tan giap how
creative | art & design
work.
generative AI.
integrated.
direct.
promo &
activation.
social.
digital.
mobile.
film.
video.
content.
design.
print.
outdoor.
about.
profile.
For Tan Giap How, every great piece of work begins with a powerful idea. Craft gives it form, but meaning gives it life.
Born with a layout pad in hand, what began as a quiet love for art and design evolved into a lifelong pursuit of turning ideas into impact. From formal art training to the intensity of agency life, he has always believed creativity is not just about making things beautiful — it’s about making them matter.
His journey began as a Visualizer and Designer, where long nights and meticulously crafted boards instilled patience, discipline, and respect for detail. Over the years, he rose through agencies including TBWA\, BBDO, Saatchi & Saatchi, Grey Group, and Publicis Communications — guided by the conviction that strong ideas deserve thoughtful, precise execution.
He leads integrated work across AI, digital, social, mobile, and traditional platforms, creating ideas designed to resonate across borders and cultures. While tools evolve, his foundation remains constant: idea-first thinking, devotion to craft, and a drive to make work that connects.
His work has earned both local and international recognition, and he has served as a jury member at local and regional award shows — championing ideas that move people, not just metrics.
Beyond deadlines and accolades, he finds clarity in life’s simplest rituals — long walks with his son and daughter, where curiosity feels endless and the world becomes a blank canvas once more.
experience.
Mar 2022 – Present
Creative Director / Creative Art Lead
Hogarth Singapore
Nov 2018 – Feb 2022
Associate Creative Director / HPB One Creative Art Lead
Publicis Communications / HPB One
May 2015 – Nov 2018
Associate Creative Director / Head of Art
BBDO Singapore
Jun 2011 – May 2015
Head of Art
Grey Group Singapore
Nov 2009 – Jun 2011
Art Director
Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore
Jan 2008 – Nov 2009
Art Director
BBDO Malaysia
Jan 2004 – Dec 2007
Art Director
TBWA\Malaysia
May 2002 – Dec 2003
Freelance Creative / Designer / Visualizer
Various advertising agencies and design studios
awards &
recognitions.
2024
Effies Singapore
1 Bronze
2023
Effies Singapore
1 Silver
2017
Spikes Asia
2 Bronzes & 2 Silvers
CCA: The Gong Show
2 Silvers & 3 Bronzes
Effies Singapore
1 Bronze
Campaign Asia’s Creative Agency of the Year
Gold
2016
D&AD
3 Wood Pencils
The One Show
1 Gold Pencil, 1 Silver Pencil, 1 Bronze Pencil & 1 Merit Award
Spikes Asia
1 Silver & 2 Shortlists
AdFest
1 Silver
The Webby Awards
2 Nominees
CCA: The Gong Show
1 Silver & 2 Bronzes
Effies Singapore
1 Gold & 1 Finalist
Effies APAC
2 Bronzes & 1 Finalist
2015
Cannes Lions
2 Golds, 1 Silver, 3 Bronzes & 5 Shortlists
The One Show
1 Merit Award
Spikes Asia
2 Grand Prixs, 2 Golds, 2 Silvers, 4 Bronzes & 6 Shortlists
Singapore Agency of the Year
AdFest
3 Silvers, 2 Bronzes & 2 Finalist
AdStar
1 Gold & 2 Silvers
AWARD Awards
2 Silvers & 1 Bronze
WPPED Cream
1 Crème de la Creme & 1 Highly Commended
The Webby Awards
2 Winners
CCA: The Gong Show
8 Golds, 5 Silvers & 2 Bronzes
Agency of the Year & Digital Agency of the Year
1 Mobile Of The Day Award
Effies Singapore
2 Bronzes
AMES
2 Golds & 1 Silver
Campaign Singapore Creative Agency of the Year
Bronze
2014
D&AD
1 Graphite Pencil & 1 Wood Pencil
Cannes Lions
2 Bronzes & 5 Shortlists
The One Show
1 Bronze & 4 Merit Awards
Spikes Asia
2 Silvers, 2 Bronzes & 2 Shortlists
ADFest
2 Silvers, 2 Bronzes & 4 Finalists
CLIO
1 Bronze
London International Awards
1 Finalist
WPPED Cream
2 Winners
CCA: The Gong Show
1 Gold, 3 Silvers & 11 Bronzes
3 Mobile Of The Day Awards
2013
Cannes Lions
2 Bronzes
Spikes Asia
3 Bronzes & 2 Shortlists
The Webby Awards
1 Honoree
CCA: The Gong Show
1 Gold, 1 Silver & 6 Bronzes
2009
Spikes Asia
1 Bronze
2008
Kancil Awards
1 Bronze & 1 Finalist
DMAM, Malaysia
1 Bronze
Effies Malaysia
1 Finalist
2007
London International Advertising Awards
5 Finalists
New York Festival International Advertising Awards
2 Finalists
Kancil Awards
1 Finalist