Today we’d like to introduce you to SMITH.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in LA; raised in Grand Rapids, MI. I grew up during the ’80s when the crack epidemic hit the streets hard…it hit my home hard. I grew up in a drug house where my mom was, unfortunately, addicted to drugs. We went through police raids, shelters, foster care, and more before (by God’s grace) my Mom got clean and has been so for 17 years! In that space, though, that dark, wayward space I somehow decided that there’s gotta be more to life than this and…for me, there was.
I won a bunch of scholarships and put myself through school (Shout out to Ferris State University). My major was Communication w/a Minor in Journalism. I’d been runnin’ my mouth for years, and it was time to make some money with it. I took a hard left and served in City Government for a decade as a top-level Police and Fire Dispatcher. I was in my twenties and makin’ COINS! I got to see the world, and then I realized I wanted more. And more I got!
One day, I went to Best Buy and spent $1100 on a camera. I knew if I spent some money on it, I was gonna have to learn it. I did. Soon, I became the cities, go-to fashion photographer. That got the attention of my first celebrity client, Chico Debarge. Chico’s also a Grand Rapids native. We shot in 2009, and that shoot went viral. Blogs picked it up, and it was trending on Twitter. From there I was getting calls to shoot Jon B, DMX, and was flying out to LA to shoot on video sets, like Dwele or for Angela Simmons. Next thing I know I’m Creative Director of shoots in Dubai, Milan, three times in South Africa, and many more. All this, while going back to what was becoming a daunting career at the police department. I’d already started my company, Smith, WorldWide back in 2008 as a freelance photographer, and digital editor…before photoshop was a thing-thing. I resigned from the police department and punched out for the last time September 13, 2013, rented out my home, packed my bags, and shipped everything, including me to LA.
Soon after moving to LA, I won a contest for top urban pop culture blog theJasmineBRAND.com who was looking for their next Red Carpet Correspondent. I knew this was what I wanted to do. After becoming one of their lead reporters, I made my way around Hollywood while working some of the best carpets for award shows, premieres, and special events! I have interviewed with many of our Culture’s greatest gifts! I still wanted more!
I’d always loved digital marketing, but I took some time to master it. I had to be a one-man band for Smith WorldWide. I did all my photo shoots, editing, writing, graphic design, videography, video editing, etc. I had time to really hone that, and once in LA, I came across opportunities to help other Artists and businesses be great online, and in person. I have had the pleasure of working with artist and clients like Brandy Norwood, Nicki Minaj, Dawn Richard, B. Slade, programming for OWN! Network, and many, many more.
A few years ago, SMITH WorldWide Creative Agency was born where I do for others everything I’ve done during my career while I also consult with Artist and Business owners on how to make magical brand moves! TV has always been the goal, as a host and pop culture expert! I’ve gotten to star in a few episodes of a few shows, game shows, celebrity biography segments, and even landed an international Apple campaign last year, Never one to wait to be given something I created beingSMITH, the world’s first “reality show” on the “IG Network,” showcasing my daily life and times in and out through LA! Viewers get to follow me daily while I hit red carpets, Get dressed for a night out on the town, Learn and grow in LA with my friends, and more. I showcase the show through my instaSTORY and thats gotten alot of attention. Folks now coming up to me, “Hey, Being Smith.”
I’m in a space where I only want what’s mine. I don’t want his stuff, her stuff, they stuff, none of it if it doesn’t belong to me. I’m able to share this sentiment while doing my weekly podcast, So What We Not Gon’ Do (The Original 90’s Voicemail Podcast). Listeners call in for my opinion and advice, and I share some nuggets and sentiments, sprinkle in some celebrity news, and it’s all centered around 90’s music. I’m having fun. I’m grateful for where I’ve been, but most importantly…where da kid is going. See you there.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a fashion-forward story-teller who teeters on being both a scientist and a creative. I’m a journalist by passion and call, and I’m a digital marketing consultant and content creator by trade. So, I use my energy to help others, and myself have the greatest impact to share our message or others while doing so online. I’m a digital artist who likes talking to folks and telling their stories. Storytelling is important to me because inside of every story lies what we believe. Within every story, you have to ask yourself, “do I believe that?” Or, “what do I believe about that?” To be able to help create a story or tell a story either through an interview, photojournalism, or bold fashion choices is a gift I treasure.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
When you really for real, for real set out to live a purpose-fueled life, you learn that rejection is often really just redirection. You only want what belongs to you and a, “no” kept you from something that at this time wasn’t yours and now it’s pointing you back on the path to encounter what it. Everything ain’t personal, especially in the Entertainment business. That’s a lesson I had to learn quick!
Secondly, don’t create ANYTHING for validation. It’s a disservice to your gift to create and present for the sole reason of an outside force rewarding you with something that’s already inside of you. Validation and confirmation and affirmation can be beautiful things, but when we create and post in order to fill that seemingly missing piece, it leads to bloody art; art that was conceived to get and not to give. I’m good on that.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I like to say: I’m everywhere you are! Here’s my digital real estate and where you can support my art:
Site: SMITHWorldWideCA.com
Podcast: BEEPME911.com
Instagram: @SMITHworldwide #beingSMITH #60SecondsWithSMITH
IGTv: @SMITHworldwide
Facebook: facebook.com/SMITHworldwide
Twitter: @SMITHWORLDWIDE
Tumblr: smithworldwide.tumblr.com
My Book: So What We Not Gon’ Do… Amazon/barnes and noble/housecapity.com
Contact Info:
- Website: SMITHworldwideCA.com
- Phone: 866-87-SMITH (number to call in to leave a question for my podcast)
- Email: SMITH@sincerelySMITH.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/SMITHworldwide
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/SMITHworldwide
- Twitter: twitter.com/SMITHworldwide
- Other: https://app.xtensio.com/57s45hzn
Image Credit:
Travis Geter, Elex Franklin, HausHill Media, Brittany Dukes, Jovon Pavielle, Ken Chambers, Justin Brown
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
