06 — Résumé
Kyla Smith
Creative Director | Brand Strategist | UX Designer
Creative director and brand strategist specializing in digital experiences, integrated marketing campaigns, and visual storytelling. Experienced in developing hospitality brands through UX design, multimedia production, strategic partnerships, and experiential marketing.
Searchable skills
- Creative Direction
- Visual Storytelling
- Creative Production
- Art Curation
- Artist Residency Development
- Wedding & Event Photography
- Digital Film & VFX
- Brand Strategy
- Digital Marketing
- Experiential Marketing
- Campaign Management
- Content Strategy
- Hospitality Marketing
- Partnership Development
- UX/UI Design
- Website Development
- Customer Experience Design
- AI-Assisted Creative Technology
- Project Management
Experience
- —Founded a creative development ecosystem spanning eight creative departments.
- —Lead brand identity, program design and the digital ecosystem.
- —Lead brand strategy, creative direction, UX/UI design, and integrated marketing campaigns for hospitality and lifestyle clients.
- —Develop custom digital experiences, branded content, promotional campaigns, and experiential marketing initiatives.
- —Created The Dirty Gallery concept and traveling artist residency program connecting visual artists with hospitality venues.
- —Direct photography productions from creative planning and client consultations through on-site execution and final delivery.
- —Manage client relationships, timelines, production logistics, and visual storytelling for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations.
- —Produce professionally edited visual content aligned with client expectations, event objectives, and brand aesthetics.
- —Coordinated high-volume photography productions, managing schedules, equipment, and on-site operations across multiple educational institutions.
- —Collaborated with administrators, staff, and families to deliver professional visual content and seamless client experiences.
Founder & Creative Director
[Start year] – PresentThe Big Little Village (nonprofit)
Brand Strategist | Creative Director
2020 – PresentHouston – Chicagoland
Weddings and Events Photographer
2023 – PresentHouston – Chicagoland
Lifetouch | Picture Day Chicago
2021 – 2024Chicagoland
Education
Associate of Digital Film and VFX
MediaTech Institute · Jan 2020
Performing Arts
Mayde Creek High School · 2006 – 2010
Leadership
Student Body President, MediaTech Institute, 2020
Recognition & publications
MONAD Photography Exhibition — Selected Artist, 2026
Chateau D'Orquoveaux Residency — Selected Artist, 2026
Published Preschool Photography — Three Publications
Project summaries
Branwar Wines
Luxury Branding / UX/UI / Digital Experience
An immersive wine-cellar website concept where every bottle has a story, from the slopes of the Cape to the Texas table.
The Big Little Village
Founder-Led Nonprofit / Creative Direction / Digital Development
A nonprofit creative career pipeline where little ideas become big portfolios. One brief. Many creatives. One campaign.
Albrina Coleman
Executive Branding / Website Design Concept
Clearing the path for projects that move communities. An executive consulting website concept for right of way project delivery.
Dirty Shirley's
Hospitality / Digital Experience / Marketing Strategy
A digital home for a bistro and cigar bar in Cinco Ranch, Katy, Texas. Good cigars. Craft drinks. Great people.
Editorial Campaigns
Creative Direction / Photography / Production
Campaign concepts, art direction, styling collaboration, photography and visual narratives.
Hiring for creative leadership?