Meet Smitty Smith | Creative director

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

Hi Smitty, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Rowland Heights California. A town 15 minutes east of downtown LA in the San Gabriel Valley. I was always in and out the system from 8-17 years old. I spent most my childhood in foster homes, group homes and juvenile detention centers. I feel my upbringing showed me early on the harsh realities of life and how there is no love in these streets. We are truly all we got. My life has motivated me to become somebody and make something of myself. It has allowed me to take risks and work with individuals most would be too intimidated to approach. Though due to the traumas I don’t remember much of growing up, what I do remember is the loneliness and lack of love I received. So now as a father today I feel it has made me a better dad cuz I would never let my sons feel how I felt as a kid.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When it all comes down to it, I’m just a guy who picked up a camera 9 years ago seeking an escape from my reality, with hopes and dreams of being someone in this industry and being somebody in life.
I feel what separates me from others is my ability to adapt under any circumstances and conquer the objected goal. My eye behind that camera and how i put everything together has advanced me very quickly in my career.
How i got where i am today is years of hustle and sacrifice.
Late nights, early mornings and long days of shooting, dragging myself thru the low paying trenches desperate to make a name for myself from the opportunities.
It definitely was not easy, but neither was my life growing up, i feel that helped me thru those times to be honest, i was challenged daily.
I feel i overcome those challenges by simply knowing that is what i had to go thru in order to grow and develop my craft. Sticking to the plan by buckling down and soaking up game from the experience of every shoot i was part of. Some of the lessons i have learned over the years is knowing thing are always going to go wrong and to have patience, to work thru the issues at hand that day and to always keep the passion alive through every shoot. what i would like the world to know about me and my brand is that when you come to me to manifest your visions on film, you can have the upmost confidence that im going to make it happen for you and make it look beautiful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would say, Gen Korean BBQ. Take them cruising in the lowlow on a big cruise night, hit some switches and show them that southern Cali lifestyle. Daytime BBQ ‘s, So Cal beaches, LA sunsets, and some Tommy’s chilli cheese fries or pastrami fries from The Hat.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
i feel there is too many to list who had an impact in my story and in my life. growing up i was a lost individual who seeked so much guidance. Everyone who helped me along the way with a place to stay, feeding me or serving me life game i appreciate them from the bottom of my heart. they know who they are. Thank you.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/directed_by_smitty