Meet Maxim Smirnov | Founder & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maxim Smirnov and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maxim, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Throughout my early years, I was instilled with the values of resilience and diligence, which have profoundly molded my path to success. A defining moment in my fledgling career involved willingly taking on any role in the creative field as a means to cultivate and refine my expertise. These experiences proved critical in fostering an unwavering work ethic while sharpening the mastery of my craft. What set these initial undertakings apart from others was the emphasis placed on resourcefulness and drawing knowledge from various industries.

Quite often, I discovered myself applying principles acquired from film, design, tech. and science into creative ventures. This interdisciplinary approach not only expanded the breadth of skills at my disposal but also revealed uncharted pathways for innovation. The unconditional support offered by loved ones during this formative period cannot be overstated – it served as an indomitable force fueling me forward, underscoring the significance of uplifting one another when pursuing our aspirations.

I firmly believe in actively engaging with friends’ endeavors and supporting them wholeheartedly through simple yet meaningful gestures like endorsing or sharing their content online. Show up in any way that you cannot go very far if you are on this journey alone.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The PAX’s 2023 Pride Campaign, “Drag + Cannabis = Not A Threat,” was a remarkable experience. The campaign created an inclusive and inviting environment, aligning seamlessly with our ideals. It provided a platform to craft content that authentically represented my community and made a meaningful impact by giving back to the community that has tirelessly fought for our rights. Navigating the challenges of ensuring genuine inclusivity in the campaign content was a rewarding process, and I hope the campaign serves as both a source of inspiration and a reminder of solidarity and strength. Giving back to the community, including a donation to the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Trans Wellness Center, was a fulfilling way to contribute to the well-being of our community. Thank you to Lauryn L. and Kristen K. who played instrumental roles in bringing this campaign to life, without them this could not be possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Love all that Los Angeles and West Hollywood has to offer—La La Land Reserve on 3rd Street is my spot for coffee and co-working. If you’re looking to grab a quick bite or drinks head over to Strings of Life cafe or stop by Roger Room. Malibu’s beaches are my escape and are the best for a creativity boost.

Evenings? Marvin’s a gem. Please get the spicy vodka pasta. Iconic feels? Stroll Beverly Hills’ palm-lined streets. For a west side detour, Gjusta in Venice is a must. Grab a $20 smoothie at Erewhon, thrifting at the Rose Bowl, and check out Picasso’s at LACMA. From Marvin’s vibe to Venice’s artsy scene, it’s all about embracing the city’s creativity.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To the individual who suggested that having multiple skill sets lacks focus, I respectfully disagree. I firmly believe in understanding all aspects of a business or set. For instance, in the realm of social media campaigns, a comprehensive understanding of timelines and production aspects is crucial for executing a successful campaign alongside a well-crafted concept and strategy. I extend a heartfelt thank you to all my professors, colleagues, network, and my partner Elan, who have played pivotal roles in my journey. Their encouragement has been instrumental in reinforcing the idea that having multiple skill sets is an asset rather than a liability. My varied skill set allows me to navigate the complexities of the creative and logistical sides of projects, contributing to a more holistic and effective approach at MXM Agency.

Website: mxmagency.com

Instagram: instagram.com/mxmagency

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/maxsmirnov

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mxmagency_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MXMAgency1/