Background

Ryan 'grew up' in the family advertising agency: observing, studying, and absorbing the craftsmanship and dynamics that form a successful creative team. As any solid foundation requires, he began his work at the bottom (literally) – cleaning toilets. He did such a good job that he got a promotion, eventually being entrusted with glamorous grunt work: filing paperwork, making light table mock-ups, delivering proofs for deadlines, and installing vinyl signage. From there, he worked his way up to more creative opportunities. He learned Adobe Illustrator and discovered an innate talent for logo design; he convinced the agency to purchase their first digital camera and fell in love with photo compositing. Later, while still in college, he became the agency's Senior Designer. When the company merged with a larger agency, he became Art Director over a team of 25 creatives. Though this environment offered many creative challenges, he ached for the opportunity to invest more deeply in his client relationships and the evolution of his craft. And, out of this desire, Brandsmith was born.

With over 22 years of experience as a designer, creative director, and brand strategist, Ryan's reputation for artistic and personal integrity has won the trust of clients and colleagues alike. Ryan is determined to grow Brandsmith as an agency known for exquisite work, genuine client relationships, and real results.

Education

Bachelor's in Advertising & Mass Communication – Middle Tennessee State University
Minors in Psychology & Graphic Arts

Ryan was named Advertising Student of the Year as a junior and Mass Communications Student of the Year as a senior.

Personal

In his professional and his personal life, Ryan loves fonts. (He LOVES them.) Ryan also enjoys a broad range of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, canoeing, and hiking. He finds peace while gardening and playing any musical instrument he can get his hands on. The man plays a mean ukulele.