Career Portfolio & Professional Biography – Timothy D. Thomas

Tim Thomas began his professional career at the age of 15 as an airbrush artist on Panama City Beach, Florida, launching a lifelong journey that would span military service, higher education, government leadership, creative entrepreneurship, and nationally recognized fine art.

At 21, Thomas entered the United States Navy, where he served as a Sonar Technician aboard submarines and earned his submarine qualification during a six-year tour of duty. Following his military service, he transitioned into education, teaching Graphic Design and Commercial Art Technologies at a local community college while simultaneously consulting with military contractors supporting Tyndall Air Force Base and the Naval Surface Warfare Center.

From 1992 through 2019, Thomas built an extensive career in defense contracting, serving in progressively senior creative and communications roles including 3D Animator, Graphic Designer, Art Director, Communications Director, Lead for Proposals, and Contracts & Business Proposals specialist. His work supported complex military and government initiatives, combining technical communication expertise with advanced visual design and strategic messaging.

In 2019, following the devastation of Hurricane Michael, Thomas transitioned from contractor support to federal civil service, relocating to the Defense Contract Management Agency at Fort Lee, Virginia, where he served in the Public Affairs Department. He later transferred to Maxwell Air Force Base, contributing to the Air University Press as an Illustrator and Writer-Editor before advancing to Outreach Coordinator for the Air University Library and subsequently serving as Deputy Director of Academic Services.

In parallel with his government and defense industry career, Thomas has maintained an active entrepreneurial and artistic practice since 1998 as a freelance artist, children’s book author, illustrator, and publisher. He is an accomplished and nationally recognized watercolor artist and instructor whose work reflects decades of creative leadership, technical expertise, and dedication to the arts.

Throughout his career, Tim Thomas has uniquely combined military discipline, educational leadership, government service, strategic communications, and artistic excellence into a multifaceted professional legacy.

AWARD for CIVILIAN ACHIEVEMENT

CITATION:

Mr. Timothy Thomas distinguished himself by outstanding leadership and superior team performance during fiscal year 2024. During this period, Mr. Thomas performed duties as MSFRIC representative in support of the 2024 Beyond the Horizon Air and Space Show.

Mr. Thomas contributed expertise and leadership, ensuring successful collaboration between military and civilian participants while strengthening community engagement and showcasing cutting-edge technology. His dedication and professionalism reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

RYAN E. RICHARDSON, Colonel, USAF
Commander, 42d Air Base Wing (AETC)

Logo Design - Marketing - Social Media Campaign - STEM Team Member - Apparel & Merchandise

Business Owner - Thomas Studio & Gallery

Timothy D. Thomas, Owner

I have been self-employed as a professional artist since 1988, dedicating my career to the creation of original and meaningful works of art. Over the years, I have developed a diverse body of work that reflects both technical skill and a deep personal connection to my subjects.

Today, I operate as the owner of Thomas Studio & Gallery, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. Through my studio and gallery, I continue to create and present original artwork that captures the beauty, character, and emotional significance of the world around us.

My artistic focus is primarily centered on original watercolor paintings featuring wildlife and natural landscapes. Nature has long been a source of inspiration for me, and I strive to portray the detail, movement, and spirit of animals and outdoor environments in a way that resonates with viewers. In addition to my wildlife and nature artwork, I have also completed numerous military-themed pieces that reflect my background, experiences, and respect for military service and history.

Beyond commissioned or themed projects, I often create paintings inspired by images, memories, and moments that have become personally meaningful to me over time. These works allow me to combine artistic expression with personal reflection, resulting in pieces that are both visually engaging and emotionally significant.

I produce artworks primarily watercolor originals of wildlife and nature, although i have done many military related works. I also paint images that have become important to me.

I have developed a unique Watercolor Methodology — a beginner-friendly approach that teaches students how to paint virtually anything using simple, practical techniques. My philosophy is rooted in one powerful idea: “Watercolor is not magic — it’s method.”

This methodology removes the intimidation often associated with watercolor painting and replaces it with a clear, step-by-step system that builds confidence, creativity, and technical understanding. By simplifying the learning process, students are able to develop skills quickly while still discovering their own artistic voice.

To support this approach, I have written two instructional art books dedicated to teaching watercolor through this accessible and structured method. These books serve as comprehensive guides for beginners and aspiring artists who want to master watercolor painting through clarity, simplicity, and proven techniques.

Buddy Manatee

Created by Tim Thomas

I am the creator of Buddy Manatee, a beloved educational and artistic character developed to inspire awareness, compassion, and conservation for Florida’s endangered manatees. Through storytelling, art, and community outreach, I created Buddy as a recognizable symbol that promotes manatee protection and environmental education for children and families alike.

I authored and illustrated two published books featuring the character —

Buddy Manatee and A Manatee Christmas. These books combine heartwarming storytelling with educational themes designed to teach readers about the importance of protecting wildlife and preserving Florida’s waterways. My goal was to make conservation meaningful, approachable, and memorable for young audiences through art and storytelling.

I also worked in partnership with the Save the Manatee Club and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to support statewide conservation and educational efforts. Buddy Manatee’s image was featured on educational and awareness signs distributed throughout Florida to help promote manatee safety and public awareness. These signs became part of a broader initiative to educate residents and visitors about protecting manatees in Florida waters.

In addition to writing and illustrating the books, I volunteered with the Save the Manatee Club and contributed to educational outreach programs focused on wildlife conservation. Buddy Manatee was also featured on apparel, educational materials, and promotional merchandise used to support awareness and conservation efforts.

I also created a billboard campaign called Paddletails.com for the Save the Manatee Club and South Florida tourism initiatives. The campaign encouraged viewers to visit an interactive website where they could learn about manatees while also discovering local lodging, restaurants, eco-tours, and manatee viewing locations throughout Florida. PaddleTails.com combined conservation education with tourism promotion, helping connect visitors to Florida’s natural beauty while encouraging responsible wildlife awareness and environmental stewardship.

One of the highlights of this work was the creation of the 2005 Save the Manatee Club Christmas ornament featuring Buddy Manatee, produced as a special collectible celebrating both the holiday season and manatee conservation.

Through Buddy Manatee, I have combined art, education, environmental advocacy, and public outreach to inspire appreciation and protection for one of Florida’s most treasured marine animals.

Government and Military Accomplishments

I serve at the Air University MSFRIC Directorate in multiple leadership and creative capacities, including Library and Press operations, Deputy Director of Strategic Partnerships, Graphic Design, Project Management, and Outreach Coordination. My work is centered on advancing organizational growth through strategic collaboration, innovative communication, and community engagement.

Through my role in strategic partnerships, I develop and maintain relationships with institutions, organizations, and stakeholders that support the mission and long-term vision of MSFRIC. I also oversee and coordinate projects and initiatives that promote educational outreach, operational excellence, and program development.

My background in graphic design allows me to create impactful visual communications and branding materials that strengthen public engagement and organizational visibility. As Outreach Coordinator, I actively connect with communities, partners, and educational institutions to expand access to resources and foster meaningful collaboration.

In addition to my work with MSFRIC, I am affiliated with Air University, where I contribute to initiatives that support education, leadership development, and professional advancement. My professional approach combines creativity, strategic planning, and service-driven leadership to support the continued success and impact of the organizations I serve.

2025 MSFRIC Annual Report …HERE…