Vale Steve Browning – one of the very best
The industry has been shocked by news of the death this week of Steve Browning, one of Perth’s finest-ever copywriters.
Browning had travelled to the UK to see his ailing, elderly father and suffered a heart attack while there. He was in a coma for two weeks and passed away on Wednesday night (Perth time).
Starting in advertising at London’s Benton & Bowles in 1982, Browning came to Australia in 1986 and did stints at Marketforce, JMA Ogilvy & Mather (where he succeeded Mike Edmonds as Creative Director) and Jenkin Shorter FCB.
In June 1993 he co-founded the agency with which he would become synonymous – Vinten Browning – with art director Wayne Vinten.
Vinten Browning quickly established itself as one of Perth’s most creative outfits. A dominant year in 1997 saw it named Campaign Brief’s Agency of the Year, and Browning himself was named Ad Person of the Year. It was at VB that he created his most famous and awarded campaign for Chippers Funeral Directors.
Amongst a string of awards, Browning won Silver and Bronze at AWARD for his copywriting on Chippers, which catapulted both the agency and him onto the national stage creatively.
While Chippers was his best-known work, Radio was his favourite medium. He won the Southern Cross Austereo Radio Writers Award three times, in 1997, 1998 and 2005. In March this year, he reflected on the value of the Award and his love of Radio as part of the tribute by past winners.
Browning scaled back his work with Vinten Browning and eventually left the partnership in 2006 to devote more time to other creative writing projects. While he pursued those, he was still actively working in the industry as a freelancer and with some direct clients as Writing by Steve Browning. He was also a sometime tutor at AdSchool, and came along to a couple of Campaign Brief ’s Legendary Lunches where he was always a popular catch-up for old friends.
Unfailingly polite, humble, intelligent, talented, dedicated and with the driest sense of humour, Browning was an esteemed colleague and a revered member of the Perth industry’s creative community.
His untimely passing is keenly felt by all who knew him.
54 Comments
Can’t believe it. Such sad news. My thoughts are with his family.
An absolute legend in our industry and a true gentleman. Some of my best learning lessons and challenges were given to me by this great mentor and for that I will always be grateful to him. Such a sad loss. The mold has been broken. Blessings to his family
Really was one of the best…..many memories of great work and fun times in the studio ….RIP Steve
One of the best. And more importantly, one of the nicest.
Steve was easily one of the best people I have ever had the pleasure to know as a friend and colleague. He was effortlessly brilliant as a creative and made the world a better place for his presence and his work. I will miss him greatly.
What a tragic loss. A lovely man, hugely talented, extraordinary sense of humour, kind, always helpful, self effacing, humble in the extreme. The industry just became so much smaller.
Didn’t know the man, but certainly seen and admired his work and knew of his extraordinary reputation. My condolences and thoughts are with his family, those who knew him and worked with him esp. WV.
An extraordinarily talented, funny and nice chap. Condolences to his family and friends on such a huge loss.
It’s 20 years to the day since Steve took a chance on some kid who was selling him guitars. Getting your first job is the biggest hurdle of any ad career and Steve gave me mine. What more could you ask for in an initiation but to see firsthand how Steve wrote copy (or rewrote yours). He was quick, brilliant at the craft, and usually on a different intellectual level to even the clever people in the room. He reminded me of Douglas Adams but with the discipline to be concise, even if there was an aside that couldn’t be resisted. 50 of Steve’s words were worth 100, and in the days of long copy 200 from him were worth 1000. I’m certainly more pedantic/anal because of him. Wherever he is now, he’s surely picking apart this comment one clause at a time (Note: cut 20%). On another note, I heard a certain C word more in my first three months in advertising than I had in the rest of my life to that point – it was a rich education.
I’m sitting in an agency office on a frosty Melbourne day and still doing the job after all this time in no small part thanks to Steve. RIP.
Well said Dan. In particular the Douglas Adams reference.
Absolutely devastated. Was just working with him a few weeks ago. Brilliant copywriter, brilliant at briefing and talent direction, and best of all, brilliant wicked sense of humour. Condolences to Chris and the family. Will be sorely missed.
When I edit a piece of copy, it’s still Steve’s voice I hear in my head when I spot a dangling modifier or prune an unnecessary “that”. I feel very lucky that he was my first writing mentor. R.I.P.
Such a talented writer and one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. What sad, sad news.
This is such tragic news, Steve set the standard that every writer aspired to. What a massive loss.
Just can’t believe this, was just writing to someone about what a great guy and writer he was yesterday, and he will always remain. What tragic news. Steve (Binnie) and I loved working with him and will treasure our collaborative efforts all the more. Huge loss, can’t imagine how hard this is for his family. The industry too is much the poorer for this news, he was one of the nicest, humblest and funniest guys and a true writing talent. RIP Steve, and thank you.
This is truly devastating news.
Steve was a mentor to me and I owe much of what I know about writing ads to him. Anyone who spent any time with him would know he was a genius creative and a generous, funny bloke, with a heart of gold. A gentleman.
His lightning-quick quips were legendary. As was his warmth and charm. I feel incredibly grateful to have known him. Sincere condolences to his family.
Such tragic news and sincere condolences to Steve’s family. He made a huge impact at ECU as a lecturer and his legendary Chipper’s work is referenced continuously. A very, very nice man.
This is just so sad. What an incredibly talented writer he was! A wordsmith! He wrote so much great radio.
What a massive loss to the industry.
RIP Steve.
Such sad news. We worked together in the 80s, dined together in the 90s at our Edinburgh home and golfed together at Hartfield in the noughties (he won, of course). I regret to say haven’t seen him for a few years. I wish I had. He was the most charming, funny and gifted of men. Deepest condolences to the family. Rest In Peace Steve.
This is such sad news. I was lucky enough to spend some time at VB and on the golf course with Steve in the late 90s. I learnt more in those two years with Steve and Wayne than the rest of my agency time combined. We all know he was a master of long copy but it was his wickedly funny one-liners for every occasion that I was truly in awe of. He was one of the greats. What a loss.
Absolute genius, absolute gent. So shocked and saddened to hear this news. From one old curmudgeon to another, Rest In Peace, Mr B. D x
Absolutely stunned by this sad news. I was privileged to have been Steve’s art director when he took the CD reins at JMAO&M. A true craftsman with words with an incisive eye for an idea. And the man could play a mean banjo! Will be sorely missed. Deepest wishes to his family.
Remember the banjo so well.
I first worked with Steve in 1988 and knew at once I was in the presence of greatness. I will miss his wry sense of humour and his inexhaustible font of kindness. RIP old friend and colleague.
I remember being sh*t scared when first working with Steve. His reputation preceded him and I was a complete newbie. How did that first session pan out? Well he treated me with such respect, showed me all he could to help and made me feel completely at ease. Funny – yes, witty, yes, clever, yes, a gentleman – absolutely. Working with Steve was a privilege and the industry is certainly left with a great loss. Thank you Steve for all the great lessons and memories. Condolences to Chris and family. RIP Sir.
Legend. I couldn’t do justice to Steve’s words, so I’ll just shamelessly copy my favourite CB comment of his on the Radio Writer’s article for posterity:
“I entered 10 puns in a pun contest hoping one would win, but no pun in ten did. Boom Tish. Try the veal. Thank you and goodnight.”
Such sad news.
I really enjoyed working with Steve. Some of the funniest Adschool classes I ever ran were Steve’s. He brought joy in sharing his incredible talent.
Sincere condolences to Steve’s family and friends.
I was one of the lucky ones. I received a gift from the advertising gods meeting Steve all those years ago. Working with Steve at FCB and then creating a business together was the highlight of my career. He was the smartest guy I knew. We never raised our voices in all the years we were together and we had a special creative connection. It just worked.
And the way Steve nurtured and looked after our team was amazing to witness. He really cared about his craft. I’m devastated and those who worked with Steve at VB all have expressed the same feelings. Such a loss. But we were the luckiest ones. I got to spend many years doing what we loved together. One of my favourite memories of Steve is an example of his rapid fire wit. Simon McQuoid popped into our one room office in Nedlands to have a cup of tea and a chat. Steve pointed around the room and made note of the new cheapie TV I had just purchased. It was a Korean brand, a Matsu I think. Anyway, Steve quickly quipped. “Wayne always wanted a career in television but all he has is a Korean television.” I’ve got a million of these. I wish I could have had more.
Great anecdote Wayne – and you’re right, there’s a million more like that.
Very sad news about Steve – we came to Perth from London together in 1986. Though we went our separate ways and lost contact for many years after 1990, we occasionally reconnected in brief, characteristically Steve-witty messages – Steve always having the last word of course with one of his killer one-liners. A few years ago I asked him if he would be a writer for a comedy web series I was developing about the secret sex lives of underwater animals…his answer: “Are you offering to pay me as a writer or am I just doing it for the halibut?” As I hadn’t financed the series at that point, yes it was for the hell of it…remembering Steve as the kindest, warmest, funniest person I may ever know.
It is too sad to even contemplate a comment. Sweet dreams, mate.
Terrible news. Steve was one who shaped the industry in WA in the fabulous late eighties in WA. Taken way too soon.
Condolences to Steve’s family and colleagues.
What a huge loss for anyone who knew Steve or was fortunate enough to work with him.
His radio work especially was always best in class but his warmth, wit and humility will be what we miss most.
Such a sad loss. A real gentleman and master of his craft. Condolences to his family.
I didn’t know Steve personally but going by all the comments, I wish I did… condolences to all.
Great writers leave traces of their character in the order of the words they choose and Steve was world-class. If ever a headline or a commercial leapt out and made you think in Perth during the past three or four decades, the corollary to that thought would almost inevitably be; ‘Steve Browning wrote that.’ His signature was a wry blend of humour and humanity that served as an accurate reflection of the man. He set the gold standard for every creative person in the industry. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
What deeply sad news. Steve was such an extraordinarily talented and generous guy. He and Wayne kindly gave me my first job, directing and DoP-ing a Chippers TVC in the ’90s. Of course, I was just a tad keen and anxious to do Steve’s multi award winning baby justice. On showing him the finished work there was a long silence, my anxiety rising off the richter. Steve then turned and said “Are we paying you enough?”. I’ll never forget that moment and his generous spirit. Vale to a true gentleman and industry legend. My condolences to his family.
Oh Stevie B… I am truly gutted at your passing… Such a wonderful man with a cracking wit, brilliant mind and a soft, gooey, sweet, sensitive heart and soul. Our friendship began at JMA O&M when you took time to correct my creative briefs with fat red texta because you wanted me to be a better suit. Those years at VB with you and Tubs continue to be up there with the best of my life. So many tears of laughter. Just tears of utter sadness now. Much love to Chris. He loved her so much.
I absolutely adored Steve as one of the true gentlemen of the advertising world, and am so incredibly sad to hear that he’s no longer with us. It was often years between drinks but each encounter was like we were old mates … a testimony to the genuine and sincere man Steve was. His witty cheeky legend will live on.
While Pip, myself and family now live across oceans, you never forget your past. To hear about Steve passing was one of those moment that rocks one’s soul. Steve was as an incredibly talented, witty and wonderful person. A true gentleman. I’m humbled to have had the opportunity to know him and worked alongside him all those years ago at First Light. To those whose lives were touched by Steve, you were lucky. To family, friends and the Perth advertising community, our condolences. Much love, John and Pip.
Lovely man. Great writer.
I am devastated. He was such a talented writer and I just loved his sense of humour. He will be sorely missed.
Legend.
What unbelievable, oh such sad news. Enjoyed working for him. Thoughts go out to Steve’s family and friends. Will be missed in the industry and agree with John – the industry has got a great deal smaller.
How terribly sad – always enjoyed working with Steve, such a clever man. Condolences to his family.
It is so sad, isn’t it. An absolute gentleman. Kind, clever, witty, a thorough professional. Never have I seen a creative run a schedule of work like he could. There was something so reliable about Steve, and then when you gave him a great brief, his brilliance would always shine. With ego in check, and kindness for days, he was always a pleasure to work with.
I will miss you, Steve. Forgive my grammar and spelling mistakes, like you always did.
I thought it might have sunk in a little better now, but not really. I was always excited to see Steve, whether it was at an event or him popping in to the office to do some freelance work. You knew Steve was going to be funny, interested and charming in equal measure. He just made you feel good.
And watching him emcee the Caxton Awards up in Broome many years ago was a highlight. I guess he and Bryce are chatting up a storm again somewhere. You’ll be sorely missed, sir.
Gutted. But so honoured to have known him and call him a friend. Much love to Chris and family.
Steve was the first person to give me a chance in advertising.
It was tough industry to break into, but in the middle of a terrible recession, it was impossible. On the end of a phone call that he must’ve immediately regretted taking, I offered to work for him for free. He asked me if I could do storyboards and I said yes.
I lied.
By the time he found out, it was too late, I was in. I began my career in creativity under my first ECD, Steve Browning.
Thank you Steve. Rest in Peace.
A wonderful creative. A true legend. Fond memories. Condolences to close friends and family
Wow, this is just too sad. I’m still so shocked. It’s the kind of sudden bleak news that makes you angry. He was so young and hardly led the kind of high life that warranted a heart attack. It’s just not fair. I’ll treasure our time together so much more now. I was lucky enough to work with Steve for many happy years in the 80’s and 90’s; a golden era for lovers of arresting headlines and prose-like body copy. We had a bit of a rat pack going back then and Steve was our Dean Martin; quietly watching the banter, smoke in one hand, ready to slip in a side-splitting remark that broke up the room. So long buddy. Go find Tony Hancock and Lenny Bruce, Steve, and hang with them a while.
Just found out this sad news. Steve and Wayne mentored me a bit through AWARD School in the mid 90’s. I just remember laughing lots in his presence and being in awe of the brilliance. Condolences to his family.
Both tragic and sad. Yet vivid memories of working with Steve as a team in the late eighties always makes me smile.
It there was a bad bone in his brilliant body I never saw it. RIP Steve
I remember the first time I met Steve on the golf course at Hartfield, I asked him what he did for a job, his reply “I’m a turd polisher mate”, he was polishing the writers of the (Old Bill) series, from London to Lesmurdie and back, great memories of a very dry sense of humour – Vale Steve