Shannon Brady is an illustrator based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He received an MFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. His job history has included the refilling of gumball machines to teaching English in Vietnam. Currently, he is working as a freelance illustrator and a university art instructor.

Growing up surrounded by the Gothic influences of Old Milwaukee, Shannon consumed a steady diet of folk, fairytale, fantasy and adventure literature. His father's pension for collecting old paintings was also a source of interest and encouraged a daily regiment of artistic endeavors. From Kathmandu to Timbuktu, Shannon's love for travel is just another source of inspiration.

His current creative approach is inspired by the artists of the Golden Age of Illustration like Arthur Rackham, Kay Nielson, John Bauer, as well as other artists from a bygone era like Aubrey Beardsley, and Lotte Reiniger. Sergio Toppi and Edward Gorey are some more current influences.

As an editorial artist for over 20 years, his work has been recognized by American Illustration, Society of Illustrators, Black Book "RAW 50", 3x3 Magazine, The Xeric Foundation, Society of Publication Designers, and Communication Arts Illustration Annual. His clients have included: The New York Times, Utne Magazine, HOW Magazine, Continental Airlines, National Geographic Publishing, Razorfish Advertising, Samsung, Maximum PC Magazine, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Gyro Worldwide Advertising, Washington City Paper, Knight Ridder News, The Santa Fe Reporter, MSP Communications, Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine, IBM's iSeries Magazine, Minnesota Monthly, California Magazine, Toki Design, Viking Magazine, Twin Cities Business Monthly, Corvallis Brewing Supply, Request Media Inc., Crackpot Records, Garage D'or Records, and more.

The work on this website moves in a new direction and showcases a body of art that connects with his earliest interests and goals for his future artistic direction.

Browse through the these photos for a peek into his past.