The Rick Tharp Design Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Rick Tharp, a world-class graphic designer whose work influenced the entire design industry. Rick Tharp was talented and passionate. His work was innovative and often humorous.

This scholarship honors the commitment, wit and brilliance that Tharp brought to his profession and his community. The Rick Tharp Design Scholarship is co-sponsored by the Western Art Directors Club and AIGA San Francisco.

To make a tax-deductible donation, please make the check payable to:
Rick Tharp Design Scholarship, and send to:
AIGA SF | 130 Sutter St., #600 | San Francisco, CA 94104
Or call AIGA at 415.626.6008 and charge it to your Visa, MC or Amex.

More About Rick Tharp (1952-2005)

Rick Tharp came to Los Gatos in 1974, and maintained a studio in Old Town for 30 years. He designed the masthead, mascot, and the first few issues of the Los Gatos Weekly in 1982.

Rick’s firm, Tharp Did It, specialized in corporate identity, package design and environmental design. Renowned for his humorous designs, his work ranged from wine labels, business logos, and award-winning advertising campaigns for companies such as Brio, a European toymaker.

Local Tharp customers include: Steamer’s, Le Boulanger, Carrie Nation, Domus, Bears in the Wood, The Wooden Horse, Valeriano’s Restaurant and Old Town among others.

In 1988, Tharp received a CLIO Award, often referred to as the “Oscar” of the advertising world, in New York for wine packaging design for Mirassou Vineyards. He designed street signs and banners for the Town of Los Gatos.

His philosophy was, “Don’t break rules just to be breaking rules, but, on the other hand, don’t let them get in the way either.” and “Always have fun doing it.”