About

Tommy McDermott is…

a copywriter, comedian, and gardener based in Brooklyn, New York. He currently works as _______.

Tommy McDermott is the Founder and Creative Director of Rough Draft Projects, an agency that has worked with brands like Afterpay, CamelBak, Danner, Filson, SITKA Studios, and more. Past projects have included a Field Guide to Chicago with Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, the launch of the CamelBak A.T.P. (the first undyed, 100% recycled travel backpack of its kind), Danner Boots “Recrafted” lifetime repair program, and a collaborative outdoors chef’s knife between SITKA Studios and The James Brand.

A graduate of The Second City NYC Conservatory and the Endgames Improv program in San Francisco, he’s performed at SF Sketchfest with the group “Classic Diane” written with “Killing My Lobster” and studied acting with HB Studio.

His writing has been featured in Dwell Magazine and Huckberry. He also produces DEATH Magazine, a zine featuring artist interviews, local history, and other topics.

In 2024, he launched Boneyard Bolo Ties, hand-making one-of-a-kind bolo ties from vintage dominoes he sources from all around the world. He is also the owner of Lorraine’s, a bar in Chicago inspired by his grandmother’s cake decorating shop in his hometown of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Teardrop Coffee, an airstream coffee shop in Evanston, Illinois.

A graduate of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Horticulture Program, he’s an active member of the Prospect Heights Community Farm. He belongs to the Metro Hort Group, holds an ISA Arborist license, and volunteers as a Park Steward performing trail maintenance, wetland rehabilitation, and more.

In his free time, he volunteers as a docent at The City Reliquary, a Welcome Ambassador at the Brooklyn Public Library, and a Mentor with Comfort Zone Camp.