Karl Wolfgang Epple-Humer (he/him), half German, half Samoan, is a Berlin-based Independent Creative Director, collaborating with companies, agencies and artists worldwide searching for culturally relevant ideas.

He held various positions at WPP’s thjnk group, starting out as Copywriter, later becoming Creative Director, Executive Creative Officer and finally Partner, always specializing in new business and creative excellence. His favorite clients include Audi, Gamescom, IKEA and McDonald’s. In 2019, Karl moved to NYC and came back to Germany in late 2022.

Being a member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), Karl’s focus is to impel companies to transform digitally – without becoming culturally ignorant.  

His work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including Cannes Lions, New York Festivals, LIA, Clio, ADC, Eurobest and The One Show.

Karl also writes columns, essays, books and screenplays. As well as creating and collaborating, Karl is highly active as a curator. He judges at international award shows and teaches at universities to support the next generation of creatives. When he joined the German ADC, he became their youngest member ever. He’s a member of ADC*E and D&AD, too. 

Karl is married to Art Director Marie-Therese Epple-Humer and father of a daughter. He is passionate about travelling, fashion, music and Bayern München. His favorite dinosaur is Triceratops, his favorite TV show character is Rick Grimes.

Clients:

ALDI
Audi
BMW
Commerzbank
Der Spiegel
Deutsche Bahn
Eurowings
Gamescom
Haribo
IKEA
MAYD
McDonald’s
Mercedes-Benz
o2
Paulaner
Peloton
Philips
Playmobil
Porsche Design
Radeberger Group
Rewe
Sixt
Škoda
Team Vitality
thyssenkrupp
Veltins
Vodafone
Volkswagen
Wempe

Juries:

Clio Awards
New York Festivals
ADC Germany
Cannes
Young Lions
One Show
Young Ones
AD Stars Korea
New Stars Korea
Mobius Award
The Webby Awards
Ciclope Festival 

PHNX Awards

The Anthem Awards

KIAF

CommAwards

The Caples Awards
Le Book Connections Digital Europe

Lectureships:

Miami Ad School
Institute of Design
JvM-Academy
Hamburg School of Ideas / Texterschmiede

Awards:

Cannes Lions
New York Festivals
Clio Awards
One Show
Eurobest
LIA
Red Dot Award
ADC New York
ADC Germany
ADC Europe
CommAward
Die Klappe
PR Klappe
AD Stars Korea
GWA Effie
GWA Healthcare
German Brand Award
Shark Awards
Ad of the Year
Mobius Award
Epica