I’m Jaimi Smith — A born and raised California girl turned New Jersey resident for more than 10 years. Im a web and print designer that focuses on solving problems by balancing functionality with clean layouts and simple, classic design. In addition to my design services, I also created a graphic design/creative business blog. A blog designed to inspire and educate business owners about design awareness, and showcase some of my work and creative practices.

What’s your favorite past time?
My new obsession has become office spaces. I love looking at how others create and decorate their office spaces. What color schemes people use, the books they collect, the accessories they use, and their personal choice of desk or work tables and wall art. Every piece tells us something about you and who you are. What does your office look like and what does it say about you??

Whats a typical day like for you?
I wake up around 730am, get the kids to school, go to the gym and then come home and start my workday. My work day starts with first checking and responding to my emails. Then I spot check my to-do list for the day making sure that all items that are either highlighted or have an * next to them are done first. My days are typically filled with the task of searching out new inspiration, or implementing my designs. I try to end my day by 8 or 9pm, ok sometimes 11pm or 1am. It just depends on the project…sometimes when you are in that zone its hard to just get up and walk away. I love that I love what I do. Different clients, different projects, different industries, different mediums. Its fun.

How do you find inspiration?
Sometimes I peruse Pinterest, or other graphic design sites/blogs. Other times, I have to walk away from the computer all together and just unplug. I watch tv, or go outside, go to the book store, or just play with my kids. Some of my greatest ah-ha moments have come when I stopped trying to find inspiration and instead forgot about it and let it come to me. Sometimes you just gotta “let it go.”

Any other lessons learned?
Ah! Another version of “Let Go.” Don’t fall in love with designs you created for your client. Sometimes I have to remind myself that its their money and their project and in the end I’m here to please the client, not myself. Remember to “Let Go,” and use my version in my portfolio!

Something a little lighter, favorite movie, tv show?
Movie, Alien with Sigourney Weaver. Im a sci-fi girl. Tv shows, number one would be Columbo (the 70′s era) with Peter Falk. Next in line would be the original Star Trek.

Name 5 artists on your iPod?
Beyonce, Drake, Andrea Boccelli, John Mayer, Nina Simone.

Pet Pieve?
Lack of organization, its difficult to tolerate.