Is it the Pumpkin Spice… or Nostalgia?

October 7th, 2019 -

Autumn brings a beautiful change in leaves, cooler temps — and most importantly, to a few million of us, pumpkin spice everything. Annual sales of “pumpkin-flavored” products rose over 15% in 2018, setting an all-time high for the previous five years, according to Nielsen*. America’s love affair with pumpkin spice has truly reached new heights, […]

Importance of Understanding Your Consumer

September 30th, 2019 -

When working with a new client, one of the first questions we routinely ask is, “Who is your target consumer?” We work with small and large companies that have varying degrees of consumer understanding. Some brand owners have great consumer insights while others either honestly don’t know who to target or will say they are […]

Supporting students & their families: 40 Acts of Kindness

September 12th, 2019 -

July & August were busy months for Smith Design’s team, but our commitment to 40 Acts stayed top of mind. We teamed up with local and national organizations that support those in need, as well as hosted a local student for a mentorship. Read on to learn about the missions of these incredible organizations: We […]

Importance of Brand Planning

September 9th, 2019 -

When you think of successful entrepreneurs or brand teams what are the first things that come to mind for how they became successful? At first glance, you might attribute their success to things like smart, confident leadership, a great product, competitive drive, or a great marketing campaign. However, the unsung hero, the backbone of their […]

Are emojis a modern symbolic reflection of society?

September 5th, 2019 -

From early cave drawings to hieroglyphics to printing presses to today’s digital technology, symbols and pictures have always been central to how humans communicate, express their feelings, and deal with a constantly changing world. According to a paper co-authored by MIT linguist Shigeru Miyagawa, human language is considered to be over 100,000 years old, with […]

The Importance of Branding

August 21st, 2019 -

In the U.S., thousands of eager entrepreneurs start new businesses every year. According to the 2019 United States Small Business Report, there are currently over 30.7 million small businesses in the U.S. but only 50% of small businesses will survive 5 years or more. Entrepreneurs start out full of hope with a ton of passion […]

Simplify Your [Business] Week

August 7th, 2019 -

The first week of August is officially Simplify Your Life Week, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. (Raise your hand if just being on the internet lately is overwhelming to you.) On a more serious note, consumers are feeling overwhelmed by the constant connectivity the information age ushered in, which has driven […]

Small Businesses: Make Packaging A Priority

July 29th, 2019 -

Since we opened our doors in 1979, packaging has been at the core of Smith Design. The consumer experience with a brand’s product often begins with the packaging itself, and we understand how critical that first impression is.  In the coming months, we’ll be launching The Budd: a new offering for small businesses that are […]

GEN Z POV: A Socially Conscious Generation

July 25th, 2019 -

As a Gen Z’er, I’m part of the first truly digital native generation. Let’s talk about what that means: We grew up googling for information any time we needed answers to our questions. When something big happened in the world, it would go viral on social media, and conversation surrounding it would explode. We’ve grown […]

Smith Design turns up the heat on 40 Acts of Kindness

July 12th, 2019 -

The Smith Design team was fueled by the summer sun and committed to seven acts of kindness during the month of June. When families leave town for vacation during the summer months, it can mean fewer volunteers and less support for local organizations — so we were especially happy to be of service. Throughout the […]

Game on & on

July 11th, 2019 -

Nielsen recently confirmed what the millennial generation already lives and breathes: gaming is for life. Starting with Nintendo, the gaming industry evolved alongside millennials as they grew up, remaining a staple in daily life with increasingly innovative devices and games. To brands seeking to strengthen their targeting: don’t sleep on millennial gamers. These life-long gamers […]

GEN Z POV: The Next Generation of Consumers

June 27th, 2019 -

In a time when you can search for anything you desire in the blink of an eye, consumer trends can change just as fast. What makes us scroll through and pick one brand over another? How do we decide?  Consumerism will soon be dominated by the up-and-coming Generation Z. With a generation even more tech-savvy […]

Back to our roots on Father’s Day

June 14th, 2019 -

Being part of a family-owned business means Father’s Day is about more than just our own families; it’s about the team’s roots, too. James Smith, co-founder of Smith Design, started the business with his wife, Laraine, in 1979 after being let go from his previous position as an art director and studio manager. Starting a […]

Crossing The Halfway Mark: 40 Acts Of Kindness

June 12th, 2019 -

We’ve officially crossed the halfway point in our commitment to 40 Acts of Kindness and have more energy than ever to keep the good deeds rolling!  Celebrating 40 years has never felt better. With a desire to pay it forward and make a positive impact in our community, thus far Smith Design has donated items […]

The Plant-Based Movements Influence on IDDBA

June 6th, 2019 -

This year’s IDDBA conference showcased a variety of plant-based products that meet the increasing demand from consumers. While I don’t eat a wholly plant-based diet, over the past year I’ve incorporated more and more options into my diet. After reviewing this year’s exhibitor list, I looked forward to sampling the wide variety of these products. […]

40 Acts of Kindness Initiative Stays Strong in April

May 21st, 2019 -

With the halfway point of the year coming up fast, Smith Design remained committed to its 40 Acts of Kindness initiative, working with several outstanding organizations to give back to our community. With #trashtag exploding on all social media platforms, Smith Design wanted to do our part helping out an environmental cause, and saw two […]

Seeing the big in small

May 10th, 2019 -

BIC Flex Razors

May 9th, 2019 -

Challenged by traditional and subscription-based competition… BIC needed to upgrade the Men’s Premium shaver packaging range to stand out at shelf with a distinct and ownable look while maintaining shoppability. BEFOREWe set out to change consumer perception of the brand to represent both value and quality (in research, BIC was most often associated with value). […]

40 ACTS OF KINDNESS ROLLS ON IN MARCH

April 12th, 2019 -

Smith Design moved closer to our goal of completing 40 Acts of Kindness to celebrate our 40 years in business, as we partnered with several exceptional organizations to help those in need.   On March 21st, we welcomed design students from Kean University to our studio to learn real life applications of the skills they were […]

A First Timer’s View of the Natural Products Expo

March 19th, 2019 -

Coming from an over-20-year career in the alcoholic beverage industry, I never had opportunity or cause to attend Natural Products Expo West. In my current role as Director of Brand Strategy at Smith Design, I have been diving deep into the natural products category and learning about the various trade shows that service the industry […]

Smith Design’s 40 Acts of Kindness: February 2019

March 13th, 2019 -

Smith Design’s 40 Acts of Kindness picked up steam in February, supporting Night to Shine, Market Street Mission, Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, and Pinups for Pitbulls. The Tim Tebow Foundation first launched Night to Shine in 2015 as a way to give an unforgettable prom night experience to people with special needs, taking place across 26 […]

Celebrating International Women’s Day

March 8th, 2019 -

pictured: Jenna Smith For over 100 years, International Women’s Day has been celebrated as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and promote the idea of a gender-balanced world. As a certified Women’s Owned Business, Smith Design is delighted to celebrate this significant day and recognize the progress that has been made so far, as well […]

The “Heart” of Giving

February 14th, 2019 -

Cupid still strikes for retailers and brands, even with fewer people celebrating Valentine’s Day. Dramatic changes in spending and the emergence of an ‘anti-Valentine’s Day’ sentiment have motivated retailers to find innovative ways to keep Valentine’s Day meaningful and relevant. While there are fewer adults celebrating the holiday, those that are celebrating are spending more […]

Smith Design Officially Kicks Off 40 Acts of Kindness Initiative

February 7th, 2019 -

It’s been a busy few weeks for the team at Smith Design- and not just during business hours! Our 40 Acts of Kindness initiative (celebrating Smith Design’s 40 years in business with 40 volunteer efforts) got off to a great start, coordinating with local and global organizations to pay it forward and make a positive […]

1/40 The Fresh Air Fund

January 2nd, 2019 -

We share Thoreau’s love of nature and the lived experience which is why we’re kicking off our year of giving with a generous donation to the Fresh Air Fund, including weatherproof blankets – a little something to help our youth create great escapes outside of their urban communities.   Since founded in 1877, the Fresh […]

The Beauty Revolution

December 4th, 2018 - Jane Sayer

the beauty revolution discover the major cultural shifts that are impacting, and changing, the beauty category at the touch of a button There was a time when cultural trends were easy to define. Information took time to reach an audience and a lot fell away before it reached mass consumption. Today, there is so much […]

Creating a Sense of Community with the Pledge 1% Program

November 27th, 2018 - Gretchen Roughgarden

As designers, we are tasked with creating and improving a brand’s identity and defining the unique position it has in the world. Our craft gives us a unique lens into culture and community and it fuels our passion and commitment to have a positive impact on the world we live in. Community service and charitable […]

3 Key Takeaways: The New Jersey Food & Beverage Summit

October 19th, 2018 - Gretchen Roughgarden

This week I attended the New Jersey Food & Beverage Summit at the Palace in Somerset Park. The event featured exhibits, panel discussions and speakers focused on the Garden State’s food industry.   3 Key Takeaways: If you don’t have a brand with a purpose you aren’t going to win. Chris Skiers VP Private Label […]

Gen Z

October 11th, 2018 - Jane Sayer

by the numbers by Jane Sayer | download white paper 32% of the population will be Gen Z by 2019 5 number of screens used concurrently 50.4% of Americans born after 2007 are minorities 60% want the work they do to impact the world while… 76% hope they can turn their hobbies into full-time jobs […]

2018 Creativity International Media and Interactive Design Awards

June 20th, 2018 -

Smith Design is proud to announce that four of our projects have been selected as recipients of the 2018 Creativity International Media and Interactive Design Awards

World Dog Expo 2018

June 11th, 2018 - Gretchen Roughgarden

The World Dog Expo celebrates dogs everywhere in a large-scale, cutting edge, multi media format.

Smith Design Donated Services to Create Limited Edition Cans for St. Jude. Children’s Research Hospital

May 17th, 2018 - Gretchen Roughgarden

Smith Design collaborates with Green Giant to design three Limited Edition cans featuring the artwork of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital patients. Read More.

Asian Trend Round Up

May 3rd, 2018 - Jane Sayer

Attending the Trendwatching Seminar at The Bowery Hotel in New York last month was, for the most part, an enjoyable event. Interesting people, fun activities, informative presentation. That is until the sci-fi show ‘Black Mirror’ became real life. Read on

MoTown

March 14th, 2018 - jenna smith

There are many reasons we chose Morristown as our headquarters, and we can’t deny that our adopted home is a pretty cool place. Read on…

Morristown, or MoTown for short, is hailed as the military capital of the American Revolution because it played a pivotal role in the war for independence.  

George Washington had his troops encamped here during the Winter of 1779-1780 and at that time declared St. Patricks Day a holiday to honor his Irish soldiers (which is why Morristown is the place to be on St. Patricks Day if you like a Parade and a Guinness – just not at the same time)

The Democratization of Design in Beauty Packaging

March 14th, 2018 - jenna smith

“Let us take you on a journey…
one that will challenge existing beliefs you may have around luxury, image and the power of packaging, especially in beauty.”

It’s no Juke – my love of music

March 12th, 2018 - james smith

If you have visited any of the Smith Design offices, you will see my love of music on permanent display. I began DJ-ing in the early 60’s while still in high school and later while in college and art school. When love Intervened in 1967, I traded my DJ equipment to buy an engagement ring but I held onto my collection of over 2,500 45’s. In the mid-80’s, with a daughter and a design firm to my name, I noticed a jukebox for sale in a local garage sale. It was a Seeburg 222, the first ever Stereo jukebox. Finally I had a place to play my old 45’s.
But only 60 of them…

Backpacks Jacked with JOY!

March 2nd, 2018 - jenna smith

Anti-Bacterial Wipes, Bic Pens, Veggie Straws snacks and Skippy Peanut Butter Bites were among the contents of the backpacks.
Smith Design is blessed to be able to provide to charities throughout the year, but as we all know the holiday season is another opportunity to give the gift of giving back.
As a women-owned business, this season it was with great joy that we came upon Oasis (oasisnj.org), an organization located in Paterson NJ, dedicated to changing the lives of women and children by breaking the cycle of poverty. Oasis struck a chord with us at Smith Design, hence the BackPack GiveBack initiative was born.

Drinking Tea With Mermaids, Taking Selfies…Our Summary Of The best June Conferences

July 7th, 2017 - gretchen roughgarden

June has been a busy month for us folks here at Smith Design with no fewer than 3 different conferences from New York City to Las Vegas to keep us busy.

Keep reading to see our takeaways from these awesome events and look for more recaps coming soon

The FDA’s New Nutrition Facts

December 1st, 2016 - tricia trozzi

Since the early 1990s, the FDA’s Nutrition Facts charts have been a requirement for food packaging. In May 2016, the FDA published new rules which change some of the content and presentation of the Nutrition Facts chart. The FDA states that all food manufacturers must comply with the new rules by July 2018. The official FDA website contains pages and pages detailing the legalities. Here are some highlights gleaned from the FDA’s information.

Recipe for a sizzling Superbowl Party

October 7th, 2016 - jane sayer

As a British transplant and a non-sporty one at that, the Superbowl is a way for me to marker the middle of the Winter, brush up on who has the biggest advertising budgets and indulge in some of my favorite comfort foods. Lucky for me, this year I got to celebrate with 21 of my favorite coworkers with a branded potluck.

Here’s how it worked – with many of our clients being from the food and beverage sector, we planned a menu that featured as many of the brands we work on as possible. And fortunately for us they are all delicious & perfect for game time! So last Friday our new kitchen and event space saw a frenzy of activity with the Smith Design team gathered to sample a host of food that we had all made and which we had all had a hand in branding along the way.