We were lucky to catch up with Arnisha Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Arnisha , thanks for joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

Back in December 2021 I was feeling discouraged as a creative and I wanted to throw in the towel and go corporate. I applied for a job at Michigan First Credit Union, during that application process I saw an ad on Instagram for a New Balance design challenge, I signed up on the last day just on a whim to see what it was. I ended up being selected and placed in a group of 5 and in one week had to design a shoe and t-shirt for the city of Detroit based around the New Balance 550 and create a pitch deck and present to representatives of Footlocker and New Balance!! Spoiler alert: my group came in 2nd place but we were the people’s champ.

This was the biggest thing for me to do to date! Not only did I get the chance to design for a big name company but also collaborate with other local artist from Detroit with whom I still have connections and friendships with. Most importantly it led to more OPPORTUNITIES including me designing for the NBA and Ethika. Needless to say I definitely turned the job at the bank, my biggest lesson which I work on everyday is to never give up on yourself sometimes we self-sabotage wayyyyyyy before anyone even noticed you. We are all on our own journey, yours just may look different and that’s okay.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Whatupdoe, my name is Arnisha Smith; born, raised and currently a Detroiter, multi-disciplinary artist, designer, and I produce innovative client solutions attentively. I also have a brand by the Firsts Never Last where inspire individuality through creativity, education, and sustainability.

As a creative entrepreneur, my journey into the industry began as a kid with a deep passion for cartoons and drawing. Growing up, I found solace and inspiration in black culture, fashion and movies. This led me to pursue a degree in Bachelors of Fine Arts at Wayne State University, where I studied Graphic Design. After graduating, I jumped off the into the world of freelance creative work, initially focusing on graphic design and illustration. Over time, I expanded my services to include screen printing, content creation, mentoring, branding, and creative consultancy.

Today, my brand offers a wide range of creative services tailored to meet the unique needs of clients across various industries. Whether it’s designing captivating visuals for marketing campaigns, crafting merch for brand storytelling, or providing strategic guidance on creative projects, I thrive on solving problems through creativity to customize the solution directly to each client personally. What sets me apart is my approach to creativity, blending fine artistry with modern techniques and thinking to deliver impactful results. I take pride in my ability to translate complex ideas into visually stunning and emotionally resonant experiences.

Above all, I want potential clients and followers to know that my work is driven by a genuine passion for creativity and a commitment to excellence. I strive to forge meaningful connections through my art and storytelling, whether it’s through captivating visuals, thought-provoking narratives, or innovative solutions. My ultimate goal is to inspire and empower others through the power of creativity, leaving a lasting impression that extends beyond the confines of the project at hand.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

If you are local to Detroit you should be tapped in to Design Core Detroit, Pensole Lewis College, and Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese for workshops, events, and classes. Also, LinkedIn should be your networking bible! Connect to people meet out, don’t just exchange numbers. Always, check your local library and craft stores for classes and workshops as well. If you want to learn sewing skills you can take classes at ISAIC and if your want to learn tech and coding Apple has a development academy with Michigan State University. Other general resources would be Creative Capital, 15percentage pledge, and the CCNYC for grants, residency and job resources.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Being passionate about what I do, having the knowledge to make people feel comfortable to collaborate, and showcasing my personality letting them in.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://arnishatrycina.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/nishcina
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/arnishasmith
• Other: Voyage Michigan Article: https://voyagemichigan.com/interview/life-work-with-arnisha-smith-of-detroit-mi/ Brand IG: http://www.instagram.com/firstsneverlast