Kevin Smith is currently an Associate Professor in the area of Media Studies in the School of Communication and Journalism at Auburn University. As co-creator of the Visual Media track, Kevin focuses on the aspects of visual storytelling. As media channels have evolved, Kevin has concentrated his interests in graphic design, to cinematography, then 2D and 3D motion graphics in filmmaking and currently augmented reality. Kevin places emphasis on these mediums’ incorporation into the overall visual storytelling process. Kevin’s body of work has received recognition both internationally and nationally including design competition awards (American Advertising Federation (AAF) Addy Awards, Pixie Awards, Creativity 39th & 40th Design Competition, Designing For the Greater Good), work in books (Logolounge Volume 9 and The Vandercook 100), magazine features (Uppercase Magazine) and State of Alabama archival permanent collection inclusion (Letterpress Poster Series).

Kevin’s exploration of 3D motion graphics and how they can be used to communicate visually in AR/VR environments is the catalyst of his current research. At the core of this immersive experience lies the visual stories told through motion graphics, cinematography and augmented reality and how they enhance and differentiate from more traditional visual mediums. Kevin continues to push the boundaries of software technology to uncover the wider conceptual possibilities of visual storytelling by experimenting with a myriad of methods and identifying the most impactful methodology to the intended user.

Just as Kevin’s body of work has evolved from print design to screen-based motion design, his work is forward looking to the immersive extension that technology is affording. Additionally, Kevin explores the impact these technologies bring to the intended user, as well as the facilitation of interdisciplinary collaboration to strengthen an overall visual message that seeks to educate, inform or entertain. Kevin’s current projects further the mission of historical sites and depict events of a particular time period, allowing the user to take part in the storytelling experience. Kevin’s research is exploring how to and the impact of bringing this version of storytelling through augmented reality to historical sites and the events that occurred there.

Kevin earned a Master of Fine Arts in Communication Design from Louisiana Tech University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Auburn University. Kevin also spends time working on industry projects as a means to understand the intricacies of software capabilities through storytelling. He particularly focuses on how these mediums can be used to support the efforts of his research and future goals of his students from concept to production.

Current Projects

2019

American Advertising Federation Montgomery
My Color Theory Interactive, ADDY Award

Cinematographer / Colorist / Title Design
Elaina Kills A Cat, a short documentary which tells the story of a woman whose attempts to save a stray kitten result in its death. This film is currently in final post-production.

Cinematographer
Penname, a short narrative film which tells the story of a college-age former student, Shannon, who comes to find her own voice by forging term papers for her former classmates. This film is in production.

2018

American Advertising Federation Montgomery
Behind the Glass Poster Design, Gold ADDY Award

Public Relation Council of Alabama
OxyShark Motion Graphics, Award of Excellence
Flame Smart Branding – Logo Design, Medallion Award

2017

American Pixel Academy
OxyShark, Platinum Award

2016

Katherine Cooper Cater Hall - Adaptive Reuse Project
Auburn University Honors College.

2015

Alabama Department of Archives and History,
Invited to donate 37 letterpress works to the state archives’ poster collection which will be housed and rotated on display within the museum.

LogoLounge Volume 9
South Alabama Woodworks Logo

2012

American Advertising Federation
LYHR Letterpress Poster, ADDY Award

2011

Uppercase Magazine, Edition #8
Artist Spotlight Article, Janine Vangool, Publisher

American Pixel Academy
CoachComm Tempo Motion Graphic Video, Platinum Award

American Advertising Federation
Becoming Alabama Letterpress Poster, Judges Choice ADDY Award and Gold Addy Award

2010

40th Annual UCDA Competition
Jay Sanders Film Festival Poster Award of Excellence

Creativity 40th Print & Packaging Competition, HarperCollins
Bike Bash Poster, Silver Award
LYHR Letterpress Poster, Silver Award
Say Something Letterpress Honorable Mention Award

2009

Creativity 39th Print & Packaging Competition, HarperCollins
Jay Sanders Film Festival Logo Silver Award
Jay Sanders Film Festival Poster Honorable Mention Award

Designing for the Greater Good, HarperCollins
Jay Sanders Film Festival Logo Silver Award
LYHR Letterpress Poster