In today’s world of experience design, digital creations dominate. However, there also exists a realm of hand-drawn artistry that has almost faded away. Among the few remaining guardians of this vanishing craft stands Terry Brown, a talented illustrator at FORREC. Renowned for his breathtaking sketches, Terry’s portfolio captures the essence of immersive experience design.
However, Terry’s story goes beyond mere artistic endeavors. His narrative also delves into a profound exploration of the world. It is a quest to comprehend diverse cultures, and an understanding of human behavior and desires. As a master storyteller, Terry has infused his designs with the magic of immersive experiences. In doing so, he is able to captivate audiences and bring their dreams to life.
Terry’s life story is evidence of the transformative power of travel and the pursuit of a genuine connection with the world.
An early love of drawing
At 79, Terry has a wealth of life experiences. Born in Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan, Terry has called Toronto his home for over 35 years. However, Winnipeg is where he grew up and pursued his education. This culminated in a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Manitoba.
From an early age, Terry’s love for drawing laid the foundation for his interest in design. As a child, he was constantly immersed in sketching. Ultimately, he became the go-to person within his family for creating Christmas and birthday cards.
Terry’s path towards FORREC, a leading global experience design company, was not a direct one. Before his time at FORREC, Terry set out on many unique entrepreneurial ventures. His creative journey is a mix of remarkable accomplishments and diverse experiences. These have shaped his trajectory as an entertainment design visionary.
One of his notable achievements was the development of the Port a Park system in Winnipeg during the early 1970s.
This innovative modular park system aimed to create pedestrian areas and transform vacant downtown lots into vibrant spaces. The prestigious Center de Création Industrielle (CCI), a French cultural organization linked to industrial design and later becoming the Center Pompidou held a contest. Terry boldly entered the Port a Park system and emerged as the winner. This then led to the extraordinary honour of having his entries on show in the Louvre Museum.
Terry Brown & Street Seats
The recognition gained from the Louvre show, coupled with his passion for enhancing urban spaces, propelled Terry to new heights. He applied for and was awarded the esteemed Nuffield Foundation fellowship, which took him to London in 1972.
During his year-long fellowship, Terry immersed himself in studying urban design, architecture, and the development of New Towns. He delved into the intricacies of creating vibrant, people-centric environments. In doing so, he drew inspiration from the rich architectural heritage and innovative projects in the British capital.
His time in London, including attending projects at the renowned AA architectural school, further refined his skills and grew his understanding of urban design principles.
After returning to Canada, Terry then set up a public furniture company, called Street Seats where he showcased his creative designs. Living in a bus that also doubled as his showroom, he traveled from place to place, proudly showing his work. This included cast iron benches, which have since become a fixture in parks throughout Toronto.
Terry’s ability to blend artistry with functionality in his furniture designs reflects his innate talent and entrepreneurial spirit. Along his diverse professional journey, he explored various fields, including architecture, landscape design, industrial design, and graphic design. He found comfort and proficiency in each discipline.
In the 1980s, Terry set out on a new creative adventure, working in the television industry as an art director for television commercials. This unique opportunity allowed him to explore storytelling and lighting techniques, as well as the dynamics of working in collaborative teams. His time in the television industry honed his ability to craft compelling visual narratives. Also, it further enhanced his skills in collaboration and teamwork.
Joining FORREC
However, it was his meeting with FORREC that proved to be serendipitous. Here, all these creative realms converged into a harmonious whole.
At FORREC, Terry discovered a collaborative atmosphere where architecture, design, and imagination came together seamlessly. This was an ideal environment that allowed him to fully express his artistic vision. Terry’s boundless creativity has flourished, making him an invaluable asset to both the company and the industry.
Terry is not only a visionary in the experience design industry but also a devoted family person. In parallel with his diverse experiences, Terry’s unwavering support system has been his wife Lucy, who has been by his side for many years. Lucy serves as his constant source of inspiration and support, providing the foundation for Terry’s remarkable career. Her belief in his talent and dedication has fuelled his drive to push boundaries and excel in the field of experience design.
With five children and five grandchildren, he takes immense pride in his family and cherishes the connections he has nurtured throughout his life.
Terry Brown and the themed entertainment industry
Having initially joined FORREC as a freelance illustrator, Terry’s exceptional talent and dedication quickly led to his integration into the company as a full-fledged employee in 1995.
Over the years, he has become a key figure within FORREC, always pushing the boundaries of artistic excellence. His impact extends beyond his remarkable hand-drawn designs. As senior creative director and master storyteller he has played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s creative direction and driving its success.
Terry’s humor and light-heartedness shine through in his interactions with colleagues. He often playfully joked that FORREC was his company, teasing that he had a team of talented individuals flying around the world to bring him amazing things to draw. This lighthearted banter reflects his sense of camaraderie with his colleagues. Also, it shows his appreciation for the collaborative atmosphere that FORREC fosters.
Bridging gaps between cultures
As the world of experience design continues to expand rapidly, Terry sees boundless opportunities emerging. The advent of new tools and technologies enables more realistic and immersive experiences and sets designers the challenge to push their creativity to new heights.
Every sketch Terry creates carries within it the essence of a place he has visited, a story he has heard, or an emotion he has felt. His illustrations serve as windows into the worlds he has encountered. They offer glimpses of the beauty, diversity, and shared humanity that exists beyond borders.
Through his art, Terry bridges the gaps between cultures. He invites viewers to explore and appreciate the richness of our global tapestry.
Terry’s curiosity and his collaborative approach play pivotal roles in informing his experience designs. His genuine thirst for knowledge drives him to dive deep into the cultural and historical aspects of his projects. By immersing himself in the core of different cultures, he gains a profound understanding of their unique characteristics, values, and storytelling traditions.
Collaboration is key
Through collaboration with clients, colleagues, and experts, Terry Brown brings together his knowledge with diverse perspectives. He seeks input and engages in open dialogue to ensure that every design decision is informed by a range of viewpoints. This approach allows him to create experiences that resonate with a wide range of audiences, transcending cultural boundaries.
Through his involvement in projects that have taken him to Australia, the United States of America and Brazil, as well as China, the Middle East, and beyond, he has forged lasting connections with clients and industry leaders. From interpreting cultural nuances to transforming BBC’s renowned programs into immersive experiences, Terry’s ability to capture the essence of diverse narratives has been central to FORREC’s success.
As FORREC embraces technological advancements, Terry remains at the forefront of innovation. Witnessing the shift from hand-drawn illustrations sent by mail to instant digital communication with clients, he recognizes the transformative power of emerging tools, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Embracing the potential of AI, Terry is exploring how it can enhance his design thinking, challenge his creativity, and shape the future of entertainment design.
Within FORREC, Terry’s dedication to fostering talent and sharing his expertise is evident. His involvement in the 2023 themed attraction student showcase demonstrates his commitment to nurturing the next generation of creatives. By providing advice, guidance, and inspiration, he continues to shape the industry’s future. He is also solidifying FORREC’s position as a leader in experiential design.
As he continues to inspire and innovate, Terry is an example of the creative force that drives FORREC’s ongoing pursuit of groundbreaking experiences and enduring connections with audiences worldwide.
Terry Brown & FORREC: pushing boundaries
Terry’s illustrations serve as windows into the diverse landscapes, traditions, and stories that shape our world. With every stroke of his pen, he invites audiences to embark on transformative journeys, fostering empathy and connection, and also a deep appreciation for the richness of global cultures.
Together with FORREC, Terry continues to push the boundaries of experience design, shaping immersive experiences that go beyond borders and leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who encounter them. His life story stands as a testament to the power of following one’s passion and the boundless possibilities that unfold when we embrace the world around us.
In honoring Terry Brown’s journey and exceptional contributions, we also celebrate the spirit of collaboration that lies at the heart of FORREC. As an organization, we recognize that our success is not down to any one individual. Instead, it comes from the collective brilliance and talent of our team. Terry’s profile stands as a testament to the power of shared ideas and diverse perspectives, as well as the profound impact of experience design.
Top image: sketch of mixed-use development study
