What inspires illustrator legend Ben Brown?

Self-described “loco drawing weirdo” Ben Brown @mentalben has had a pen in his hand since he was a boy.

Having worked with big names like Sony Music, Mambo, Red Bull and Nirvana, today Ben is a regular contributor for surf, skate and snow brands – and a bit of a legend in the illustrator world.

We're stoked to have collaborated with Ben to create the Make A Wave x Freely rashie for SurfAid's Make A Wave Challenge 2024, an annual challenge that invites people around the world to surf (or get in the ocean) every day in September to fundraise for SurfAid’s work with remote communities in Indonesia and the Pacific.

As part of this year's Challenge, fundraisers who reach $100 will be rewarded with an exclusive Make A Wave x Freely rashie – plus, the first $100 will be matched by the Z Zurich Foundation!

We recently sat down with Ben to chat about his career, his inspiration and where he likes to surf.

How did you start out as an illustrator?

I always was drawing. I used to draw on surfboards, skateboards, cars – all manner of things when I was young. I started working for a screen printer in Brookvale in my late teens, so I had access to an old school art department. From there I started working for bands, music promoters, surf companies – anything I had a cultural interest in. I hustled my way in.

What are your most memorable projects?

I love designing rock posters, so working for bands like Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Pearl Jam and local legends like Cold Chisel, You Am I and the Hoodoo Gurus rank pretty high. I recently did some work for Australian surfing legend Mark Richards, which was great. Most of my work is based around the culture of fun, so working with and meeting the people who create that fun is always inspiring.

What in your life keeps you inspired?

I still surf a lot and watch bands when I can. I love checking out the work of other artists, either in the flesh, online or in books and magazines. I love junk culture, so I immerse myself in that and it is an endless source of ideas.

Where’s your favourite surf spot?

I literally just returned from a family trip to Kandooma in the Maldives – the right hander there is nothing but fun. I am off to Indonesia in a few months too, so obviously exotic spots are always amazing – but I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the local at North Steyne (Manly) and the Northern Beaches in general.

Advice for budding illustrators?

Be yourself. Reflect what you love in your work and you will always be motivated and have a positive source of inspiration. Don’t worry so much about trends and fashion in art and design.You want to stand out and be original. It can take a while to before you are working professionally on things that interest you, but stay on the course and it will pay off.

Learn more and sign up to the Make A Wave Challenge.