Caryn Smith

About Caryn Smith

EXECUTIVE | CHIEF CREATIVE, EDITORIAL, MARKETING OFFICER | BRAND STRATEGIST Caryn Smith is Principal/CEO of Driven By Design LLC, a multi-service creative & publishing studio offering cutting-edge Print & Online Publishing, Marketing, and Brand Development. Smith has a knack for developing untapped potential and producing high-end creative work to advance an organization, especially association membership-driven publications. Over the years, Smith has worked with numerous magazine titles and helped publish several books. Creative executive with experience leading multidisciplinary design and content teams for mission-driven organizations and associations. Proven at scaling creative services, integrating audience insight into bold storytelling, and delivering measurable fundraising and engagement results for corporations, businesses, nonprofits, and association clients. Known for building and elevating brand DNA, directing other creative talent through complex ideas, and conceptualizing ideas with imagery, all to translate business objectives into cohesive, emotionally resonant content that connects audiences across every touch point. Cross-industry expert with a track record of rapidly learning and succeeding in new markets while demonstrating success, aligning creative vision with business goals, managing complex workflows and budgets, and mentoring high-performing creative teams.Proven at creating compelling storytelling that connects the dots between a business or brand and their target audience, with outside-the-box media solutions across omni-channel platforms. CAMPAIGN & STORYTELLING LEADERSHIP:Conceptualize and direct storytelling campaigns across digital, print, social, and live experiences.Translate strategic briefs into bold, original creative concepts.Build emotion-driven narratives that resonate across diverse audiences.Lead visual storytelling through photography, design, and art direction.Create compelling content that stands out in crowded media environments.Partner with agencies and stakeholders to refine, present, and execute breakthrough ideas.Creative Leadership | Diverse Content Strategy | Ideas-led Leadership | Budget & Resource Planning | Campaign Ideation | Audience Experience & Retention | Cross-Channel Cohesion | Trend Analysis and Interpretation | Team Development & Mentorship | Fundraising & Non-dues Revenue | Process and Workflow Optimization | Audience Insight & Storytelling | Adobe Creative Suite.and more.

Experience

1. Art Director for Foreign Service Journal, Published by the American Foreign Service Association

   American Foreign Service Association

   Aug 1997 — Present

   Direct the creative program for a legacy, cutting-edge, award-winning publication, media kit, collateral materials, and books. Creative direction and production on association thought-leadership journal. This includes creative direction of cover utilizing concept illustrators and photography, or stock/supplied imagery, inside page designs, editorial production process, and printer communications. Accomplished multiple comprehensive redesign efforts through the years.Execute special projects such as newsletters, advertisements, direct mail, books, collateral materials and displays. One to note is the design and production of the 2019 FSJ Centennial Exhibit, consisting of a twenty-five-panel display in the US State Department lobby. These were 10 ft x 13 ft panels of displayed visual elements that highlighted diplomatic history from 100 Years of Publishing of the Journal.

Education

• Virginia Commonwealth University

  Bachelors of Fine Arts, Graphic Design

  1983 — 1985

• Savannah College of Art and Design

  18 credits toward Masters of Fine Arts

  2003 — 2005

Skills

• Newspapers
• Marketing Communications
• Facebook
• Editing
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Storytelling
• Marketing
• Copy Editing
• Brand Management
• Newspaper
• Fundraising
• Creative Direction
• Marketing Strategy
• Stories
• Logo Design
• Publications
• Annual Reports
• Graphic Design
• Promotions
• Typography
• SEO
• Online Marketing
• Brochures
• Books
• Logos
• Blogging
• Advertising
• Magazines
• Website Development
• Social Media
• Corporate Identity
• Creative Development
• Photography
• Brand Development
• Public Relations
• Posters
• Publishing
• Layout
• Writing
• Photoshop