Brandon Bradley’s Artistic Journey: From Animation Enthusiast to Caricature Specialist

Brandon Bradley, a Media Education Associate with the City of New York’s Parks Department, is a multi-talented visual artist specializing in digital art, graphic design, cartooning, caricature, and comics. Bradley’s passion for the arts was ignited in his youth, as he spent countless hours watching animated shows on Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, including classics like Tom and Jerry, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Dexter’s Laboratory. These early influences fueled his desire to recreate the characters he admired on screen.

In addition to Western animation, Bradley was deeply influenced by anime, particularly series like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and One Piece. This combination of Western and Eastern animation styles shaped his unique approach to art, leading him to explore character design and cartooning in greater depth.

Bradley’s pursuit of art became more serious during his high school years and carried into his college education at York College in Jamaica, Queens, where he majored in art. Although the curriculum wasn’t specifically focused on animation, Bradley was determined to bridge the gaps in his knowledge. After graduating, he immersed himself in self-study, utilizing books, online resources, and networking events to hone his skills in character design and caricature.

Reflecting on his artistic journey, Bradley notes, “I realized that while animation wasn’t my exact path, I still had a passion for illustration and character design. Caricature has become more prominent in my work, allowing me to blend my love for narrative art with my skills in drawing.”

Bradley’s dedication and networking efforts have paid off, leading to opportunities such as participating in events at Bay Plaza, a major shopping mall. His work will be displayed at a dedicated table, where visitors can view and purchase his art, connect with him, and even experience live caricature sessions.

For aspiring artists, Bradley emphasizes the importance of networking and persistence. “There are no shortcuts, but networking has been my best friend this year. Attending industry-specific events and making connections has been crucial. Keep practicing your craft, study the fundamentals, and don’t be afraid to put in the work. It’s a long process, but with dedication, the results will come.”

To connect with Brandon Bradley or inquire about his work, you can find him on Instagram at @BrandonBradleyArt, on Twitter at @BBradleyArt, or email him at [email protected]. His portfolio and latest projects can be explored on his Facebook page, “The Art of Brandon Bradley.”