About

Josiah Smith

I did not intentionally determine to be a graphic designer. In undergrad, I double-majored in Business Management and English as well as a double-minor in Marketing and Economics at Case Western Reserve University. I merely mentioned to my boss that I do design on the side and he promptly made me the graphic artist for the department—new job description and everything! (The pay bump was a nice touch as well.)

I had to learn to balance school with my day job and to welcome my personal creative work to the job for the benefit of the campus community. It has been such a beautiful thing seeing the joy of my fellow students when they view my designs for the first time.

Unfortunately, however, that portion of my life was very fragmented and depressing. My duties at work allowed me an outlet so that I could escape from the pain of my reality. I experienced a breath of sweeping catharsis during a time where I believed my world would never recover.

My creative approach—no matter the medium—is to find something that will cause the viewer to be amazed, initially confused, or overcome with joy. This formula has worked out very well and I have found that people engage with the art more intimately as a result. It is an incredible thing to witness someone’s excitement at the expense of your vision.

For me, the art isn’t about its perfection—the ninety degree angles or the precise Gaussian blur—but the invocation. It should be akin to religion and bring you to a point of introspection, happiness, and, eventually, resolve in peace. I hope that is what I’ve done with all of my work thus far and I pray to keep this spirit with future commissions.