FALL WORKSHOP PANELIST: KADIE SMITH
Paige Hull
Kadie Smith, the Dallas based creative force behind Drop Cap Design, will be leading one of the break-out sessions at our Fall Business, Branding and Social Media Workshop. What began as a passion for typography and graphic design, grew into a boutique branding and editorial studio. The Drop Cap Design Instagram feed sets the tone for their motive and message, its curation and feel evoke a sense of calm, in an otherwise hectic digital landscape.
With Drop Cap Design, the process is just as important as the product. Kadie, along with her team, help businesses clarify and shape their message and then along with them, determine the best steps to take to achieve the next level of success. This includes brand typography, logo creation and so much more.
Their services go deeper than social media or what ends up in a brochure or catalog. Kadie’s passion lies in helping people live the life they want; creating opportunities for her clients to excel professionally but on their terms, their way. In this digital world, it is hard to stand out in the clutter and crowds, and ensuring that message is exactly what you want to communicate is their forte. She strives to fully understand her clients and their methods, really digs in and gets to the root of their brand and purpose.
“I absolutely love helping others pursue the kind of lifestyle that I’ve created for myself – one centered around freedom. There are so many reasons why someone becomes an entrepreneur and I love getting to hear the stories behind the brands and then come up with something that captures that story in a beautiful way.”
Kadie draws her inspiration from many places: travel, street signs and catalogs, to name a few, and as you can see from above, her work is stunning. She works with a tight-knit group of designers and creatives that help round out the services Drop Cap Design provides.
When we asked Kadie what her dream project was, her answer was just too good not to share:
“Gosh, I feel like I’m doing my dream projects every day. In the past year I’ve started working on projects I absolutely love with clients who have amazing style. I would love to continue to work with editorial businesses and help them come up with magazine templates and layout guides, I’d love to work with a fashion label at some point (and do the catalog!), I’d love to do a restaurant and coffee bar. Basically, I’d love to design for the life I’d want to live. One project I’ve been really wanting to do is start a series doing faux branding for businesses that should exist... you know those crazy ideas that you wish someone would invent. I think that would be really fun and playful. And who knows… may inspire someone to actually do it!”
We could not be more excited that this amazing woman will be joining us in a few short weeks! Once the break-out sessions commence at the workshop, Kadie will walk you through the steps of how to fine tune your brand and your message. During this interactive time, you will have the opportunity to pick her brain and walk away with fresh direction and renewed excitement! We have a few spots left, so grab your seat today!
We asked and she answered:
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Grilled Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, and Mango Salsa with a glass of Rose
What is your proudest achievement to date?
Working with Bossladies Magazine – my background was in layout design and it’s always been my dream to work in the publication world, but when I took a detour after college and started my own studio, I didn’t think I’d get the chance. Since working with Bossladies, I’ve gotten to have meetings at Conde Nast, travel (finally!) for work, and meet amazing women all over the country, and next spring go on my first international work trip! I’m also going to be designing another magazine coming out early next year.
Favorite bands at the moment?
Cold War Kids & The Strokes
Favorite flavor of ice cream?
Mint Chocolate Chip
In high school were you the jock, nerd, social, or_______??
Artist! I took more art classes than academic
Favorite vacation spot ever?
Mediterranean Coast (dream) / Georgia Coast - Savannah (reality)
Favorite Movie?
Midnight in Paris
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
It changed almost every day – teacher, lawyer, architect, designer
What's one thing most people don't know about you, including your mom?
hm… my mom and I are super close so I can’t think of much she doesn’t already know. But when I was in college my best friend and I use to fake being the press to get backstage at concerts. (which shouldn’t have worked, but normally did!)
What is your spirit animal?
Wolf – real talk that was an assignment in college so I know for sure