Experience · Forrest Smith

The through line

I understand the entire path from an idea to something people can use.

My background is intentionally cross-functional. Print taught me precision. Production management taught me ownership. Field support taught me calm troubleshooting. Web and creative technology brought those lessons together in digital products and brand systems.

That range helps me speak with designers, operators, clients, and technical teams—then turn competing needs into a clear, workable next step.

2022–NowProfessional experience

4 industriesCreative, print, web, and IT

End to endDiscovery through support

2022–Present Independent

Web design & creative technology

Turning business goals into useful digital systems.

Freelance Web Designer · Creative Technologist

I lead client work from discovery and visual direction through responsive builds, content systems, automation, QA, and launch. Working independently has trained me to uncover the real problem, explain tradeoffs clearly, and leave teams with something they can actually maintain.

What I owned

Discovery, mood boards, UX, identity systems, development, CMS setup, automation, launch, and handoff.

What I learned

A polished interface is only successful when the content model and operating workflow behind it are equally clear.

See the client and product work →

2025–Present Enterprise technology

IT field support

Delivering reliable work when the window is tight.

Ovation Network · Dell field support

I execute ticket-driven deployments and on-site service across enterprise environments, working with rack-mounted UPS systems, routers, servers, and Dell hardware and software. Every visit depends on preparation, safe execution, clear documentation, and the ability to troubleshoot without losing momentum.

What I owned

Hardware deployments, on-site upgrades, fault isolation, ticket updates, and resolution documentation.

What I learned

Technical confidence is as much about communication and risk awareness as it is about knowing the hardware.

2024–2025 Operations

Print management

Managing quality, throughput, and sensitive work.

Integ Solutions · Print Manager

I managed weekly production queues, maintained large-format equipment, prepared oversized files for production, and kept work moving across changing priorities. HIPAA-sensitive jobs added another level of responsibility: secure handling, accurate tracking, and documentation could never be an afterthought.

What I owned

Production scheduling, prepress edits, equipment readiness, secure file handling, and delivery documentation.

What I learned

Good operations make quality repeatable—even when the volume, deadlines, and stakes all increase.

2023–2024 Brand production

Direct-to-garment production

Translating a creative vision into a physical result.

Hole In The Roof Marketing · DTG Specialist

I partnered with clients and internal teams to clarify goals, audience, and brand tone before production. From proofing through final output, I balanced creative intent with the technical constraints that determine how artwork actually reproduces on apparel.

What I owned

Client clarification, artwork proofs, technical preparation, production checks, and delivery alignment.

What I learned

Early questions prevent late-stage waste, and a strong proofing process protects both the idea and the deadline.

2022–2023 Visual design

Graphic design

Learning precision at full scale.

Hornet Signs · Graphic Designer

I produced large-format signage, vehicle wraps, and merchandising collateral in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. The work sharpened my eye for layout and brand consistency while teaching me that small file decisions become very visible when the output is measured in feet.

What I owned

Print-ready layouts, brand adaptation, vehicle and sign files, color checks, and finish fidelity.

What I learned

Craft lives in the details: scale, material, color, and production constraints all belong in the design process.

What I bring forward

Creative judgment grounded in operational reality.

I’m at my best in roles that need someone to connect brand thinking, product execution, workflow design, and hands-on problem solving.

Explore roles I can support Start a conversation

Experience built across screens, systems, and production floors.

I understand the entire path from an idea to something people can use.

Each role added a layer to how I solve problems.

Turning business goals into useful digital systems.

Delivering reliable work when the window is tight.

Managing quality, throughput, and sensitive work.

Translating a creative vision into a physical result.

Learning precision at full scale.

Creative judgment grounded in operational reality.