Zach Smith
Q What do you do?
“I’m an artist that is particularly drawn to the small scenes in our lives that provide so much story. ”
Maybe its the pile of shoes at your front door, the trash on the passenger seat in your car, or the dirty dishes piling up in the sink, it evokes so much humanity with so little communication.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I've been drawing probably since the moment I could hold a pencil (or crayon). Things didn't really start gaining momentum for me career-wise until I moved to Montreal. After studying at Concordia University I became acquainted with a local non-for-profit music promoter called Kickdrum. Through them I've made some incredible connections in the music industry and acquired numerous freelance gigs making promotional material for shows. This has then lead to more recently making album artwork for local artists such as Callahan and the Woodpile, Maxime, Wotts, and Never better. I've also had the chance to create editorial illustrations for a local magazine called The Montreal Review of Books. Of course these are all small steps and I'm eager to continue challenging myself in new ways.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Right now I'm working on a couple of "Single" art designs for some bands and actually some promotional material for my own music project.
Q What are you working on right now?
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Q What’s your style?
My predominant style that comes naturally to me is this kinda whimsical/vintage/Archie comic look that I like to draw in. But in the past year I've been experimenting more with adobe illustrator and drawing more solid vector images. I've also been gravitating lately to adding more abstract/surreal elements to my illustrations. Honestly, I just love trying new things this could be a whole new answer in a week.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I would love to dabble more in hand drawn animation and dedicate large swathes of time to learning the craft. Every time I see a Miyazaki movie or any animated movie I'm just totally in awe, it is such an incredible art form.Q What is frustrating you right now?
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Someone to help me organize my emails and social media I guess, never really thought about it before.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
(this is me talking to me) Be proud of the things you are involved in and your connections with other people are worth more than you realize. Don't drink FourLoco its not worth it.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I'd have so many questions for any artist or graphic designer regarding their creative processes and where they find inspiration. I'd also probably want to know their favourite food and drink :)
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
To me any opportunity is a good one. I'd love to challenge myself and develop new skills along the way. Projects could range from editorial illustrations, book covers, social media content, ect. I'm eager and open (probably said this one too many times so you get the idea )
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Somebody who is excited about their project and honestly most people are....so let's get to work :)
Q What is your rate?
I'm very flexible with budgets so this varies depending on the illustration. So it's best to email me at zachjgsmith@hotmail.com
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
The best way to get in touch is through my email - zachjgsmith@hotmail.com or you can message me on instagram - @snacktime.ca (although its easier to miss these messages.)
Q Who is a creative you admire?
I would recommend my dear friend Tosca Webb (founder of Dress Up Collective) and another friend Sasha Cay (visual artist/director/musician/wunderkind).
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Getting outside and soaking in this weird world
This member profile was originally published in March 2024