What's With This Guy?
Ever since I was a kid I always wanted to be a professional artist. That dream began in the mid 90's when I left a lucrative career (he said with sarcasm) as a shoe salesman and became the head designer at a local A&E rag. Shortly after I met a girl (my wife) and followed her to Chicago where I worked as an illustrator/cartoonist for a gaming/bingo company.
A few years later we moved back to Iowa to start a family (It worked! Four times!). I landed a corporate position with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage as manager of the design group servicing the advertising 
Receiving the Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award from Governor Chet Culver, July 16, 2010department. Four and a half years in corporate life and I decided to jump ship and do my own thing, 5 Fingers Creative.
Today I work out of my Ames, Iowa studio producing fun whimsical illustrations for clients all over the United States. Although humorous illustration is my passion I also share the same passion for logo design, web illustration, caricature, character design, picture books and advertising/editorial illustration.
Here's what some past clients have to say:
“I was delighted to find Tim via a LinkedIn group connecting designers with manufacturers. His company, 5 Fingers Creative, offers incredible designs for a specific genre and it is easy to see the life Tim breathes into everything he does. His branding is engaging and humorous - you can't help but be swept into all that he does. We have licensed several of Tim's designs on our products. Buyers certainly respond very well but more importantly, customers gravitate to his designs which has led to several products becoming part of ongoing retail programs. I appreciate that Tim goes above and beyond what is expected, often pushing me to think outside of the box despite the fact that work responsibilities sometimes push me right back in. My only regret at this point is that we have not been able to execute all of his fabulous ideas. I highly recommend Tim for his creative ability, work ethic, and engaging personality - a terrific partner to have on any team!” January 11, 2012
Kim Madden - Carolina Manufacturing
Tim Read is a wonderful artist! He was very easy to work with, understood my idea immediately, and delivered with speed! I would highly recommend 5 Fingers Creative and Tim Read to anyone looking for graphic illustration.
- ASquared29 Las Vegas
Tim Read of 5fingers creative completed this project in an extremely timely manner, with the utmost professionalism. He was able to take a few ideas i had in text form and bring them to life better than i could have imagined. The creative touches he added to my orginal description of each cartoon were right in line with my original intent. His communication regarding progress and questions was great, and he was able to adhere to my tight deadline.The best part of this experience was the enthusiasm Tim had for my project, and him using his talent and experience to truly make this special.
I would highly recommend Tim Read, he'll deliver past your expectations!
THANKS TIM, FOR A JOB WELL DONE! - Raj Virani
Working with Tim of 5 Fingers Creative was a true pleasure. He took the time to understand the job (although it was a pretty small job) and treated it just as I am sure he would his largest project. He easily understood the direction I was wanting to go and stuck to his original bid even though I have no doubts he spent more time on this project than he may have initially planned to. I recommend Tim to anyone and will certainly use him again in the near future!
- Troy Counselman
I had a very positive experience with this project. The art was top-notch, to my (demanding) specifications, creative, fun, and a good fit to the project. I would without hesitation use Tim again for art for any purpose. Good guy, good to work with, very high quality product.
- Dave Dobson / Snood Zoo
Tim delivered exactly what I needed within a short time line and above expectations. I will be working with him agian on my next project.
- James Daily & Associates