martin
dennis
smith
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00_#3b4746
intro

Create vibes—this is what I do. Analog vibes, digital vibes, workplace vibes.

As the Associate Design Director at The Mars Agency, I do a lot of stuff to create these vibes. What stuff? These stuffs: internal branding, assisting in staffing decisions, a little interior design, floor planning, some design operations, a bit of recruiting, interviewing and portfolio reviews. When I can, I also mentor other designers and offer design feedback for all those who ask (and even those who don’t).

And that’s not including the work I do for clients. I bring hands-on design savvy to big projects and small, team-based or solo.

Scroll down for work samples...
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01_#28bdfa
résumé

Editorial design was my first love. I made my way from the college newspaper to Hour Detroit magazine. In between, I snuck in a couple years at Moncur getting a crash course in digital design, animation, and branding. Here’s the most recent companies that have employed me to make stuff look good ...
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The Mars Agency /
Associate Design Director

Initially hired as a Senior Art Director, I was able to distinguish myself as the go-to designer for everything from decks and strategic platforms, to videos and mini-campaigns. The fun got fun-er (?) once Suzanna Bierwirth came in as the CCO and gave me the chance to help her and Anne Baker bring design to the forefront of the agency.

July 2014 – Present

Commonwealth /
Senior Designer

Continuing my work on Chevy’s Find New Roads campaign, I focused on catalog development, digtial executions, and strategy projects. I was mentored by both Andrew Reed and Mike Barton, which had a huge impact on the quality of my work.

April 2013 – July 2014

Goodby Silverstein & Partners /
Designer

With my editorial background, Goodby first hired me as a Studio Artist to help create a refined look for Chevy’s catalogs. While it was a bump down from my previous title, I jumped at the chance. After a year or so, I was plucked from Production and thrown into Creative. A move that set me on the path to where I am today.

December 2010 – March 2013

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bio

Aside from not using my Political Science degree at all, I'm a multi-instrumentalist who’s been in more than a few music projects. Most notably, I was the founding member of Thunderbirds Are Now!—we found some minor league success on Frenchkiss Records. After I got married touring just wasn't feasible, so I retired and eventually hooked up with my bud (and Grade-A Motion Artist) Dave Graw and formed Isosceles Mountain.

Nowadays, I split my time between work and getting crazy with my wife, kids, and our ex-racer Greyhounds.
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