B. 1976, Laguna Beach, CA
Lives & Works: Southern California
Lives & Works: Southern California
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Liberal Arts, Emphasis in Humanities
Antioch University
Master of Arts, Emphasis in Humanities
Antioch University, Expected completion 2025
Antioch University
Master of Arts, Emphasis in Humanities
Antioch University, Expected completion 2025
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2023 - Present
Exhibition & Graphic Designer
Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach, CA
Laguna Art Museum exists to engage and enlighten people of all ages through art that embodies and preserves the California experience.
Responsibilities: Exhibition design, brand design, creative direction, marketing strategy and materials, product design, and graphic design. Primary tasks include the creation of the visual identity system that represents the Laguna Art Museum alongside the development, creation, and maintenance of all branding for the institution. The Exhibition and Graphic Designer works with museum staff and outside experts to create exhibition floor plans and unique brand identities.
lagunaartmuseum.org
Exhibition & Graphic Designer
Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach, CA
Laguna Art Museum exists to engage and enlighten people of all ages through art that embodies and preserves the California experience.
Responsibilities: Exhibition design, brand design, creative direction, marketing strategy and materials, product design, and graphic design. Primary tasks include the creation of the visual identity system that represents the Laguna Art Museum alongside the development, creation, and maintenance of all branding for the institution. The Exhibition and Graphic Designer works with museum staff and outside experts to create exhibition floor plans and unique brand identities.
lagunaartmuseum.org
2020 - 2023
Creative Director
Electric Visual Evolution, LLC., San Clemente, CA
Electric is an action sports industry eyewear brand that designs high-quality, innovative sunglasses and snow goggles at the intersection of style and performance.
Responsibilities: Creative direction, marketing strategy, brand identity development and management, content development and production, copywriting, website design, email design, digital and print advertisements, paid media, social media, catalogs, brand decks, and typography. Management responsibilities included leadership, team management and training, and departmental budget management.
electricvisual.com
@electric
Creative Director
Electric Visual Evolution, LLC., San Clemente, CA
Electric is an action sports industry eyewear brand that designs high-quality, innovative sunglasses and snow goggles at the intersection of style and performance.
Responsibilities: Creative direction, marketing strategy, brand identity development and management, content development and production, copywriting, website design, email design, digital and print advertisements, paid media, social media, catalogs, brand decks, and typography. Management responsibilities included leadership, team management and training, and departmental budget management.
electricvisual.com
@electric
2018 – 2021
Owner/Director
River Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
River Gallery was a contemporary art gallery that operated on a non-traditional, carefully constructed platform for local and international artists. Its primary shape is a physical gallery with artist-specific programming.
Responsibilities: Art sales and advisory, curatorial services, artist management, event production and promotion, exhibition design, art fairs, creative direction, and marketing strategy.
@arivergallery
Owner/Director
River Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
River Gallery was a contemporary art gallery that operated on a non-traditional, carefully constructed platform for local and international artists. Its primary shape is a physical gallery with artist-specific programming.
Responsibilities: Art sales and advisory, curatorial services, artist management, event production and promotion, exhibition design, art fairs, creative direction, and marketing strategy.
@arivergallery
2019 - 2020
Adjunct Instructor
LCAD, Laguna Beach, CA
Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD) is a private college in Laguna Beach, California. LCAD is committed to preparing students for careers as creative artists and designers.
Professional Studies course, Fine Arts Department.
Responsibilities: Curriculum design and implementation, syllabus development, instruction, lecturing, and individual guidance.
lcad.edu
Adjunct Instructor
LCAD, Laguna Beach, CA
Laguna College of Art + Design (LCAD) is a private college in Laguna Beach, California. LCAD is committed to preparing students for careers as creative artists and designers.
Professional Studies course, Fine Arts Department.
Responsibilities: Curriculum design and implementation, syllabus development, instruction, lecturing, and individual guidance.
lcad.edu
2010 – 2017
Owner/Director
CES Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
CES Gallery was a progressive commercial gallery in Los Angeles that specialized in local and international contemporary art. The gallery’s agenda was to foster artistic vision and help emerging artists through the crucial first stages of their careers.
Responsibilities: Art sales and advisory, curatorial services, artist management, event production and promotion, exhibition design, art fairs, creative direction, and marketing strategy.
@arivergallery
Owner/Director
CES Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
CES Gallery was a progressive commercial gallery in Los Angeles that specialized in local and international contemporary art. The gallery’s agenda was to foster artistic vision and help emerging artists through the crucial first stages of their careers.
Responsibilities: Art sales and advisory, curatorial services, artist management, event production and promotion, exhibition design, art fairs, creative direction, and marketing strategy.
@arivergallery
2004 - 2010, 2017 - 2019
Art Director
Electric Visual Evolution, LLC., San Clemente, CA
Electric is an action sports industry eyewear brand that designs high-quality, innovative sunglasses and snow goggles at the intersection of style and performance.
Responsibilities: Art direction, marketing strategy, brand identity development and management, content development and production, print advertisements, catalogs, and typography. Management responsibilities included leadership, team management, and training.
electricvisual.com
@electric
Art Director
Electric Visual Evolution, LLC., San Clemente, CA
Electric is an action sports industry eyewear brand that designs high-quality, innovative sunglasses and snow goggles at the intersection of style and performance.
Responsibilities: Art direction, marketing strategy, brand identity development and management, content development and production, print advertisements, catalogs, and typography. Management responsibilities included leadership, team management, and training.
electricvisual.com
@electric
1997 – 2004
Graphic Designer
Mystic Skates, Prague, CZ
Mystic Skates is a legendary skateboard shop and distributor in the Czech Republic. The company is responsible for the proliferation of skateboarding in the country and hosts an annual World Cup Skateboarding event.
Responsibilities: Graphic design, event production, translation.
Graphic Designer
Mystic Skates, Prague, CZ
Mystic Skates is a legendary skateboard shop and distributor in the Czech Republic. The company is responsible for the proliferation of skateboarding in the country and hosts an annual World Cup Skateboarding event.
Responsibilities: Graphic design, event production, translation.
AWARDS
2019
Joan C. Edwards Distinguished Professorship in the Arts
Marshall University, WV
2008
SIMA Awards, Accessory of the Year
Electric Visual iPhone App
Joan C. Edwards Distinguished Professorship in the Arts
Marshall University, WV
2008
SIMA Awards, Accessory of the Year
Electric Visual iPhone App
WORKSHOPS
2020
Fall Semester - Professional Studies
LCAD, Laguna Beach, CA
2019
Fall Semester - Professional Studies
LCAD, Laguna Beach, CA
2019
Spring Semester - Art as a Career
UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA
2019
Spring Semester - Art as a Career,
Marshall University, Huntington, WV
2018
Spring Semester - Art as a Career
Coastline Community College, Newport Beach, CA
2018
Fall Semester - Art as a Career,
Coastline Community College, Newport Beach, CA
Fall Semester - Professional Studies
LCAD, Laguna Beach, CA
2019
Fall Semester - Professional Studies
LCAD, Laguna Beach, CA
2019
Spring Semester - Art as a Career
UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA
2019
Spring Semester - Art as a Career,
Marshall University, Huntington, WV
2018
Spring Semester - Art as a Career
Coastline Community College, Newport Beach, CA
2018
Fall Semester - Art as a Career,
Coastline Community College, Newport Beach, CA
SELECT PROJECTS
2016 - 2017
CES Gallery Fellowship
The CES Gallery Fellowships was a program designed to support local artists by guiding fellows through the exhibition-making process and providing a transparent mode of education that breaks down the boundaries of the commercial art world.
CES Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2018 - 2020
River Gallery Residency
The River Gallery Residency was a program designed to support local and international artists by guiding artists-in-residence through the exhibition-making process and providing a transparent mode of education that breaks down the boundaries of the commercial art world.
River Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
CES Gallery Fellowship
The CES Gallery Fellowships was a program designed to support local artists by guiding fellows through the exhibition-making process and providing a transparent mode of education that breaks down the boundaries of the commercial art world.
CES Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2018 - 2020
River Gallery Residency
The River Gallery Residency was a program designed to support local and international artists by guiding artists-in-residence through the exhibition-making process and providing a transparent mode of education that breaks down the boundaries of the commercial art world.
River Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
SELECT EXHIBITIONS CURATED
2020
Pamela Ramos
River Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2019
a Secret
Pavillon am Milchhof, Berlin, DE
2017
Psychonautics
co-curated with Meghan Gordon
CES Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2016
Deep Superficial Perceptions
CES Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2015
Complex Decisions
CES Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2014
Graphic Thoughts
CES Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2011
Slash
co-curated with Yuri Psinakis
CES Studio, Laguna Beach, CA
2002
Sub Kutlura
co-curated with Alexis Zavialoff
Prostor No D. Prague, CZ
2001
Fragments
co-curated with Yuri Psinakis
Vystavni Sin Manes, Prague, CZ
Pamela Ramos
River Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2019
a Secret
Pavillon am Milchhof, Berlin, DE
2017
Psychonautics
co-curated with Meghan Gordon
CES Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2016
Deep Superficial Perceptions
CES Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2015
Complex Decisions
CES Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2014
Graphic Thoughts
CES Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
2011
Slash
co-curated with Yuri Psinakis
CES Studio, Laguna Beach, CA
2002
Sub Kutlura
co-curated with Alexis Zavialoff
Prostor No D. Prague, CZ
2001
Fragments
co-curated with Yuri Psinakis
Vystavni Sin Manes, Prague, CZ
SELECT SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2008
Fast Company
MIM Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2005
Symbols
Ghetto Gloss, Los Angeles, CA
Fast Company
MIM Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2005
Symbols
Ghetto Gloss, Los Angeles, CA
SELECT GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2002
Sub Kutlura
co-curated with Alexis Zavialoff
Galerie No D. Prague, CZ
2001
Fragments
co-curated with Yuri Psinakis
Vystavni Sin Manes, Prague, CZ
2000
Probable Painting
Vystavni Sin Manes, Prague, CZ
Sub Kutlura
co-curated with Alexis Zavialoff
Galerie No D. Prague, CZ
2001
Fragments
co-curated with Yuri Psinakis
Vystavni Sin Manes, Prague, CZ
2000
Probable Painting
Vystavni Sin Manes, Prague, CZ
PANELS
2017
Gallery Representation vs. Self-Representation, panelist
Orange County Great Park Gallery, Irvine, CA
2017
Fine Arts Professionals, panelist
LCAD, Laguna Beach, CA
2014
On Collecting Art, panelist
Wilding Cran, Los Angeles, CA
Gallery Representation vs. Self-Representation, panelist
Orange County Great Park Gallery, Irvine, CA
2017
Fine Arts Professionals, panelist
LCAD, Laguna Beach, CA
2014
On Collecting Art, panelist
Wilding Cran, Los Angeles, CA
LECTURES
2019
Art as a Career, lecture
UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA
2019
Art as a Career, lecture
Marshall University, Huntington, WV
Art as a Career, lecture
UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA
2019
Art as a Career, lecture
Marshall University, Huntington, WV
STUDIO VISITS
2018
Graduate Studio Visits
UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA - May 24
2017
Graduate Studio Visits
UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA - May 31
2016
Studio Visits, Art Garda - Artist Residency
Lago di Garda, IT - October 17
Graduate Studio Visits
UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA - May 24
2017
Graduate Studio Visits
UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA - May 31
2016
Studio Visits, Art Garda - Artist Residency
Lago di Garda, IT - October 17
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2020
Adjunct Instructor
LCAD, Laguna Beach, CA
2019
Adjunct Instructor
LCAD, Laguna Beach, CA
2018
Lecturer
Coastline Community College, Newport Beach, CA
2018
Substitute Instructor, CTE Arts & Entertainment
Coastline ROP, Costa Mesa, CA
Adjunct Instructor
LCAD, Laguna Beach, CA
2019
Adjunct Instructor
LCAD, Laguna Beach, CA
2018
Lecturer
Coastline Community College, Newport Beach, CA
2018
Substitute Instructor, CTE Arts & Entertainment
Coastline ROP, Costa Mesa, CA
CERTIFICATES
2022
WSET Level 1
Wine & Spirit Education Trust
WSET Level 1
Wine & Spirit Education Trust
CREDENTIALS
2017
CTE Preliminary Credential, Arts, Media & Entertainment
OCDE, CA
CTE Preliminary Credential, Arts, Media & Entertainment
OCDE, CA
COMMUNITY SERVICE
2023 – Present
City of Laguna Beach Arts Commission
Laguna Beach, CA
City of Laguna Beach Arts Commission
Laguna Beach, CA
VOLUNTEER SERVICES
2017 – 2020
Chair of the Contemporary Circle
Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach, CA
2015 - 2017
Founding Member of the Contemporaries (currently Art Cult)
Orange County Museum of Art, Newport Beach, CA
Chair of the Contemporary Circle
Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach, CA
2015 - 2017
Founding Member of the Contemporaries (currently Art Cult)
Orange County Museum of Art, Newport Beach, CA
TECHNICAL ABILITIES
EXHIBITION DESIGN & INSTALLATION
Exhibition design, artwork installation, art handling, art packaging. Extensive operational and safety knowledge of power tools and other gallery equipment and systems.
ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD APPLICATIONS (ADOBE CC)
Advanced level understanding and usage of Adobe graphic design-based applications.
Exhibition design, artwork installation, art handling, art packaging. Extensive operational and safety knowledge of power tools and other gallery equipment and systems.
ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD APPLICATIONS (ADOBE CC)
Advanced level understanding and usage of Adobe graphic design-based applications.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Czech - Full Professional Proficiency
Spanish - Full Professional Proficiency
Italian - Elementary Proficiency
French - Elementary Proficiency
Spanish - Full Professional Proficiency
Italian - Elementary Proficiency
French - Elementary Proficiency
︎
here, now.
© Carl E. Smith, 2024