About

My background is in Art Direction, but I have been a writer my whole life.

I’ve worked on some of the biggest brands in the world, with some pretty big names, and created work for the biggest stages.

I have been awarded shiny things from The One Show, Communication Arts, Creativity, D&AD, ADC, Ad Age, Luerzer's Archive, and my work has been named Adweek's "Ad of the Day" on eight separate occasions in addition to winning 11 Cannes Lions.

My agency experience spans primarily from Fallon, to Venables Bell, to Leo Burnett. With plenty of freelancing in between at the likes of The Martin Agency, Quality Meats, Preacher, BBH NY, 72andSunny and Arts & Letters. And i've learned from some amazing mentors along the way.

In addition to freelancing, I am currently a professor and Chair of Art Direction at the VCU Brandcenter. My two favorite things are creativity, and teaching. And I’d love to help you find your path.

Website

tomscharpf.com

Interests

My personal interests include college basketball, songwriting & music, photography, antiques, history, Americana, and dive bars.

Can Help With

Creative & Design, Portfolio Reviews, Art Direction, Creative Direction, Copywriting, Breaking into the industry, Leadership, Freelancing, Resume & Portfolio, Networking, Advertising Agencies, Managing teams, Mentoring

Best Person to Talk to About

Deciding if you need to go to a portfolio school to improve your work, or whether you should stay in the job you're currently in.

If you are a fledgling brand or newbie CMO looking to make breakthrough work.

If you want to develop your creative strategies and insights to be a bit sharper.

Best Fit For

Early Career, Mid and Seniors, Executives

Fun Fact

It's very odd. But I can wiggle one ear. Just one. I never figure out how to unlock my powers on the other one.

Background

I was an army brat. So I moved a bit. I've lived in NY, VA, MI, IN, OH, MN, and CA at various points in my life. When I was young I wanted to be a cartoonist. I ended up at the University of Dayton (Go Flyers!) and majored in graphic design. I got a job at a small ad agency in Cincinnati and my mentors there were kind enough to tell me that I needed to go to a portfolio school. I chose the VCU Brandcenter and my career took off from there.