PARTNERS, SMITH & CONNORS, PORTLAND OR
Smith & Connors is a brand and digital agency that accelerates growth and transformation for organizations on a mission. We work with a wide variety of companies, nonprofits and philanthropies, government agencies, educational institutions, and more. What binds us together is that we’re all working to create a better world, have an inclusive mindset, and are aligned with our values of honesty, transparency, and directness. S&C is WBENC certified, a B Corp, and a founding member of Zebras Unite, a global network of companies working for both profit and purpose.
We amplify the voices that are creating a better world by designing brand identities, strategic brand platforms, websites, and marketing and communications that come alive at the intersection of organizational goals and audience needs.
Tell us how and why you became involved in socially responsible communications, any thoughts on why design can be an especially effective tool for this goal, and, if you wish, give us an example of a project of which you are proud.
In 2013, we partners founded Smith & Connors after becoming disillusioned with lining the pockets of corporate shareholders. We decided to apply our expertise and passion to projects that aim for the betterment of all.
Today, everything is designed. And every day, the world gets crowded with more — images, forms, messages. We believe mission driven endeavors should be bold, optimistic, and modern to inspire big change now. We’re in need of massive cultural shifts to meet this moment of division. We believe that we can inspire action and increase hope in the world by helping our clients tell bold stories that move the masses to engage and take action.
We were honored to support the historic initiative of Meyer Memorial Trust: Justice Oregon for Black Lives. As a leader in the field of philanthropy, Meyer had already moved toward a justice and equity framework in their grantmaking when George Floyd was murdered. We collaborated with their team to design a new brand identity, including social templates, presentation materials, and a place on their website, to help launch the initiative.
Given the confluence of events and challenges our society now faces, does 2024 present any special opportunities, urgencies, obstacles to designing for good?
As we see the meteoric rise of division and hatred, we can also sense the rise of compassion, inclusion, and love. People are desperate for messages that return us to simple but potent ideas of community, connection, and hope.
Let’s amplify the voices and missions of people taking brave leaps into the unknown to create something new and different. It’s not about perfecting the landing, but honoring the courage to do something big. I think our best contribution to a better world is to offer our love in the face of fear.
