BRENTOS
Brentos is a Sydney-based artist, designer, and picture book creator whose work is infused with the natural beauty of the Australian bush and coastline. With a signature style that pops with bubble-gum pastels, surf vibes, cheeky wildlife characters, and classic Aussie charm, his illustrations capture the heart of Australia.
Brent and his partner Tash run their business together, creating Australiana-inspired merchandise, including prints, posters, and postcard booklets. Every design starts as a hand-drawn illustration, telling a story and backed by purpose - whether it’s a kookaburra watching the waves or a tribute to Australia’s extinct species under a starry night sky.
Dedicated to sustainability and supporting local craftsmanship, they collaborate with ethical suppliers and local talent. Their wholesale products feature eco-friendly paints, recycled timber frames, and top-quality materials, all designed and assembled in-house or by trusted Aussie makers.
From murals to merch, Brentos has collaborated with iconic brands like Peter Alexander, Coopers Brewery, and Crocs, and supported causes like WIRES and Greenpeace. Together, Brent and Tash create art that celebrates Australia’s natural environment, inspiring connection, conservation, and a love for all things Aussie.
What inspired the idea for your business?
Brentos was born from our love of Australia’s incredible natural environment and a shared passion for creating art that connects people to the outdoors. Growing up near the beach and surrounded by bush, we were inspired by the colors, textures, and cheeky wildlife that make Australia unique. We wanted to turn that inspiration into art that not only looks beautiful but also tells a story about the landscapes and creatures we hold dear.
Where is the business now? And where is it headed?
Brentos has seen remarkable growth from our best-selling series of picture books (published by Affirm Press) that has sold over 50,000 copies Australia-wide and a strong nationwide digital strategy. From a small creative business where all profits were donated to WIRES to where we’re at now, we’ve expanded from creating fine art prints and posters to designing postcard booklets, painting murals, and collaborating with amazing charities and brands like WIRES, Surfing Australia, Coopers Brewery, Australia Zoo, Surfing Life Magazine and a number of enviro-focused local businesses such as Buckettys Brewery, Pitwatter Eco Adventures and Yugen Surfboards. We’re Australian Made Certified, with our paper goods being locally made, and are building relationships with retailers across the country. Looking ahead, we’re focused on scaling up our wholesale offerings, licensing our artwork to screened brands, launching new collections, and running pop-ups to bring our work to an even bigger audience.
How does your brand differentiate itself in the market?
We stand out by staying true to our roots. Our designs capture an authentic Aussie vibe, celebrating the bush, beach, and wildlife in a way that resonates with locals and travelers alike. Our products don’t just look good—they carry stories and champion the natural environment.
Can you share the challenges you've encountered and how you've navigated them? What have been your key strengths and weaknesses, and what have you learned from them?
Running a creative business isn’t always smooth sailing. A big challenge has been juggling production, logistics, and growing demand while staying hands-on with the art. Our strength lies in adaptability and teamwork—leaning on each other’s skills to keep things running smoothly. A weakness and lesson? Learning to say no and not overcommit, especially when everything excites us.
What are the core values and principles that shape your brand's decision-making process?Our decisions are guided by sustainability, authenticity, and community. We care deeply about the natural environment, which is why we prioritize eco-friendly materials and support local talent. Collaboration is another key value—whether it’s working with charities, businesses, or local makers, we believe in creating together and giving back. Above all, we want every product we make to feel uniquely Aussie and tell a story that connects people to the beauty of our land.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to start their own business?
Start small, stay passionate, and trust the process. Be prepared to wear many hats and make mistakes—it’s all part of the journey. Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you, and remember: no one succeeds alone. Most importantly, create something you truly believe in, because your enthusiasm will resonate with others.
What achievement are you most proud of in your business journey?
We’re incredibly proud of being Aussie Made Certified and working with organizations like WIRES and the Wilderness Society to support Aussie wildlife. One standout moment was seeing our book, Australian Animals: From Beach to Bush, nominated for Best Picture Book by the Wilderness Society. It’s a reminder that our work isn’t just art—it’s a way to celebrate and protect the places we love.