Today we’d like to introduce you to Dylan Smith.
Hi Dylan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
If I’m being completely honest, my design career started when I was a child. When folks asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer always involved art and design in some form or fashion. While I went down a few different paths along the way, I ended up doing exactly what I always wanted to do.
It really was inevitable. My dad, who is a huge influence on me, was also an extremely talented artist. While he took a different career path, he never stopped drawing, painting, and letting his creativity out in general. He taught me many techniques and I still think about his teachings to this day. While he’s not around anymore to see all that I’m making, I know he’s proud of me and all that I’ve accomplished. My dad is a large part of why I’m doing what I’m doing today.
I went down a few different paths to get to where I am today, one of them being music. Being a Nashville native, music has been a big part of my life. I suppose it comes naturally for a lot of folks around here. I started playing guitar at a very young age. Going into college, I was set on making a career out of music. It only took a year of school for me to realize that I wanted nothing to do with music professionally.
After that first year of school, I sort of stumbled into graphic design. I didn’t intentionally set out to be a graphic designer, but I found a creative opportunity that ignited the flame for me. I then officially switched my major from music business to graphic design. I haven’t looked back since. I graduated from Austin Peay State University, where my dad also went to school, with a BFA in graphic design.
Since graduating, I’ve immersed myself in as many design opportunities as possible. From 9-5, I have the pleasure of being an in-house designer for the marketing team at Gresham Smith. Outside of those hours, I’m getting my hands on as much work as I can, because I love what I do so much and I want to do as much of it as possible. Work is my hobby and I truly wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m very blessed to have the opportunities I have.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Of course, there have been struggles. Everyone’s going to go through something along the way in order to get where they want to go. I’m fortunate, though, that I had terrific parents that helped prepare me for the struggles. I’m also fortunate that I have my incredible wife to help me along the way.
Above all, though, I’m incredibly thankful for Jesus who gives me all the security I’ll ever need. I’m not always going to be able to handle everything and that’s okay. He can handle it just fine and I have all the faith in the world that he’s going to guide me through the worst that this life can throw at me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
When it comes to my work, I’m best known for logo design + branding. That’s my bread and butter. I have experience in many different arenas, but that’s easily my favorite and it’s what most folks come to me asking for. The idea of taking an entire brand and summing it up into one simple mark is something that never gets old for me.
I’m proud of the work I do as a whole. I put everything I have into every project and that’s what I’m proud of. I don’t take pride in one project more than another, as every project is different. I’m just happy that I get to work. As I mentioned earlier, I love what I do, so getting to do it is enough for me.
There are other folks that do the exact same thing that I do that are smarter than I am, work harder than I do, and are overall better than me. What sets me apart? Persistence. No matter what’s going on in my life, I’m always looking to get better at what I do. My goal is not to be the best graphic designer there is, I’ll let someone else have that title. I’m just trying to be the best graphic designer that I can be. I don’t slow down and I never will. Persistence is the name of the game for me.
What are your plans for the future?
To get better. As I mentioned, I just want to get better at what I do.
I want to learn new skills and improve upon the skills that I already have. It’s as simple as that. In regards to what I’m looking forward to, I’m looking forward to spending time with my wife. I’m looking forward to going on vacations with her and growing up with her. When I’m not working, I’m with her. Even when I am working, I’m with her (most of the time). She’s everything. As much as I love what I do, I love her more.
Contact Info:
- Website: dylansmithdesign.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/dylansmithdesign
Image Credits
Ernest Photo Video
