Manuel Sebastian Smith Email & Phone Number

New York, Ny, Us

New York, United States

Ademan is a studio specialized in branding, strategy, and art direction. We work collaboratively across disciplines to create visual solutions that serve and inspire.Our name, derived from the Spanish word 'ademán,' meaning a movement or gesture of the body that expresses intention or feeling, is embodied in our design philosophy.

New York, New York

At Prinkshop, under the mentorship of Pamela Bell, co-founder of Kate Spade, I developed my design and operational management skills. I oversaw product development from concept to delivery, collaborating with clients like J.Crew, Bandier, Shepard Fairey, Saucony, Procter & Gamble, Global Citizen, and others. Our work was featured in publications such as The New York Times, Vogue, The Guardian, Hypebeast, Harper's Bazaar, and Forbes.This experience helped me lead large-scale projects and make strategic design.

New York, United States

I was brought on board as a Graphic Designer to create designs for t-shirts and various collateral materials, including website updates and social media posts.

New York, United States

At Mantel, I spearhead the visual branding and design strategy, creating distinctive visual assets like podcast covers, graphics, animations, and promotional materials. My role involved working closely with executive producers to ensure that all design elements authentically represented the tone, message, and aesthetic of each podcast. Additionally, I oversaw the creation of their website in collaboration with a web designer, integrating the brand's vision into a cohesive online experience.

New York, United States

In my position assisting Sean Vegezzi, I contributed to his exploration of urban landscapes through installation art and videography. My responsibilities included aiding in the development of Vegezzi's photographic archive and providing support in preparing spaces for site-specific exhibitions. I also had the opportunity to work as a camera assistant on various projects. This role afforded me valuable insights into the intricate process of artistic creation, from conceptualization to execution, enhancing my skills in artistic coordination and visual storytelling.

New York, New York

As a Set Design Assistant for Matt Jackson, an acclaimed production designer based in New York, I contributed to various projects showcasing his unique style, described by himself as "irreverent, formalist, elemental, baroque and surreal". My role involved close collaboration in designing sets for high-profile clients such as Facebook, Apple, Vogue, NARS, Dazed Magazine, DKNY, and more, gaining invaluable insights into innovative and conceptual set design.

New York, New York

In my time as an Art Assistant for Jim Joe, I played a pivotal role in the completion of artworks commissioned by Drake to commemorate the release of "If You're Reading This It's Too Late," for which Jim Joe created the iconic cover. My responsibilities extended to photographing Jim Joe's diverse artworks for digital catalogues and his website, and preparing pieces for gallery exhibitions.Working with Jim Joe, celebrated for his collaborations with Louis Vuitton, Kanye West, and Virgil Abloh, and known for his anonymity, offered me profound insights into the creative process of an artist who shapes cultural narratives. This experience underscored the impact of an artist committed to their craft, influencing fashion and music while remaining a figure of mystery.

New York, New York

In my role as an Archives Assistant for renowned photographer Mark Seliger, I was dedicated to the challenging task of restoring his extensive archives damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Seliger, famed for his iconic Rolling Stone covers and work with Condé Nast, had amassed a significant collection of photographic history. My responsibilities encompassed the careful recuperation and preservation of these invaluable works. This experience not only honed my skills in archive management but also deepened my appreciation for the art of photography and its historical importance. Additionally, while working in his West Village studio, I had the unique opportunity to observe a few of his photoshoots and gain insight into his process of editing photos for magazine covers and features.

Associate'S Degree, Directing

Digital Graphic Design

Imagemakers Program, Analog Photography

High School Diploma