Let’s talk portfolios!
I’m often asked about portfolio creation, so joining us today to help us navigate building and maintaining a strong portfolio is Robert Smith, a seasoned creative leader, branding strategist, and published author with over 30 years of experience in the design and marketing industry. As the founder and Chief Creative Officer of Greenmelon, he has led innovative projects for a diverse range of high-profile clients, including Warner Brothers, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, DC Comics, and the Royal Canadian Mint. He is the architect/creative director of the beloved Farm Boy brand. With a reputation for blending creativity with business acumen, Robert has been recognized with more than 100 industry awards for excellence in design and branding.
A former Vice-President and founding member of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (R.G.D.), Robert has long been an advocate for professional development in the creative community. His deep understanding of the creative process and its impact on business is captured in his books, The Frankenstein Condition (2017) and Stop Looking for Zebras (2022), where he shares insights on self-awareness in the age of social media and practical strategies for creative professionals striving for success.
With a passion for teaching, Robert also serves as an adjunct professor, mentoring the next generation of creatives. His thought leadership extends beyond the classroom, with a growing platform that includes public speaking engagements and a monthly newsletter, all aimed at empowering creatives to realize their full potential. Through his work, Robert continues to drive innovation, inspire excellence, and shape the future of design.
In this conversation full of rich insights, you’ll hear why even bad internships are successful in developing self-awareness, excellent advice for portfolio creation, as well as advice on where to have digital presence as a designer. You’ll better understand why storytelling is so important in a portfolio and how to approach it, portfolio upkeep, and concrete Ideas for standing out in a competitive space. Finally, you’ll hear what you can learn from a box of Fruit Loops about promoting your work.
Let’s listen in…
About Our Guest:
Robert Smith is a seasoned creative leader, branding strategist, and published author with over 30 years of experience in the design and marketing industry. As the founder and Chief Creative Officer of Greenmelon, he has led innovative projects for a diverse range of high-profile clients, including Warner Brothers, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, DC Comics, and the Royal Canadian Mint. He is the architect/creative director of the beloved Farm Boy brand. With a reputation for blending creativity with business acumen, Robert has been recognized with more than 100 industry awards for excellence in design and branding.
A former Vice-President and founding member of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (R.G.D.), Robert has long been an advocate for professional development in the creative community. His deep understanding of the creative process and its impact on business is captured in his books, The Frankenstein Condition (2017) and Stop Looking for Zebras (2022), where he shares insights on self-awareness in the age of social media and practical strategies for creative professionals striving for success.
---
Music:
A Kwela Fella - John Bartmann licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License
Talk Paper Scissors Theme Music: Retro Quirky Upbeat Funk by Lewis Sound Production via Audio Jungle