ROBYN NICHOLE SMITH
I was born and raised in Baltimore Maryland; and grew up surrounded by a family who always encouraged me to be creative and to follow my dreams. My father who is a graphic designer & painter had a keen eye for perspective and realistic drawing styles, he would always give me pointers and tips, which helped me to develop and sharpen my observational skills at an early age. My mother who is a calligraphist, and a hands on D.I.Y arts and craftswoman always supported my creativity. We would often have craft nights, yes... craft nights.. we would use hot glue guns, glitter, paints, jewelry scraps,sequins, etc. you name it, we had it! Those occasions helped to spark my imagination and encouraged me to be free and expressive. I always admired my older sister who would sketch fashion designs and hairstyles which ultimately triggered my interest in fashion design.
From middle school into high school I took fine arts drawing and painting classes at art camps during the summer months. As my skills continued to develop I decided that I wanted to pursue fashion design as my career. Having an open mind, being fearless and ambitious. I decided to move to New York when I was 18. I was accepted to New School University where I completed foundation courses my freshman year; and sophomore year I entered Parsons School of Designs fashion program. I had several accomplishments while attending Parsons, from interning with Peter Som and The Gap, winning the Zack Carr fashion designer award, and winning the Jasco Fabrics design competition.
In 2005, I graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) degree and landed my first job designing womens ready -to- wear for ‘The House of Dereon’. During my short stint there... I traveled overseas to Hong Kong and Mainland China to visit the production factories. I also made trips to California, and Las Vegas for ‘Project Las Vegas’. Currently my career has taken me on an interesting path which led me to designing menswear for Macy’s private label brand called ‘American Rag’ since 2006. In 2011 my fashion illustrations were published in a book called ‘Fashion Illustration’ edited by Chai Xiuming and Lu Haoyang (Design Media Publishing Limited). While reflecting on my career journey, and continuously seeking what life has to offer.... I decided to create this site to share my work and love of fashion design, illustration and visual arts with the world.
-God is Good-
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” -Thoreau