Tony Thorne graduated from the Tasmanian School of Art in 1984, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Art and a Diploma of Art Teacher Education. He has illustrated books of Tasmanian Aboriginal poetry and stories, as well as doing work for Redback Graphix and Streetwize Comix, disseminating information to local communities.

In 1998 he completed a masters in computer animation at the Australian Film Television & Radio School, and his animated student film was nominated for an award in England, where he secured a job in visual effects. His film credits include Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince and District 9.

In 2015 he became the director and designer of Australia’s first contemporary indigenous children’s cartoon show, Little J & Big Cuz. Tony’s endearing character design and vivid sense of place for Little J & Big Cuz is the culmination of his rich and diverse experiences as an animation director, illustrator, visual artist, and comic book illustrator. Tony is a trawlwoolway descendant from north east Tasmania.