As the founder of Ben Smith Studios, I bring over 15 years of design industry leadership, delivering bespoke artwork and innovative solutions for an elite roster of clients, including Stella McCartney, Zac Posen, Mac Miller, and Wiz Khalifa. My work, showcased in Oprah Magazine, Vogue, US Weekly, and Esquire, spans fine art, graphic design, photography, prototyping, production, and visual merchandising. Through Ben Smith Studios, I’ve built a legacy of transforming concepts into meticulously crafted products and campaigns that redefine client expectations. A creative visionary and collaborative problem-solver, I merge technical expertise with bold artistry to consistently deliver world-class results.
Skills
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Creative Direction & Art Direction
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Graphic Design, Illustration, Fine Art & Murals
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Apparel & Footwear Design
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Concept Development
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Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator)
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Sketch, Figma, Klaviyo, MidJourney
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Photography
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Creative Special Projects
ZAC POSEN
Fine Art, Painting & Product Design | 2018
Collaborated with Zac Posen to design and hand-paint over 200 original handbags across two standout collections. For the 2018 Resort Collection, I drew inspiration from abstracted butterfly prints and my signature geometric abstraction style. The S/S 18 Rainbow Collection featured my innovative rubber drip technique, delivering vibrant, eye-catching hues that earned a full-page spotlight in Oprah Magazine (June 2018).
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Role: Led end-to-end creation—concept, design, painting, production, packaging, photography, video, content, and graphic design.
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Impact: A top-performing project for the Zac Posen brand, both collections sold out completely. Crafted exclusive personalized sets for celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Olivia Wilde, and Ariana Grande.
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Tools: Fine Art Painting, Adobe Creative Suite, Photography
RAINBOW COLLECTION S/S18
RESORT 18
STELLA MCCARTNEY
Apparel & Footwear Design | 2019
Partnered with Stella McCartney’s team to craft exclusive shoe designs for London Fashion Week S/S 2019, pushing boundaries with my signature rubber drip technique. The bold, distinctive pairs debuted at their London flagship store and were later auctioned for charity. This success sparked a second collaboration for the Dubai store launch, where I again delivered standout footwear.
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Role: Creative and Art Director—oversaw shoe design, packaging, photography, videography, and social media content for both campaigns.
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Impact: Elevated brand visibility during high-profile events; designs celebrated for innovation and charitable impact.
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Tools: Rubber Drip Technique, Adobe Creative Suite, Photography
FLORSHEIM
Creative Direction & Footwear Design | 2015-2016
Teamed up with Florsheim to boost brand awareness through multiple marketing programs. As Creative Director, I led the design and art direction of collections, custom orders, and two dynamic showcase videos. I crafted a Madison Ave. flagship window display, and an interior event space for the holiday season. Partnered with editors from GQ, Men’s Health, Esquire, Essential Homme, and Gear Patrol to design personalized shoes, unveiled via live painting at an exclusive event with industry leaders.
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Role: Creative Director—oversaw design, art direction, video production, and event execution.
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Impact: Delivered Florsheim’s best-ever social media performance; strengthened brand prestige through editorial and influencer ties.
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Tools: Adobe Creative Suite, Fine Art Painting, Concept Development
KENNETH COLE
Creative Direction & Footwear Design | 2016
Directed the Creative and Art Direction for Kenneth Cole’s Rock the Vote and World Aids Day sneaker collections in 2016. Designed and hand-painted over 120 pairs for Rock the Vote in one month, meeting a pre-election November release, plus a rush order of 24 pairs in under a week for celebrities like Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Adam Levine, and Justin Timberlake. For World Aids Day, painted 200+ pairs and managed logistics for shipments to the US, Panama City, and Hong Kong.
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Role: Creative and Art Director—oversaw design, painting, packaging, and logistics under tight deadlines.
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Impact: One of Kenneth Cole’s top social media campaigns; featured on a NYC Henry Hudson Parkway billboard. Designed custom Rock the Vote packaging for Hillary, Bill, and Chelsea Clinton.
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Tools: Fine Art Painting, Adobe Creative Suite, Concept Development
WORLD AIDS DAY
ROCK THE VOTE
KITH
Footwear Design & Fine Art | 2019
Partnered with KITH to design and hand-paint a bespoke pair of Chucks, blending subtle distressing and washes for a lived-in look. Freehand-painted a botanical coca plant illustration on the uppers in a white-out colorway, finished with a urethane drip in KITH’s signature soda lime glass green on the soles.
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Role: Creative and Art Director—oversaw all design, painting, and finishing processes.
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Impact: Delivered a standout, one-of-a-kind piece merging streetwear and fine art for a renowned brand.
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Tools: Fine Art Painting, Unique Urethane Application, Concept Development
U.S.MYCO
Creative Direction & Graphic Design | 2020–2023
As Founder, Creative Director, Graphic Designer, and Illustrator of U.S. Myco, I built and shaped the company’s visual brand identity from the ground up. I crafted logos, e-commerce website layouts, labels, advertisements, and apparel designs, alongside illustrations and content that amplified the brand’s message. Directed strategic marketing campaigns to establish a cohesive and compelling presence.
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Role: Founder & Creative Lead—oversaw branding, design, illustration, and marketing strategy.
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Impact: Established a distinctive identity for a new venture, driving recognition through innovative visuals and campaigns.
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Tools: Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, Illustration
GRAPHICS
ILLUSTRATIONS
BRANDING
As a seasoned branding expert, I craft cohesive and striking visual identities for companies across print anddigital platforms. From logos and company personas to product packaging and marketing materials, I ensureevery element aligns with the brand’s message and values. My work delivers consistency and impact, buildingstrong, recognizable identities that resonate.
FASHION
RESUME
BEN SMITH
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Founder of Ben Smith Studios and U.S. Myco, I bring over 15 years of creative leadership, driving vision and execution for Stella McCartney, Zac Posen, Kenneth Cole, and Imagine Dragons. My work—featured in Vogue, Oprah Magazine, Esquire, and GQ—delivers cohesive campaigns, bold brand identities, and innovative designs across fashion, music, and lifestyle sectors. As a Creative Director, I excel at steering multi-disciplinary teams to exceed expectations, blending strategic insight with artistic precision to craft impactful, market-defining results.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Founder & Creative Director
Ben Smith Studios
2009 – Present
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Lead Ben Smith Studios, directing high-profile projects for luxury brands, musicians, and global clients.
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Key projects:
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Designed and hand-painted Zac Posen’s 2018 handbag collections (200+ pieces), delivering sell-out success and an Oprah Magazine feature; created celeb sets for Miley Cyrus and Rihanna.
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Crafted Stella McCartney’s S/S 2019 Fashion Week footwear campaign and Dubai launch, achieving charity auction success with full design control.
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Led Kenneth Cole’s 2016 Rock the Vote and World Aids Day sneaker campaigns (320+ pairs), earning top social media performance and NYC billboard exposure; crafted celeb sets for Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, and others, plus a “Presidential” set for Bill, Hillary, and Chelsea Clinton with a custom wooden box.
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Strategize and execute 50+ projects, celebrated in top-tier media, from concept to multi-channel delivery.
FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGNER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR BUSSIN' WITH THE BOYS
June 2024 (Freelance)
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Pitched and designed graphics, illustrations, and sourced custom “beer boots” for the 2024 “Beer Games” event, ensuring timely delivery.
FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR
IMAGINE DRAGONS
May 2024 (Freelance)
• Created illustrations and vector drawings for Imagine Dragons' 'Nice to Meet You' music video, featured in embroidered jacket designs, including a shark for the lead singer and a bird for the lead female. Working directly with the lead stylist, Mercedes Natalia
FREELANCE CREATIVE ARTIST
HAPPIER PEOPLE MGMT
Nov 2023 - Present (Freelance)
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Design sculptural candles with custom scents, hand-painted clothing, custom shoes, murals, and graphics for Happier People MGMT. Work closely with their Creative Director and Director of Special Projects & Collaborations to bring unique limited releases and branding assets to life, blending my artistic style with their vision.
FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGNER
STRYDER EYEWEAR LLC
June 2023 - Present (Freelance)
• Conceptualize and design diverse logo iterations for multiple brands represented by Stryder Eyewear LLC.
• Create additional media and catalog inserts, ensuring alignment with the brand's overarching vision.
• Contribute to a cohesive and visually compelling brand identity through thoughtful and impactful design solutions.
FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGNER
AZTECH MOUNTAIN
Jan 2023 - Jun 2024 (Freelance)
• Collaborated with the Creative Director to develop four apparel designs for printing.
• Applied my expertise in graphic design to ensure that the designs aligned with the brand's aestheticand standards.
• Utilized Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create high-quality designs that were print-ready.
• Managed the design process, from ideation to final design, to ensure that all project milestones were met on time.
ARTIST
ALTUZARRA
Feb 2023 - Feb 2023 (1 month)
• Hardware designs with experience in creating innovative handbag components using CAD, including precise dimensions
• Managed the complete design and customization process for five handbag prototypes, from concept to final hand-painting and customization, utilizing expertise in handbag design, hand-painting, graphic design, and rubber-drip techniques.
• Produced multiple digital mockups for handbag designs and presented them to the lead designer andteam.
• Collaborated closely with the lead handbag designer to ensure all project milestones were met on timeand within budget.
• Utilized strong project management skills to ensure effective communication and coordination with team members and suppliers throughout the entire process.
FREELANCE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
INFRASTRUCTURE SUSTAINABILITY
Nov 2022 - Jan 2023 (3 months)
• Headed the development of Infrastructure Sustainability's visual brand identity as the lead creative director and designer.
• Designed logos, web design, landing pages, advertisements, and marketing brochures to create a cohesive visual identity
• Successfully managed multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery while staying within budget constraints.
• Utilized creative skills, including creative direction, graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, illustration,and photography to create innovative and relevant design projects.
FOUNDER
U.S.MYCO
May 2020 - Jan 2023 (2 years 9 months)
• Founded and started U.S.Myco, a company specializing in functional and medicinal mushrooms with a brand focused on the arts and nostalgic Americana during the pandemic.
• Designed logos, stickers, apparel, mushroom supplements and packaging, website layouts, landing pages, advertisements, collaborations, and marketing brochures to create a cohesive visual identity.
• Collaborated with Mushroom People Magazine on a full-page back cover advertisement, that was featured in stores worldwide and sold out at Urban Outfitters, resulting in increased brand visibility and sales for U.S.Myco.
• Utilized a wide range of brand development, including creative direction, graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, digital marketing, illustration, and photography.
FREELANCE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
ANTI-MICROBIAL SYSTEMS
Mar 2020 - May 2020 (3 months)
• Developed the visual brand identity of the start-up company, Anti-microbial Systems, including logos, website layouts, landing pages, advertisements, and marketing brochures.
• Utilized expertise in branding to create a cohesive visual identity that reflected the company's values and goals.
• Successfully managed multiple design projects simultaneously, ensuring on-time delivery and staying within budget constraints.
• Conducted market research and analyzed industry trends to ensure that design projects remained innovative and relevant.
ARTIST
KRISTA ROSER STYLING
Jan 2023 - Jan 2023 (1 month)
• Collaborated with Ryan Hurd's Stylist, Krista Roser, to create a custom pair of shoes for his "TheToday Show" debut.
• Received contact from Krista Roser to work on the project and delivered the shoes on an extremely tight deadline.
• Worked closely with Krista to understand her vision and concept for the shoes and ensure they aligned with Ryan Hurd's overall look for the show.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, creative direction, graphic design, and ability to work under pressure to meet a high-profile client's needs.
ARTIST
KITH
Aug 2019 (1 mo)
• Successfully collaborated with Kith on their collaboration project with Coca-Cola and Converse, handling the creative direction,
mockups, photography, social media content and finished hand-painted Converses.
• Utilized a range of creative skills, including creative direction, graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, illustration, photography, and fine-art to produce high-quality work for the project.
• Successfully launched the product with Kith and its partners, resulting in positive reception from the public.
ARTIST
CHLOÉ
Jul 2019 (1 mo)
• Collaborative artist for Chloé, responsible for designing and customizing two sets of prototype footwear
• Oversaw the entire process, from initial digital design concepts to final hand-painting and customization
• Utilized expertise in creative direction, graphic design, footwear and graphic design, and hand-painting techniques to deliver exceptional results that aligned with Chloé's brand aesthetic and standards
ARTIST
KRISTA ROSER STYLING
Jun 2019 (1 mo)
• Collaborated with Ryan Hurd's stylist, Krista Roser, to create a custom pair of shoes for his CMA Fest debut.
• Successfully delivered the custom shoes on an extremely tight deadline, meeting the needs of a high-profile client.
• Featured in Ryan Hurd's People's Magazine shoot, showcasing the custom shoes created for his CMA Fest debut.
• Worked closely with Krista to understand her vision and concept for the shoes and ensured they aligned with Ryan Hurd's overall look for the show.
• Utilized a wide range of creative skills, including creative direction, graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, illustration, photography, and fine-art.
ARTIST
STELLA MCCARTNEY
Aug 2018 – Nov 2018 (4 mos)
• Collaborated with Stella McCartney's team to design exclusive pairs of shoes for London Fashion Week S/S 2018, pushing new boundaries with my unique rubber drip technique.
• Oversaw the entire design process, from initial concept to final product, as well as packaging design, photography, videography, and social media content.
• Shoes were featured at Stella McCartney's flagship store in London and were auctioned off for charity.
• Contributed to a successful launch of Stella McCartney's new Dubai location with a second shoe campaign.
ARTIST
ZAC POSEN
Feb 2017 – Sep 2018 (1 yr 8 mos)
• Collaborated with Zac Posen brand to create two collections of over 200 original hand-painted handbags.
• Designed and oversaw every aspect of the production process, including concept, design, finished product, packaging, photography, video, content creation, and graphic design.
• Created the first collection for their 2018 Resort line, inspired by abstracted butterfly prints and my unique geometric abstraction style.
• Featured on a full page in Oprah Magazine in June 2018 and made it on Demi Levato's Architectural Digest home tour.
• Created personalized sets of handbags for high-profile celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Olivia Wilde, Ariana Grande, and more.
• Successfully sold out both collections, making it one of the best-performing projects for the foundation and company.
ARTIST
KENNETH COLE
Aug 2016 – Dec 2016 (5 mos)
• Oversaw the Creative and Art direction of Kenneth Cole's 'Rock the Vote' and 'World Aids Day' collections for sneakers in 2016.
• Designed and hand-painted over 120 pairs of shoes in just one month for a release before the 2016 election in November, demonstrating strong project management and time management skills.
• Completed a rush order of 24 pairs in less than a week, which were gifted to high-profile celebrities like Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Adam Levine, and Justin Timberlake, demonstrating strong client relationship management skills.
• Designed a custom 'Rock the Vote' packaging concept for clients Hillary, Bill, and Chelsea Clinton.
• The campaign was one of the best-performing social media campaigns for the brand and was even featured on a billboard in NYC on the Henry Hudson Parkway.
• Created, tested, and developed the rubber-drip material and technique for a collection of 200 pairs of shoes for Word AIDS Day, demonstrating strong innovation and problem-solving skills.
• Led the entire process from creating samples to delivery in less than a month, showcasing strong project management and time management skills.
• Managed logistics for shipping over 200 pairs of shoes for the 'World Aids Day' collection to the US, Panama City, and Hong Kong, showcasing strong logistical and supply chain management skills.
• Overall, demonstrated strong leadership, project management, time management, client relationship management, supply chain management, and design skills in the execution of these collections for Kenneth Cole.
ARTIST
FLORSHEIM SHOES
Jan 2015 – Dec 2016 (2 yrs)
• Collaborated with Florsheim to develop multiple marketing programs with the goal of increasing brand awareness.
• Oversaw the design and art direction of various collections and custom orders for clients.
• Creative direction on two videos showcasing Florsheim's projects, demonstrating strong visual storytelling skills.
• Designed a collaborative logo, window display, and interior event space for Florsheim's flagship store on Madison Ave. during the holiday season.
• Worked directly with editors from top publications such as GQ, Men's Health, Esquire, Essential Homme, and Gear Patrol to design personalized shoes.
• Hosted and live painted at a party to reveal the bespoke pairs, which included the editors and other industry leaders.
• The campaign was the best performing project to date for Florsheim, with social media platforms performing exceptionally well for the brand.
ARTIST
MANIAC MAGAZINE
Sep 2014 (1 mo)
• Worked with Maniac Magazine on a custom Saint Laurent handbag for Samira Wiley's cover shoot.
• Collaborated with Maniac Magazine to conceptualize a handbag design that aligned with the shoot's creative direction and Samira Wiley's personal style.
• Utilized a wide range of creative skills, including creative direction, graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, illustration, photography, and fine-art.
ARTIST/ GUEST LECTURER
CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
Mar 2013 (1 mo)
• Featured lecturer at Carnegie Mellon's ‘Invigorate Your Sole’ event, along with Ronnie Fieg and James Whitner.
• Contributed valuable insights and perspectives on the footwear industry, demonstrating strong communication and presentation skills.
• Engaged with the audience and fellow speakers to share ideas and foster a collaborative learning environment.
ARTIST
MAKE YOURSELF FOUNDATION
Jul 2013 (1 mo)
• Created and executed a successful social media campaign for Incubus' Make Yourself Foundation
• Designed and hand-painted two pairs of shoes for the band Incubus, which were later signed by the members
• Promoted the shoes on Incubus' social media platforms, resulting in increased engagement and interest in the charity auction
• Raised significant funds for the Make Yourself Foundation through CharityBuzz
• Demonstrated strong marketing, creative direction, graphic design, illustration and fine-art skills in executing the campaign from start to finish.
ARTIST
COMPLEX NETWORKS
Apr 2013 – May 2013 (2 mos)
• Conceptualized and designed a collaborative giveaway of a hand-painted pair of shoes and custom packaging for Complex Magazine.
• Handled everything from concept development to social media promotion, and oversaw the painting of the custom pair.
• Created a design concept that aligned with the magazine's aesthetic, resulting in a unique and visually appealing giveaway.
• Utilized a wide range of creative skills, including creative direction, graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, illustration, photography, and fine-art.
ARTIST
MAC MILLER
Aug 2012 (1 mo)
• Designed, conceptualized, and hand-painted two pairs of custom Vans Shoes for Mac Miller.
• One pair of shoes was made to match the album artwork of Mac Miller's newest album, Blue Slide Park.
• The other pair of shoes was designed to tie in with his crew, Most Dope.
• Demonstrated a high level of creativity, attention to detail, and craftsmanship throughout the project.
• Utilized a wide range of creative skills, including creative direction, graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, illustration, photography, and fine-art.
ARTIST
WIZ KHALIFA
Jul 2012 (1 mo)
• Designed and conceptualized two pairs of custom Chuck Taylor's for Wiz Khalifa.
• Hand-painted both pairs of shoes to match the album artwork of his hit singles "Roll Up" and "Black and Yellow."
• Received positive feedback from Wiz Khalifa and his fans on the unique and customized shoes on social media.
• Utilized a wide range of creative skills, including graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, illustration, photography, and fine-art.
ARTIST
MAX TALBOT FOUNDATION
Jan 2011 (1 mo)
• Designed the Max Talbot Foundation logo and conceptualized a project for the launch of his foundation.
• Designed and painted custom shoes for various players of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
• Worked with his charity to organize a day to paint shoes with various players of the Penguins.
• Auctioned off the painted shoes at the launch of his charity in Pittsburgh.
• Donated over 1500 shoes to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.
• Collaborated with children from the Pittsburgh Kids Foundation to hand-paint messages and artwork on some of the 1500 shoes.
• Utilized a wide range of creative skills, including creative direction, graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, illustration, photography, and fine-art.