BRIAN HAWKINS

Brian Hawkins built a career defined by creativity, innovation and a willingness to embrace new ideas. An Ontario College of Art (OCA, now OCAD University) Design alum, Hawkins credited OCA with nurturing his artistic talent and preparing him for a career in television and advertising at a time when the medium was still in its infancy.

His work took him to more than 17 countries, where he helped shape the evolution of commercial television and advertising. After studying in Paris and working on some of the earliest television commercials in the United Kingdom, Hawkins helped establish commercial television in Australia and later championed colour television advertising in Canada. 

His creative vision reached millions through campaigns for major brands, including Imperial Oil, Molson and TD Bank, where he helped introduce the now-iconic Green Machine automated banking machine (ABM).

Hawkins also contributed to defining moments in Canada's cultural history. His work on Expo 67 brought him together with creative professionals from around the world, while his support for organizations, including the Royal Ontario Museum, the Toronto International Film Festival and Metro Caravan reflected his commitment to strengthening Canada's cultural landscape. 

Internationally, he served as a jury member and foreman at prestigious advertising film festivals in Cannes and Venice, becoming the only Canadian to do so at the time.

Throughout his career, Hawkins remained committed to lifelong creativity as a painter and writer. He continues to create with the same passion that propelled his commercial career, encouraging today’s OCAD U students to approach new technology with curiosity, a critical eye, emphasizing that new technology can spark entirely new forms of artistic expression.

Read more about Brian Hawkins

Image credit: A modern TD Green Machine seen at Yorkdale Shopping Mall.