I am a trusted brand creative and senior graphic designer who builds and scales cohesive media brands through visual identity design, brand systems, and content strategy. I’ve guided brand standards to increase engagement, improve broadcast quality, and elevate the overall look and feel of newsrooms. Promoted 5 times and recipient of 25 design awards, I lead with collaboration, clarity, and a passion for storytelling through design. I’ve led cross-functional teams of in-house and freelance creatives, standardized production workflows, and delivered award-winning campaigns across print, broadcast, and digital. My focus is unifying brand voices, driving growth, and elevating newscast quality through strategic branding and compelling visuals.

Hilary Smith

I am a trusted brand creative and senior graphic designer who builds and scales cohesive media brands through visual identity design, brand systems, and content strategy. I’ve guided brand standards to increase engagement, improve broadcast quality, and elevate the overall look and feel of newsrooms. Promoted 5 times and recipient of 25 design awards, I lead with collaboration, clarity, and a passion for storytelling through design. I’ve led cross-functional teams of in-house and freelance creatives, standardized production workflows, and delivered award-winning campaigns across print, broadcast, and digital. My focus is unifying brand voices, driving growth, and elevating newscast quality through strategic branding and compelling visuals.

Available to hire

I am a trusted brand creative and senior graphic designer who builds and scales cohesive media brands through visual identity design, brand systems, and content strategy. I’ve guided brand standards to increase engagement, improve broadcast quality, and elevate the overall look and feel of newsrooms. Promoted 5 times and recipient of 25 design awards, I lead with collaboration, clarity, and a passion for storytelling through design.

I’ve led cross-functional teams of in-house and freelance creatives, standardized production workflows, and delivered award-winning campaigns across print, broadcast, and digital. My focus is unifying brand voices, driving growth, and elevating newscast quality through strategic branding and compelling visuals.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Director of Marketing & Creative Services at News-Press NOW
February 1, 2024 - November 1, 2025
Increased broadcast ratings and brand awareness by 8% through integrated multichannel out-of-home campaigns; elevated the sales teams’ market visibility 50% by unifying brands under a single media group identity, News-Press NOW Media Group; led and mentored an award-winning team of in-house and freelance creative producers; improved production efficiency by 65% by implementing standardized operating procedures and a web-based creative order system.
Director of Marketing & Brand at News-Press NOW
December 1, 2017 - February 1, 2024
Expanded brand awareness by 30% through an innovative mix of broadcast video, email marketing, social media, print, digital advertising, and event sponsorships; directed content and brand strategies for news and sales divisions, driving growth in viewership and advertising revenue; contributed to brand identity and advertising for additional News-Press & Gazette Co. ventures.
Creative Director at News-Press NOW
November 1, 2015 - December 1, 2017
Earned 1st Place Best Ad Designer and 1st Place Best Digital Ad Designer from the Missouri Ad Managers Association; defined creative direction for content marketing across all News-Press NOW platforms, including print, broadcast, digital, and mobile apps; designed on-air graphic standards, set backgrounds, and motion graphics enhancing visual consistency and overall newscast quality; developed and executed launch strategies and visual identities for the market debuts of NBC 21 KNPG and CBS 30 KCJO, driving strong initial market recognition.
Creative Marketing Manager at News-Press NOW
November 1, 2010 - November 1, 2015
Increased audience engagement by 25% through high-impact print, video, and digital content across all News-Press NOW platforms; strengthened brand recognition by 20% by establishing consistent visual and messaging standards across converged news outlets; contributed to the launch strategy and visual identity for the market debut of FOX 26 KNPN.
Spec Artist at St. Joseph News-Press
August 1, 2006 - November 1, 2010
Supported production with asset creation and layout tasks for various ad and editorial projects.
Ad Production Specialist at St. Joseph News-Press
December 1, 2004 - August 1, 2006
Assisted with ad production and pre-press workflow, ensuring timely delivery and quality across print campaigns.

Education

Bachelor of Science, Commercial Art at Missouri Western State University
January 11, 2030 - March 23, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Professional Services