Brian James was born in 1947 in Birmingham, England. He studied graphic design at Birmingham College of Art, where he designed the now familiar image of a Union Jack on a Bowler Hat.
After graduating he was an advertising agency art director for many years before becoming a freelance illustrator in the late 1970's. Since then he has worked on many national and international advertising campaigns. In recent years his work has included illustrations for museums, in the UK, Middle East and America.
Through the years he became interested in the posters and images of the 1920s and 30s. One can see the influence that these periods have had on his current works, which demonstrate a contemporary take on the classic vintage poster look.