About

Brad Hicks knew he would be an artist at a very young age, recognized for his talents, winning awards and contests. In his junior year of high school, he started painting holiday windows developing his own personal style of lettering and cartooning. His formal instruction began at El Camino College, acquiring academic training in drawing and design. While studying for his AA degree in Fine Arts, Brad worked as a sign painter, gaining hands-on experience in calligraphy, and the power of graphic design. Thru sign painting, Brad was able to pay for private school tuition at Art Center College of Design, in Pasadena, California, graduating in 1986 with Honors in Illustration.

Post graduation, Brad worked in numerous design studios throughout Los Angeles freelancing in advertising and editorial illustration. In 1991, he moved into the world of animation, starting as a Background Journeyman. Brad worked on 12 feature animated films. He spent 5 1/2 years as a Background Artist at the prestigious Walt Disney feature animation Studios, working on Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Mulan, Tarzan, Emperor’s New Groove, Atlantis, and Treasure planet. He then worked for Big Idea, (Veggie Tales) as a color key designer for their first feature film, Jonah, and many half hour specials. Later Brad worked at Vanguard Animation (Vancouver Canada) as the assistant to the art director on, Space Chimps. Designing the color keys, texture development for 3-D modelers, matte paintings, and illustrations stills. He also consulted with the directors, changing the story content, bringing a stronger family base to the company.

For the last 19 years, Brad had the privilege of being the Art Director and Set Designer in builder for the Annual living art presentation, "Pageant of Our Lord", now “Living Art Experience” which places live models into life size masterpieces with costume and makeup… see Set Design

Brad is currently transitioned back into the world of Visual development, Story development and illustration. He has re-discovered his own personal style and methods of drawing with pastels for children's books, and editorial illustration.

Additionally, Brad gives back to the community by mentoring and teaching. He worked as a adjunct professor at Woodbury University 1999-2002. In 2013 to 2021 he designed a visual arts four year program at a private college prep school Ambassador Christian school. He part-time, taught this program, Art 1, Foundational Principles of art making. Art 2, History Applied. AP studio art, Drawing, AP 2-D design. Currently he still mentors students as a multifaceted Art Coach.

Brad also dreams of starting a school, Hope Gallery School of Fine Art. Inviting inner city students into a community dedicated to building new skills with hope and faith.

Through all his experiences, Brad has developed his own personal method of communicating through many medias. Married for 26 years to his wonderful MFT therapist wife, with three brilliant young collegiate adults.