Today we’d like to introduce you to Cher G. Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in a relatively artistic family. Ever since I was a little girl, I always enjoyed drawing, and my dad always taught me techniques to improve my skills. When we got our first computer, just like any kid in the 90’s I was obsessed from day one, it just felt natural to combine the two – art and computers.
When I began my senior year of college, my parents told me that they’d give me three months of financial support after I graduate, but after that, I would be cut off. I was so terrified that I’d be out on my ass that I started looking for jobs very early. Before receiving my BFA in Graphic Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, I accepted a job offer in Los Angeles six months before graduation. Thankfully, I was able to take my last semester online while also working full time.
Since then, I’ve worked for a couple of agencies, and a few corporations including AOL and Yahoo. I’m currently the Associate Creative Director for a financial tech company called FastPay while also running my own creative agency, Numchuck.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think it’s ever been a smooth road and I don’t ever expect it to be. As a creative, you’re always going to hit creative blocks or clients that don’t always like what you create for them. You can’t be in this business if you expect a smooth road. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Work wise, I like being kept on my toes.
Please tell us about Numchuck.
I started Numchuck because I was getting a lot of freelance work and I wanted to be able to define my services. The majority of the projects coming to me were branding, which I naturally gravitated toward, so my work was growing organically. And that’s really where I want to be – I want to be involved in projects I’m absolutely sure I’m right for. That doesn’t mean I don’t relish challenges, but it’s an acknowledgment that there are so many great design agencies out there that one size doesn’t need to fit all anymore. Boutique agencies have an opportunity to create a unique relationship.
I specialize in branding and visual identity, and I pride myself on my ability to connect with clients and translate their vision and aesthetic into the impactful design. And I guess that’s what I’m proud of. If I can add that kind of value, it’s incredibly gratifying.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One summer day, when I was six years old, my dad and I were playing outside on our driveway. We had one of those basketball hoops above the garage, and because I was tiny and couldn’t hold a real ball, we played basketball with a tennis ball.
I fell and hit my head on the pavement. I knew it didn’t hurt that much, but at that age, the typical reaction would have been to start bursting into tears. But before I could start the waterworks, my dad picked me up and stood me on my feet and said, “You good? Take your shot.”
I was so shocked by the lack of a pity party, that I forgot to fake cry and lobbed my little tennis ball and made a basket. I wouldn’t necessarily consider that my “favorite” memory, but I do believe that incident has helped me through a lot in my profession. You’ll fall sometimes, but it’s more about picking yourself up and making it count.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cher-smith.com/
- Instagram: @chergreposmith
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