Ad industry farewells art director Ian Brown
The ad industry is mourning the passing of well-known art director Ian ‘Brownie’ Brown at aged 66. Many will remember him from his various stints in the business, from his first gig at MDA in the late 70s. Then at Mojo, Masius, his own consultancy MacTavish & Brown, then Oddfelllows.
His former partner Ian MacTavish pays tribute in this email to CB:
RIP
Ian Brown
1944 – 2011
Ian Brown was one of the tastiest Aussie art directors of the last few decades.
Learning his craft when art direction required a knowledge of the mechanics of the printed page, he was a master of the art of drawing and engraving but cleverly enlarged his skills to enhance the image on screens big and small as well as on paper.
An early gig at Philips Records designing album covers coincided with his nighttime life as a serious guitarist. Standing front row in pub bands facing thrown glasses and fights gave him credibility with the various artists he talked to during the day.
His first advertising agency job was at MDA in the late 70s. Then at MOJO Paddo, then Masius, MOJO Cremorne then a consultancy at MacTavish & Brown, then Oddfelllows.
A lot of commercials were so much better on air because of Brownie’s eye, before and during the shoot and later at editing.
His fellow creatives loved him. Agency suits loved him. Clients loved him. He was an art director who actually understood what his skills could achieve for them all.
There is a lot of Brownie’s stuff still out there. A hundred people must still have his inspired leaving cards. An enduring favourite is his drawing on the Brokenwood Cricket Pitch label.
Not hard to raise a glass to him.
***
Relatives and friends of Brownie are warmly invited to attend his funeral this Friday (January 21,
2011), to be held in the Palm Chapel of Macquarie Park Crematorium, corner of Plassey and Delhi Roads, Macquarie Park (North Ryde).
Service appointed to commence at 11.15 a.m.
By request no flowers.
***
The wake will be held afterwards from around 1pm at the upstairs bar The Spare Room at The Oaks Hotel, off Ben Boyd Road, Neutral Bay.
8 Comments
Brownie was a lovely man who always had time to have a chat and teach you something. Mr Heckendorf and Mr Maloney must be very sad today, as I am. Thanks Ian. Jen x
While I didn’t work directly with Brownie at Mojo, I do remember him well as being the epitome of a class act. I’ll be buying a bottle of Cricket Pitch to toast him come Jan 21.
I was lucky enough to work at Mojo as a nipper and Brownie was one of the nicest blokes you would ever hope to meet. My condolences to his family.
Brownie gave an 18 year-old me the impression that in advertising everyone was valued and treated with respect. A true and selfless gentleman. Sad to hear he’s gone.
Very sad. I too was lucky enough to have worked with the great Ian Brown and what a pleasure it was. The man was an icon of his time, an art director who knew the true meaning of the title – he knew his stuff. He will be greatly missed both from a personal and a business perspective. May he rest in peace.
Brownie was THE gentleman of advertising.
A talented and elegant human being who will be missed by many.
He was one of the rare people who , in conversation made you feel you were important . Only one other person could do that for me and many others who agree, that was Sam See.
I’ll miss you Brownie.
Ib was my mentor and friend at Philips on Clarence Street way back at the beginning. His charm and creative genius was on the rise and there was no doubt he was going places. I missed his agency years but read many great reviews. My love and belated sympathy to his bride, Julie and family.