Andrew Smits: Independent Creative Direction (Ongoing) in Irvine, CA

Ongoing direction of OC Music Awards, and advisor to the Newport Beach Film Festival and the National Scholastic Skateboarding League (NSSL). Previous work with Schiefer Media, Simple Mobile, Royal Purple Motor Oil, CES–Consumer Electronics Show, Surf Heritage & Culture Center, Marchon/EX3D Eyewear, Quiksilver, Tracfone, Rip Curl USA, Outdoor Retailer, OC Parks.

Creative leadership of a premium branded content studio servicing a broad spectrum of clients from Boeing, AAA, Panasonic, and Quiznos to name a few.

Guide the development of content marketing through the creative process to assure we are delivering a best of breed product to our clients in the areas of transmedia storytelling and brand narrative.

Management and direction of creative and marketing efforts through all aspects of the branding process. Leading a staff of 10 individuals and collaborating with executive teams in Sales and M&D. Setting goals for the team, developing organizational capability, and modeling how they work together. Created brand guidelines, strategy and design, brand tool kit and necessary programs and materials to ensure consistency and strengthen brand voice across the company. Responsible for all campaign development.

Designed brand identity for global distributor of mobile entertainment; built look and feel (UI/UX) of pop-culture, hip-hop and action-sports web portals; developed content-licensing partnerships with gaming, music and action-sports companies; cultivated all marketing resources in Australia, Southeast Asia and Europe.

Founded agency, managing 7 staffers and forging relationships in Australia, Latin America and Europe. Revived Rusty surfboard business to bolster apparel brand; built and promoted pro surf team, stressing performance products for “real” surfers. Brought Flow to the U.S. and educated consumers about reclining high-back binding technology; spun technical narrative featuring elite, X Games-caliber athletes. Launched The Cell wetsuit line for Quiksilver. Clients included Rusty Surfboards & Apparel, Flow Snowboarding and Quiksilver

Guide and develop creative for youth marketing division of global advertising agency Foote, Cone and Belding. Rose to the position of Assoc. Creative Director while serving the following clients: American Eagle Outfitters, G-Shock, Mammoth Mtn., Mountain High, Pac Sun, Taco Bell, Vans, Volcom and Warped Tour.