Chara Smith
Co-founder · Founder · Creative Director · Copy Chief
3 articles · Mar 2023 — Jun 2025
Articles & interviews
- "Top 25 Inspiring Creative Studios of 2025 Unveiled"
Creative Boom · Jun 16, 2025
Creative Boom’s 2025 roundup highlights 25 studios shaping the global design landscape. From Porto Rocha’s socially conscious branding to DixonBaxi’s strategic systems and Hey Studio’s joyful minimalism, the list celebrates studios that combine creativity with purpose. The article underscores a shift toward collaboration, diversity, and design leadership across continents.
- "Smith & Diction: Redefining Design in Philadelphia"
Creative Boom · Feb 4, 2025
Creative Boom profiles Philadelphia-based design studio Smith & Diction, co-founded by Mike and Chara Smith. The article explores the studio’s origins, creative philosophy, and collaborative culture, highlighting key projects such as Perplexity, The Rail Park, and Living Roots Wine & Co. It paints a portrait of a small but passionate team committed to thoughtful, boundary-pushing design rooted in their love for Philly.
Smith & Diction160over90Charity WaterPerplexityThe Rail Parkbranding - “Make the one that makes your heart sing.” How Philly’s Smith & Diction are doing it their own way
The Brand Identity · Mar 31, 2023 · Interview
The Brand Identity interviews Mike Smith of Philadelphia-based studio Smith & Diction about their creative philosophy, process, and evolution. Smith discusses the studio’s origins, team dynamics, and their approach to heartfelt, exploratory branding work. The conversation highlights their love for community, creative freedom, and the balance between passion projects and financial sustainability.
Smith & DictionThe Rail ParkBOK Buildingbranding