Brian Rea

Brian Rea is an Adjunct Associate Professor teaching Illustration Journalism and Op-Ed Illustration, affiliated with the School of Visual Arts in New York, within the College of Art and Design, Department of Illustration. He is a prominent illustrator and visual artist with a global practice based in Los Angeles.

His research and creative interests center on visual storytelling, editorial illustration, and the intersection of art with journalism and opinion media. He specializes in op-ed illustration, contributing regularly to major publications and exploring narrative depth through drawing and painting.

His professional work has been widely recognized by leading industry organizations including the Society of Illustrators, Society of Publication Designers, Communication Arts, American Illustration, and The One Show, receiving both gold and silver medals.

• Gold Medal from the Society of Illustrators
• Silver Medal from the Society of Illustrators
• Recognition from the Society of Publication Designers
• Award from American Illustration Annual
• Award from Communication Arts
• Award from the One Show

Brian Rea has advised numerous students through workshops and academic instruction at institutions like Parsons and Maryland Institute College of Art. He has secured significant creative commissions and projects with clients such as Apple, Google, The New Yorker, Wired, Airbnb, Herman Miller, Vanity Fair, and the New York Times, where he serves as the weekly illustrator for the Sunday Styles column 'Modern Love.'

His studio practice in downtown Los Angeles functions as a creative hub for illustration, murals, fashion, film, and book projects. His paintings and murals have been exhibited internationally, including at The Fundació Joan Miró in Barcelona, as well as in Paris, Mexico City, New York, Seoul, and Los Angeles.