- TOMMY ATHANASIOU BIOGRAPHY -
Tommy Athanasiou was born Thomas Andrew Athanasiou, Jr. in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, on October 7, 1963. In 1982, he entered DuCret School of the Arts where he majored in commercial art and illustration. Upon graduation, Tommy headed to New York City where he found work as an assistant art director. He eventually worked as an executive art director for three major magazine publishing companies, with titles including Creem, Iron Horse Motorcyle, Fitness Plus, UFO Magazine, and a multitude of others. His assignments included feature illustrations, cartoons, and written articles and reviews.
The late 90’s brought Tommy to South Florida, where he enjoyed a successful career as an editor/creative design director for several national magazines, in addition to being executive design director for two others. All was well until the Internet eventually brought an end to the Floridian publishing dynasty. Tommy had a choice: move back to NYC to continue in the magazine biz, or switch careers. He selected the latter, and worked as a hotel & restaurant spirits accounts executive for a prestigious wine and spirits company. His territory in South Florida included The Hard Rock complex and the beach front properties.
Late summer of 2009 brought an unexpected turn for Tommy, when his wife, Sharon, informed him of a terribly abused and injured pitbull named Smokey, who was being nursed back to health in California. With fundraising needed to help with sky-high vet bills, Smokey’s caretaker planned an auction of various items. Knowing her husband’s artistic talent could help out the pup, she volunteered Tommy to do a hand painted portrait of Smokey as an auction item. Tommy enthusiastically completed the pop art rendition of Smokey, excited to see how much it could bring in to help the brave pooch. Ultimately, the painting raised $300 for Smokey’s vet bills. Tommy was beyond ecstatic. But he wasn’t quite able to put the paint brushes down yet. Requests for dog portraits began streaming in from people who saw Smokey’s artwork. Ten percent of every commissioned painting was donated to the non-profit animal rescue organization of the customer’s choice. And the more paintings Tommy created, the greater the demand grew....which was just fine for Tommy, since that meant more money donated to rescue.
Tommy’s wife, Sharon, volunteers for several dog rescue and adoption organizations, and is active in animal welfare causes. An internationally published writer, she is currently focusing full time on Snuggle N’ Luv, her petsitting and dogwalking service. Sharon is a certified poodle-aholic, and also has a major fondness for senior dogs and cats.
The couple share their home with three furry family members; a toy poodle named Fluffernutter, a maltese named Vanillabean, and a Himalayan cat named Junior. Their home is minutes from the beach, located between Fort Lauderdale and South Beach.
Tommy recently finished writing and illustrating a children’s book, and will be seeking a publisher. By Spring 2010, he will be launching a line of adult clothing and doggie tees, with proceeds donated to animal rescue organizations. |
