Thomas has 25 years of experience in the advertising industry and uses his keen observation skills and street smarts to create effective, no-nonsense marketing initiatives that get results.

His creative education began in Jr. High school where he learned photography.  He honed his photographic skills in the USAF. After leaving the military and some time in college, Thomas took a 2-year apprenticeship with a nationally recognized conceptual photographer as first assistant. During this time he started producing magazine editorials.  Completing the apprenticeship, he attended the Portfolio Center in Atlanta, Georgia in an advanced communications program learning ad design and conceptual thinking. 

His training and street-level experiences attract clients who value top-notch concept marketing materials and promotional concepts that are visually driven.  Thomas is highly experienced in producing effective advertising photography, writing, television and new media technologies.  Through the years he has worked with some of the biggest advertising agencies:  McCann Erickson, BBDO, Grey, Saatchi & Saatchi, and TBWA…and he’s worked with some of the biggest celebrities including Toby Keith, Jack Nicklaus, Bill Engvall, Andre 3000, Jeff Foxworthy, and most recently, Michael Phelps for Anheuser-Busch.  

With his directing skills, Thomas manages every project from concept, to writing, to design, to production. Thomas has the creativity, skills and experience that move projects forward with a true return on investment.

Thomas likes long walks on the beach and pumpkin pie.  He has a cousin with a dog named Shaggy.  Once Thomas sat behind Jane Fonda at a baseball game and he can remember the days when it was worth the effort to get up early on Saturday morning to watch cartoons.

t. smugala • writer, photographer, creative director