasing local artist-illustrators whose work includes creating beautiful books for children.
The participants will have illustrations, models and other art on display. Books will be available for purchase.
Join us for UP LATE at the Book Links Story Art Exhibition on Friday 4 April, from 5:00pm @Richard Randall Art Studio, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. Free admission – bookings open now.
Exhibiting along with Brent Wilson are:
Niña Nill – Kittens Do Not Care For Baths by Ali Rutstein, Published by Hardie Grant, Oct 2024; Ladybirds Do Not Go To Day Care written by Ali Rutstein, Published by Hardie Grant, Nov 2023; We’re Moving Away Hardie Grant Aug 2023;
Sue Wright – polymer clay sculptures of mythical and fictional creatures, Tiny Owl
Terry Whidborne
Clare McFadden – The Book of Hours published by Walker Books April 2024; The Flying Orchestra published by UQP 2019
Blithe Fielden – Dinosaur in My Pocket (Ashleigh Barton) Published by Lothian (Hachette) March 2024
Hélène Magisson – Mumma Bear by Rory Mather, Noisy Noisy City written by Andrew Kelly; Willow’s Gumboots by Beverley McWilliams; All About Magical Creatures Written by Izzy Quinn
