I received my B.F.A. at Northern Illinois University, formally trained in watercolor & oil painting.

An Oak Park, Illinois native, my career began in Chicago, producing TV commercial storyboards & animatics for the top ad agencies. My editorial illustration was featured in national newspapers and magazines.

After a few years knocking around the Caribbean, I returned to Chicago, taking positions as lead illustrator for VideOcart, Inc., and then editor/creative director at Information Resources, overseeing production of a weekly kiosk-based multimedia magazine.

Using my newly gained experience in digital imaging and video production, I returned to freelancing.

There was the move to Manhattan in the mid-90’s where I continued to fuse my traditional fine art training with emerging CGI tools. My work included some of the first online/disk-based ads, as well as award-winning instructional and medical-based animation and illustration.

In 2009 my wife Pam, son Luca, and I returned to the Midwest, putting down roots in Evanston, Illinois.

In the years since, I’ve focused on partnering with best-selling authors (Raymond Benson & John Shors, among others) on book illustration and feature film pitches, as well as generating several of my own projects for print and film. In 2019 I founded Kitbash Media LLC, a content development &  publishing imprint.

Some of my creative heroes include animator Ray Harryhausen, illustrators James Bama & Robert McGinnis, the cartoonist Mort Drucker, and composer John Barry.

I focus on providing the most professional experience for my clients… to give them the biggest bang for their budget.

Applying my formal training in the fine arts to the latest CGI methods has truly served me well. These digital tools have enabled me to create immersive environments and character depictions otherwise beyond reach.

Always, though, I strive to produce artwork grounded in traditional techniques without being over reliant on digital gimmickry.

• Download this PDF of illustration samples for off-line viewing:   BrianBerleySamples.PDF

• Download this PDF to view my typical Client Work Arrangement & Methodology:   BrianBerleyClientInfo.PDF