Brian Froud (born 1947) is a British illustrator and conceptual designer, best known for his work in the fantasy genre. He is particularly associated with the Jim Henson Company, having designed many of the characters for the hit fantasy movie The Dark Crystal.
Froud was born in Dorset, England and was always interested in art and fantasy. After completing an art degree at the Winchester School of Art, he began his career in the film industry as a matte painter. While working at Elstree Studios, he was asked to create concept art and character designs for The Dark Crystal. His designs were so successful that they became the basis for the final character designs in the movie.
He went on to become a freelance illustrator and his work is featured in many books, including the fairy tale collections of Alan Lee and Brian Froud. He has also worked on the concept designs for the feature films Labyrinth (1986) and The Witches (1990).
Froud's artwork is known for its intricate detail and delicate line work. He often creates fantastical scenes with an ethereal, dreamlike quality. His work has been exhibited in galleries around the world and he has received numerous awards, including the Hugo Award for Best Artist in 2000.
In addition to his work in film and illustration, Froud has also written and illustrated several books of his own. These include Faeries (1978), Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book (1994), The World of the Dark Crystal (2002), and The Heart of Faerie Oracle (2007).
Froud's work has continued to influence the fantasy genre, and he has been cited as an inspiration by many modern fantasy artists. He currently lives in Devon, England with his family, and continues to create new artwork.
