Artist Biography
Jack Smith is a designer whose work is shaped by a lifelong connection to art. What began as a love for drawing in childhood grew into a deeper passion over time. After learning programs such as Photoshop in 2016, he began building a technical foundation that allowed him to translate ideas into visual forms. While at Endicott College, he explored a wide range of design approaches, learning not only how to execute ideas, but how to think critically about them. During his junior year, he studied abroad in Copenhagen, further expanding his perspective and approach to design.
His work reflects an interest in grunge and expressive aesthetics, often raw, textured, and emotionally driven, balanced by a strong, intuitive understanding of minimal design. He is drawn to the tension between chaos and restraint, where bold visual energy meets clarity and intention. Through this balance, he aims to create work that feels both immediate and thoughtful, expressive yet purposeful.
Thesis Abstract
For his senior capstone, Jack Smith aimed to create visually engaging content through the use of expressive imagery, typography, and layered design elements. Focusing heavily on skate culture, nostalgia, and maximalist aesthetics, he reinterpreted these stylistic influences in his own way. During his research, he examined the dominance of minimalism in modern branding and how maximalism has been pushed aside despite its emotionally engaging qualities. Much of his work for this project was influenced by the raw, chaotic energy of skate brands like Thrasher.
After refining his ideas, he developed a visual identity for a music-focused magazine. In an industry that often prioritizes popular artists, he sought to create a more expressive platform for discovering new music, supported by visuals that push against the dominance of contemporary minimalism. His brand, Mongrel, highlights musicians who exist outside the mainstream, bringing attention to artists often overlooked in favor of more commercially favored names.
The branding reflects a rough, aggressive energy, presenting itself in a ferocious way that connects directly to the feral dog motif behind the name. By incorporating his own drawings into the logo and brand illustrations, he reinforces this identity and captures the rebellious, unfiltered nature of Mongrel.