STORYTELLING FOR SOCIAL GOOD
Through photography, video direction and design, Eric J. Smith has a knack for creating content that resonates. With work published, broadcast and shared by millions of people around the world, Eric builds brands while shining a light on the most pressing issues of our time. With a discerning eye and a powerful set of creative tools, Eric’s award winning storytelling evokes a sense of dynamism and timelessness. A former SVP of Content & Creative at the social good division of the CBS Corporation, Eric is now Principal of E Smith Images LLC and is available for projects and speaking engagements.
FEATURED WORK
VIDEO // Envase Technologies: LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
Director: Eric J. Smith, Clients: Envase Technologies & Firmament
BRAND IDENTITY // KINDERSYSTEMS
KinderSystems is a software company that creates products for childcare providers to remain subsidy compliant with state agencies. With a new name, the company needed a new graphic identity designed to reflect the importance of supporting pre-k learners. Eric designed a new symbol that consists of a letter K rotated 90 degrees to reveal a child reading a book. The bright color palette maintains sophistication while appealing to the childcare market. This video introduction features company leadership as well as a KinderSystems client who runs a childcare center in California.
PHOTO SERIES // Women for Women International: Rwanda
Women for Women International has developed a program that offers Rwandan women a constructive, dignified way to regain control of their lives. Through foundational training, women come to know and defend their rights and change the status quo. In the aftermath of the devastating 1994 Genocide, the challenge of creating a lasting peace depended greatly on the actions of women, who were the majority of survivors. Eric and team traveled to the Urugo Opportunity Center to document the healing and hard work.
VIDEO // Lexus UX200 “Beautify Earth“CAMPAIGN: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Director: Eric J. Smith, Agency: Team One, Production Company: Givewith, Client: Lexus
PHOTO SERIES // MUSIC WILL
Music Will is a 501c3 that transforms lives by transforming music education. For more than two decades, Music Will has provided access to music education to over a million students who might not have otherwise had access in their schools. These programs teach students popular genres such as rock, pop, R&B, Latin, rap, and country, along with styles found in typical school programs such as classical and jazz. Eric has been photographing Music Will's events and celebrity school visits for over ten years. The most recent shoots have included Tom Morello, Idina Menzel, and Kenneth “Baby Face” Edmunds, Taj Mahal, Josh Groban, Andra Day and Rhiannon Giddens.
NEWS
First Place, Los Angeles Center of Photography 2024
Eric's photograph of the Griffith Observatory has been awarded First Place in the exhibition “Thresholds 2024: Photography and Architecture.” The exhibition is curated by Crista Dix, Executive Director of the Griffin Museum of Photography. The digital exhibition is showing at the Design Center of the Helms Bakery District in Culver City, California.
British Journal of Photography’s Portrait of Humanity 2022
Eric's photograph “Guatemala Dreams“ was selected for the cover of the fourth volume of “Portrait of Humanity,” an annual featuring 200 photographs of people from across the globe.
First Place, Los Angeles Center of Photography 2022
Eric's portrait of Zaina, a beneficiary of World Bicycle Relief in Kenya, was awarded First Place in LACP's 7th Annual Members' exhibition.
“Whale Vision” Exhibition, Reykjavík, Iceland
Eric’s photograph “Sign of the Times” was included in a public exhibition to promote whale conservation and end commercial whale hunting in Iceland.