Black background with white text: Meet Indie Freelancer Toby Brewer, Los Angeles. Below is a photo of a man with short hair and a beard. INDIE logo in bottom left corner.

Meet an Indie Freelancer: Toby Brewer

A Creative Journey from Culinary Arts to Advertising

Toby Brewer’s career path is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Beginning in the culinary world, Brewer transitioned into advertising, a leap that sparked an illustrious career filled with creativity, humor, and determination.

From Kitchens to Creative Agencies

Brewer started as a chef, but a chance opportunity led him to the renowned Watford advertising course under Tony Cunningham. “I helped a friend get into the course, and then I thought, why not try it myself?” Brewer shared. This decision marked the beginning of his career in advertising, which took off at DDB, working on the iconic Volkswagen brand—with ads he had long admired.

His big break came during the merger of DDB and Adam & Eve with a Harvey Nichols campaign. The campaign, featuring models appearing to wet themselves with excitement over a sale, created a buzz. “Our ECD said it was either the best or worst idea ever, but we pursued it. It gained massive PR traction, and even the Daily Mail’s outrage worked in our favor,” Brewer explained. The campaign elevated Harvey Nichols’ image and solidified Brewer’s reputation as a bold creative.

A Love for Humor and Writing

Brewer’s passion for humor is central to his work. “I’ve always loved incorporating humor into ads—it’s fun to brainstorm and creates memorable campaigns,” he said. His background in stand-up comedy adds a unique flair to his creative process.

Originally trained in art direction, he found his voice in copywriting. “Writing allows me to explore ideas deeply, and it’s rewarding to see how concepts evolve,” Brewer shared.

The Importance of Communication

In both freelance and agency settings, Brewer values open communication and honesty. “Candor is key. It leads to better relationships and ultimately, better work,” he noted. This philosophy has helped him navigate client relationships and maintain high creative standards.

An Underdog Mentality

Brewer leaned toward the latter when asked whether he identifies as a weirdo, misfit, or underdog. “I’ve always felt like an underdog. Even when I’ve achieved success, life has a way of humbling you. But Britain loves an underdog,” he remarked with a smile.

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