Joseph-Brandon Thomas is a mixed media artist who lives in works in Los Angeles. His grant makes it possible for him to maintain a studio at Hawthorne Arts Complex where he can paint, design and build products, toys and collectibles. Thomas graduated from Otis College of Art & Design with a BFA in Toy Design in 2018.  As he builds his new career, studio space allows him to establish a network that furthers his career and fuels his passion as an artist and freelance designer. Thomas will show his work in quarterly exhibits at the Hawthorne Arts Complex and engage with the public and potential buyers during open studio visits. 

Thomas has worked as a Toy Design Intern at SpinMaster, a Product Designer at Alpha Complex, and a Creative Director at CallFree Media Technology, Inc. Before moving to Los Angeles to attend Otis, Thomas lived in New Iberia, Louisiana working as a full-time firefighter and sous-chef in a New Orleans-style restaurant.  However, his heart was always rooted in his creative practice and he continued to paint at home and volunteered painting murals with children. Thomas worked as a studio mentor at YAYA 2000-2004.

Joseph-Brandon Thomas participated in the YAYA young artists’ guild 1995-2000.