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January 5, 2010 • Announcements
Hello, everyone. Happy New Year! I’m very excited to let you know that I’ll no longer be operating under Ryan Smoker Design. I’ve joined a new business partnership with Ryan Martin and Tim Hoover at The Infantree, LLC. We are a full-service design studio with capabilities in print, web and advertising. While I’ll no longer be accepting freelance work, The Infantree would be more than happy to collaborate with individuals and other design studios alike to create exceptional work.
It’s been an amazing two years as an independent designer. I feel extremely grateful to everyone who has supported and worked with me.
My new contact info is listed on the contact page. Thanks again, please stay in touch!
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October 19, 2009 • Recognition
Congratulations to Square One Coffee. Their retail packaging was recently featured on The Dieline, the world’s leading packaging website. Square One launched the packaging redesign a few months ago and sales have increased nearly 50%! Check out the post.
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September 14, 2009 • Announcements, Students
I’m happy to announce that I’m teaching a studio class this fall at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. The class focuses on concepts surrounding identity and branding, which is exactly what I work on every day in my professional studio. It’s been a positive experience so far; who knew this industry could be so much fun?
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July 22, 2009 • Recognition
I’m happy to announce that the TONO Architects stationery package was selected as a Bronze winner in the Neenah Paperworks competition. Only 48 winners (Gold, Silver, Bronze) are selected per year from a national call for entries. Congratulations TONO!
Check out the TONO project here.
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July 6, 2009 • Thoughts on Design
Keeping tabs on the industry and looking at great work is a must for any graphic designer. Here are some of my favorites.
I’m sure you have some in mind, too, so make sure you leave a comment and let me know who you like. Hopefully we can help each other discover some new crushes.
Duffy & Partners
These guys are the best in the world right now, in my opinion. Seems like everything they touch is just way ahead of everyone else.
Design Army
One of my favorites for a long time. They were just featured in the most recent Communication Arts. I really enjoy their strong use of typography as a design element.
Aesthetic Apparatus
I have a big soft spot for poster design and screen printing. No one does it better.
Read More »
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May 4, 2009 • Students
Congratulations to all the Kutztown Communication Design students graduating this spring. I headed up to KU for the annual review and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the books coming out of the program. I was also very impressed with the campus. The Sharadin Art Building looks amazing. Those students have no idea what it was like to work in an antiquated building and save everything on ZIP drives. It’s crazy how five years can change things.
One of the best portfolios I reviewed was by Beth Coller, who isn’t even graduating until December. Check out her work here.
Cheers, KU!
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April 24, 2009 • AIGA
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April 2, 2009 • Thoughts on Design
I’ve been at this design business stuff for well over a year and I thought I’d share some wisdom for your collective thoughts. Please leave your comments once you’re done, feedback is welcome!
Read More »
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March 13, 2009 • Announcements, Lancaster Living
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January 30, 2009 • AIGA, Thoughts on Design
Big thanks to Jen Bilik, founder of Knock Knock, for making the trip east and enlightening our design community with her quirky humor and thoughtful presentation. Jen presented her work last night to AIGA Central PA at the Pennsylvania School of Art and Design.
Read More »
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January 15, 2009 • Announcements
Yes, my friends, today is the true day to celebrate our independence. Today marks year number one in the bag for Ryan Smoker Design. A year ago today I decided to walk away from my comfortable full time job and live my dream. It was only possible because of the amazing people I was privileged to work with and several wonderful clients — the ones that make this whole thing worth it. I could name them all here, but you know who you are and you deserve my thanks and appreciation. I’m humbled to have come this far with you.
Read More »
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December 15, 2008 • Announcements, Family
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December 2, 2008 • Announcements, Thoughts on Design
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November 17, 2008 • Lancaster Living
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November 12, 2008 • Thoughts on Design
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September 8, 2008 • Recognition
I’m very happy to announce the first published project for RSD is the mark of Crossway Church. I worked very hard for my friends at Crossway and it’s paid off. The mark will appear in LogoLounge 5. LogoLounge is a prestigious series of identity volumes published every two years that showcases identity work by some of the most prolific designers in the world. Over 33,000 logos were submitted for the competition! The book is slated to hit shelves in June of 2009.
Though I’ve had numerous projects published before, this one is especially sweet, as it represents the first project recognized under Ryan Smoker Design. More good things to come!
Read more about the project here.
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July 15, 2008 • Announcements
6 months in and I’m still at it. It went by very fast and I’m sure RSD’s first birthday will be here in no time.
When I think back and consider why I’ve been successful so far, I think it comes back to people. I’m amazed at how much I’ve learned from all the smart and interesting friends (including my lovely wife) that have helped and coached me along the way. RSD lives in great part because of your encouragement and help. Thank you so much!
Read More »
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July 14, 2008 • Announcements
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June 30, 2008 • Thoughts on Design
Command X was a “real-life” graphic design reality show that debuted at the AIGA National Conference in Denver, Colorado last year. I was fortunate enough to be selected out of a nationwide call for entries. The “show” was presided over by such design personalities as Michael Bierut, Brian Collins, Noreen Morioka and many others. It was simply ridiculous that I got to share stage time with these people.
Read More »
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June 23, 2008 • Announcements
RSD is relocating it’s offices to downtown Lancaster City. I’ll be sharing space with Tim Hoover and The Infantree on the fourth floor of 21 North Prince Street. It’s right across from the Fulton Theatre and a few floors above Prince Street Cafe.
Since we need to do some painting and renovating, I’m not sure when the exact move date will be, but I hope to be in by July. The space is truly beautiful, featuring original hardwood, exposed brick and a magnificent gallery room. It’s worth the trip up four flights of stairs, believe me!
