On a recent mild winter evening in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen, Mykel C. Smith took his seat at Green Fig Urban Eatery to talk to the CFDA about his two decades in the business-and how he has no intention of slowing down! Smith proudly boasts the title of Creative Director of his namesake agency. One could also call him a most amazing and very grandiloquent creative who brings the drama to everything he touches! The Chicago native indeed possesses a larger than life persona coupled with a jack-of-all-trades can-do philosophy.
Smith’s success reaches across several creative spheres and I caught up with him to talk about it all. Meet Mykel C. Smith!
For those who don’t know you, who is Mykel C. Smith?
I am so many things…an entrepreneur and a businessman…but before anything, I am an artist. With my creative company, we are experience producers. I am an experience. I love to give back to my community. I have a purpose, and I’m driven!
How did you launch Mykel C. Smith Creative? Was a strong background in PR necessary?
I am not a PR person, although I have a reputation as one. My network and connections are vast, which is not something I take for granted. I’ve contributed to many publications here in New York City, provided creative vision to media outlets, and owned an event planning company. I’ve executed fashion shows and photo shoots completely driven by my passions. I decided to put all my talents in one space and create an Andy Warhol-inspired Factory vibe so that people would know who we are. We refer to ourselves as a “Creative Think Tank.” We’re a company that employs artists who create art for business.
How do you determine if a client is a good investment? In addition, worth your time?
I am questioning that myself. I have some amazing clients, but Cedella Marley, whom I have known and worked with for the past 17 years, is the best client I’ve ever had. I’ve grown with her, and I appreciate the solid partnership we have. I’ve learned how to turn clients down at this juncture and to only work on projects that feed my soul. We have 3 C’s within my company: Cooperation, Communication, and Compensation. We’re a Creative Direction Company so clients come to us to bring that vision to life. Some people live by “the customer is always correct”- and that’s simply not true. If a client comes to us and tries to take control and tell us what to do, we no longer have creative autonomy. We step back and let the client go, and at that point, our creativity is no longer needed. Working by this creed, has made me a better businessman.
Who are some of your well-known clients?
Tika Sumptner, Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, KeKe Wyatt, Cedella and Skip Marley.
What is your greatest contribution to the fashion industry?
My greatest contribution is vision. I have foresight. I can see what’s ahead of me. Take it and make it work!
Have you ever missed a great opportunity and regretted it?
I don’t have any regrets. As artists, we tend to be sensitive and involve our feelings. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to compromise. At one point in my career, I felt like I missed working with a certain celebrity, but the fame changed her disposition towards me. At that point I told myself, I didn’t miss working with a great celebrity. The celebrity missed working with a great person.
What are your most substantial business challenges?
I’m not complacent, and look at everything as a great opportunity, and dive into it! Procrastination is my deficit. If I don’t feel it, I can’t obtain a vision. The instant I see a vision for a project, and you engage me, also be ready financially. And that’s not always the case. People window–shop which can be quite frustrating. It’s essential for them to do the work. Clients can be known to have caviar dreams on beer budgets.
How can the industry improve its relations with Black creatives?
Don’t just use us for window dressing. Now Diversity is “in” and it should have been considered “in” a long time ago. Black creatives were never given their time to shine. There are so many creatives of color who have never been given the opportunities they deserve. Everyone deserves fair treatment-especially if you’re talented. Don’t just do it to make everybody happy for media or press. We need more Blacks and people of color in decision-making positions. Start the scouting process for talent before graduation at FIT and SCAD. Magazines need more diversity. PR Firms ad publications need more Black faces beyond the mailroom.
What’s next for the Mykel C. Smith Creative Agency?
Going global; also collaborating with larger corporations who crave creativity in a corporate structure. Television is also a medium I’m interested in. I never thought I’d be in this business. I have a theatre background and wanted to be a star! I’m very grateful and honored the CFDA would consider my narrative. I’ve been led full circle. Like Drake says: “God’s plan.”
@mykelcsmithcreative
mykelcsmithcreative.com
