Lisa Smith
Creative Director · Other · Designer
9 articles · Oct 2024 — Oct 2025
Quotes
“There's a fundamental transformation happening – driven by emerging technologies, shifting cultural dynamics, and a redefinition of what 'creativity' even means.”
“This isn't just about the award any more. It's about the joy of creating and sharing.”
“It's exciting to see so many brands and companies refreshing their identities.”
“We need to create something recognisable and memorable – something that stands out.”
“Lisa shares some hard truths about whether we can truly 'have it all' and what it takes to build a successful career — the late nights, sacrifices, and barriers that still need breaking.”
Articles & interviews
- Affinity Rebrands with Bold Identity, Now Free to Use
It's Nice That · Oct 29, 2025
Affinity, the professional creative software brand recently acquired by Canva, has unveiled a full rebrand and product relaunch. Led by Canva’s European creative director Tom Carey and executed with Design by Twist, the new identity balances connection to Canva with a distinct, creative personality. Featuring a bespoke serif logomark, custom typeface by Ohno, and a tactile color palette, the rebrand emphasizes approachability and artistic expression.
CanvaDesign by TwistOhno Type Co.Affinitybranding - Lisa Smith Appointed President of D&AD Amid Industry Evolution
Creative Boom · Sep 18, 2025
Creative Boom reports that Lisa Smith has been appointed as the new President of D&AD for 2025/2026. Based in New York, Smith brings extensive experience from her roles at Uncommon Creative Studio and Jones Knowles Ritchie, where she led major global rebrands. Her presidency signals D&AD’s focus on international growth, inclusivity, and adapting to technological and cultural shifts in the creative industry.
D&ADUncommon Creative StudioJones Knowles RitchieWalmartBurger Kingbranding - JKR and D&AD Unveil New Identity Celebrating Creative Motion
Creative Boom · Jun 11, 2025
Jones Knowles Ritchie (JKR) has created a new identity and campaign for D&AD under the theme 'Drawn to Create'. The rebrand celebrates creativity as a magnetic force, featuring a custom typeface called Pencil Gothic developed with Studio DRAMA. The identity was brought to life at the D&AD Festival in London through immersive installations, motion design, and interactive experiences.
- "D&AD Awards 2025: Agencies Score Big; Three Win Top Honors"
Creative Boom · May 22, 2025
Creative Boom reports on the 2025 D&AD Awards, where three Black Pencils were awarded to standout projects by W Conran Design, Iconoclast LA, and FCB New York. The article highlights the awards’ renewed focus on commercial impact, craftsmanship, and global participation, with Apple named Client of the Year and Koichiro Tanaka receiving the President’s Award. The event underscored a shift toward work that balances creativity with tangible business results.
- "Creative Boom Podcast's Christmas 2024 Special: Festivities & Creativity"
Creative Boom · Dec 19, 2024
Creative Boom’s 2024 Christmas Special podcast episode, hosted by founder Katy Cowan, celebrates the end of the year with a festive roundtable of past guests. The episode features light-hearted discussions about holiday traditions, creative reflections, and seasonal fun, marking the close of Season Eight of The Creative Boom Podcast.
Creative Boomdigital - "Frontify and Studios Debate: Can Brand Flexibility Go Too Far?"
The Brand Identity · Dec 2, 2024
The article, part of The Brand Identity’s 'The Shift' series in collaboration with Frontify, explores the balance between fixed and flexible brand systems. Featuring insights from Studio Koseda, Snøhetta Design, and JKR, it examines how modern identities adapt across touchpoints while maintaining recognisability. The discussion highlights projects for RCA, Mozilla, and Recreate as examples of dynamic yet consistent branding.
- Podcast Episode 128: Lisa Smith on Video Games and Typography Tips
Creative Boom · Oct 24, 2024
Episode 128 of The Spark podcast from Creative Boom highlights insights from Lisa Smith, global executive creative director at JKR, discussing women in design, cultural differences, and leadership. The episode also covers creative industry news, including marketing budget trends, cosy video games for mental health, and Bluesky’s rise. It features a book recommendation and practical typography advice for designers.
- "Podcast EP127: Lisa Smith on Design Industry Leadership and Challenges"
Creative Boom · Oct 21, 2024 · Interview
Creative Boom’s podcast episode features Lisa Smith, global executive creative director at JKR, discussing her career journey and leadership in the design industry. She reflects on major rebranding projects for Burger King, Mozilla, and Chobani, and shares insights on authenticity, community, and the realities of creative leadership. The conversation explores cultural differences in design and the challenges women face in senior roles.
- The Spark: Luigi Carnovale on Reinvention and Authenticity
Creative Boom · Oct 17, 2024
Episode 126 of The Spark podcast from Creative Boom reflects on Luigi Carnovale’s insights into reinvention and authenticity in the creative industry. The episode also covers D&AD’s 2024 creative trends, Headspace’s AI chatbot Ebb, and highlights independent type foundries to watch in 2025. It concludes with a preview of an upcoming interview with Lisa Smith of JKR and a creative tip about embracing vulnerability.