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Crafting Human-Centered Stories.

As an aspiring Interactive Designer, a dad, a filmmaker, and musician, Ian Michael Smith blends storytelling art, research, and technical precision to make data-driven digital experiences.

Design

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Homenow.io

This client creates products that help landlords and property managers better manage their properties and tenant relationships. As a Project Manager, I oversaw the UX process with daily scrum meetings and jumped in with our Research and UI Leads to create the final design.

LOGOS

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A collection of graphic designs and titles I created as a multimedia producer.

About

“Every man has two lives, and the second starts when he realizes he has just one” — Confucius

When I was sixteen, the institution where I learned music hired me as an instructor. I felt empowered to express myself creatively and share that with others. After a two-year interlude of discovery studying theology, I returned to the arts.

Jumping art mediums, I produced live tv broadcasts, podcasts, and independent filmmaking. In the summers, I filled my time with fun jobs like driving boats for remote wilderness programs and fixing and selling industrial art.

Within five years, I built a production company that introduced me to the small business world. Filmmaking for corporate clients showed me the world of product management and design.

Around this time, I became activated by our world’s need for designers to create meaningful digital experiences. Now, I marry my background in the arts with obsessive care for the interactive design process.

Reading List

I have a living collection of books about design thinking. What’s on my shelf right now:

High Output Management - Andy Grove

The Five Dysfunctions Of A Team - Patrick Lencioni

Discussing Design: Improving Communication and Collaboration Through Critique - Connor, Irizarry

Measure What Matters: How Google, the Gates Foundation and Bono Rock the World with OKRs - John Doerr

Designing with Type: Essential Typography - James Craig

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In - Fisher, Ury, Patton

The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything in Business - Patrick Lencioni

Endorsements

“Ian always expresses such a genuine interest in people. I love Ian's infectious positivity!” - Adam

“I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the positive affirmation Ian gives us as instructors and to the class. His enthusiasm and kindness is everything about what a UX Design team needs.“ - Jin

“Ian reframes problems in a more manageable and scalable light while keeping an uplifting attitude. It helps us.” - Mark

“I love his passion for creative work. Ian has such a great understanding of who he is, and he asks solid questions to fill in the gaps.” - Kassie

Contact ME

I’m currently taking on new clients. Please include as much information as possible about the scope, timeline, and budget of your project so we can discuss your needs effectively.