Through photography, video direction and graphic 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 sole proprietor of his multidisciplinary content & design studio which services small and medium sized businesses as well as nonprofits across the country.
FEATURED PROJECTS
VIDEO: Lexus “Beautify Earth Campaign: Adrian Wong“
Director: Eric J. Smith, Agency: Team One, Production Company: Givewith, Client: Lexus
Eric directed a series of digital shorts for the launch of the Lexus UX200. Targeting Gen Z urban dwellers, the auto company partnered with a nonprofit called Beautify Earth that supports local mural artists. The series features three artists who drive the UX200 across Los Angeles as they create their murals.
GRAPHIC DESIGN: FEATURED BRAND IDENTITIES
For nearly three decades, Eric has designed visual identities for corporations, nonprofits and initiatives. With a BFA in graphic design from the Rhode Island School of Design, Eric began his career as a staff designer at top agencies in New York and Los Angeles and continues perfecting his craft to this day, helping organizations express their core values through a unique brand identity. This offering includes meaningful team building workshops, deep discovery, and a comprehensive guide for launch.
PHOTO SERIES: “60 Minutes” with Bill Whitaker
As a part of “My CBS Journey,” the diversity initiative at CBS, Eric photographed acclaimed journalist Bill Whitaker at the New York office of “60 Minutes,” the longest running and most watched news magazine on television.
VIDEO: The Climate Group “RE:100”
Director: Eric J. Smith, Client: The Climate Group, Agency: CBS EcoMedia
Eric and team traveled across the country to document the clean energy initiatives of Ikea and Hewlett Packard as part of the Climate Group's “RE:100” program that aims to have all Fortune 100 companies produce net zero energy by 2030. The video was shown at the United Nations Climate Change Conference. The goal to have large corporations agree to self-imposed energy benchmarks independent of government regulation.
PHOTO SERIES: NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
I had the opportunity to document the extraordinary work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena yesterday. I photographed Mission Control, the assembly of the NEO (Near Earth Object) telescope that will be launched in 2027 as well as the outdoor Mars Yard that simulates the surface of the Red Planet for NASA’s rovers.
PHOTO SERIES: MUSIC WILL
Music Will is a nonprofit that transforms the lives of children by uplifting 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.
PHOTO SERIES: FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT'S HOLLYHOCK HOUSE
Eric photographed Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece Hollyhock House in Los Feliz. As in all of Wright’s homes, the attention to detail and integration of furniture is stunningly beautiful.
NEWS
“Conflict” Los Angeles Center of Photography Members Exhibition 2024
Eric's aerial photograph of the massive Potash evaporation ponds in Moab, Utah was selected for inclusion in LACP's annual members exhibition. The show, entitled “Conflict,” was curated by Anne Massoni, Executive Director of the Houston Center of Photography. The exhibition was on display at LACP's gallery in downtown Los Angeles.
First Place “THRESHOLDS” EXHIBITION, 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 was curated by Crista Dix, Executive Director of the Griffin Museum of Photography. The exhibition was held at the Helms Bakery Design Center in Culver City, California.
“BEARING WITNESS”
“Bearing Witness: The Photographs of Eric J. Smith“ is Eric's first book, chronicling his assignments and world travels during a ten year span from 2010 to 2020. “Bearing Witness” is a selection of Eric's very best photographs and makes a meaningful gift.