v18 2025
Bio
Hello, and thank you for visiting my site. I hope you've found everything you were looking for. If not, here's some additional information. And if you're looking for specific samples or wild stories from my past, feel free to reach out.
• I hail originally from Czechia, where I worked as a shepherd, cartographer, and land surveyor. Eventually, I moved to Prague to study information design at Prague Technical University. I've always been captivated by the transformative power of art, design, and technology, especially their ability to unite people and solve problems in unique way. Design remains my greatest passion, driving me to learn something new every day.
• In 1998, I relocated to America to pursue studies in graphic design and advertising.
• In 2003, I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York as a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Advertising and Communication Design. I was the only person in the entire Communication Department to graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors.
• During my college years, I interned as a Junior Art Director at Mad Dogs and Englishmen, collaborating on new business pitches for Emirates and the NY Organ Donor Network.
• In 2002, I joined Intricate Concepts, a boutique design startup, where I developed promotional materials and apparel graphics for brands such as Budweiser, Timberland, Phat Farm, and Marithé + François Girbaud.
• Post-graduation, I secured an Art Director position at Draft Worldwide.
• Bank of America became my first client, and swiftly, I oversaw the design aspect of BofA’s Multicultural, POS, and DM marketing efforts. Notably, I spearheaded the national launch of the KEEP THE CHANGE™ campaign and successfully expanded the bank’s services into the Northeast region.
• In 2005, I contributed to elevating COMPUTER ASSOCIATES' brand through a comprehensive redesign of their identity and a launch of their successful global marketing campaign titled BELIEVE AGAIN.
• By 2006, I assumed the lead Art Director role for AVAYA and its 2006 FIFA WORLD CUP sponsorship campaign, while also creating print and TV executions for Verizon Wireless and HP.
• Following Draft's merger with FCB, I began working on Merrill Lynch, overseeing national-level communication materials and launching a highly successful campaign introducing the paperless “E-DELIVERY” payment option globally.
• In 2008, I joined Kraft Foods as a Senior Art Director, where I orchestrated the rebranding of Gevalia Coffee through several marketing campaigns that delivered unprecedented response rates. Additionally, I led digital assignments for Oreo and crafted an iconic print campaign that garnered multiple ADDY® awards.
• In 2009, I contributed to the extensive marketing effort to refresh the brand identity of the United States Department of Agriculture’s FOOD PYRAMID.
• In 2010, I orchestrated a photo shoot featuring Venus and Serena Williams for Nabisco’s DIET LIKE A DIVA™ campaign. Later, I played a key role in the national integrated marketing campaign for the 2010 U.S. Census, which earned a Bronze Effie, and helped Gerber launch their new line of baby food in the US under the GERBER GENERATION campaign. Over the course of my career, I've worked on several pharmaceutical accounts, including the rebranding of Nestlé’s Health Science division and Teva’s PlanB website. Additionally, I contributed to Amgen’s launch of PROLIA, a pivotal drug for osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
• In late 2010, following Kraft's loss of its Starbucks license, Gevalia Coffee underwent an account review. As a pivotal part of the team, I devised the “SWEDEN YOUR DAY” campaign, ensuring DraftFCB retained the Gevalia business for another term.
• In 2011, I was honored with the prestigious Face Award, the ultimate recognition any DRAFTFCB employee could receive. After aiding DRAFTFCB in securing the Nivea business, I contributed to the launch of Nivea for Men's "LOOK LIKE YOU GIVE A DAMN" campaign.
• In late 2011, I produced several low-budget Fisher-Price toy commercials for the US and UK markets.
• In March 2012, I joined Erwin Penland as an Associate Creative Director, leading Verizon’s Prometheus Mission Connect campaign. My tenure with Verizon extended, enhancing creative standards for VZ FiOS and VZ Wireless brands.
• In 2014, after successfully pitching and winning the digital business for CIT Bank, I assumed the role of VP Creative Director on the account.
• In 2015, I joined Wilson RMS, and smaller advertising agency where I led a team of creatives on projects for Suez, Nationwide, and Kaiser Permanente.
• Finally, in 2017, I helped launch Crow Creative Agency — a boutique advertising firm in New York City, where I continue to innovate and develop creative campaigns and communication strategies for Spectrum and Spectrum Business.
• Feel free to explore more about my journey and work at TomasKohoutek.com
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