I'm a multidisciplinary digital artist who's worked as a character designer, storyboard artist, and most recently, an art director in independent animation! My goal is to design for a major animated feature film or acclaimed video game one day. My desire to create was fueled by the various works of fiction I became hooked on over the years, including action-packed animation, fantastical video games, and intricate manga. More recently, I've started channeling my inspirations into my own concepts, exploring themes such as relationships, identity, and the supernatural. Creating a larger-than-life story that helps people understand themselves, like how fiction has helped me in the past, would be a dream come true.

Kelly Smyth

I'm a multidisciplinary digital artist who's worked as a character designer, storyboard artist, and most recently, an art director in independent animation! My goal is to design for a major animated feature film or acclaimed video game one day. My desire to create was fueled by the various works of fiction I became hooked on over the years, including action-packed animation, fantastical video games, and intricate manga. More recently, I've started channeling my inspirations into my own concepts, exploring themes such as relationships, identity, and the supernatural. Creating a larger-than-life story that helps people understand themselves, like how fiction has helped me in the past, would be a dream come true.

Available to hire

I’m a multidisciplinary digital artist who’s worked as a character designer, storyboard artist, and most recently, an art director in independent animation! My goal is to design for a major animated feature film or acclaimed video game one day.
My desire to create was fueled by the various works of fiction I became hooked on over the years, including action-packed animation, fantastical video games, and intricate manga.
More recently, I’ve started channeling my inspirations into my own concepts, exploring themes such as relationships, identity, and the supernatural. Creating a larger-than-life story that helps people understand themselves, like how fiction has helped me in the past, would be a dream come true.

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Language

English
Fluent
Japanese
Intermediate

Work Experience

Art Director / Lead Digital Artist at The Mista Pat Project
June 29, 2025 - December 12, 2025
Establish a consistent art style for the “Crazy Cool Careers” segment. Co-wrote a digital artist style guide detailing expectations for storyboards and illustrations. Provided constructive feedback on interns’ progress.
Digital Artist Intern at The Mista Pat Project
September 1, 2022 - Present
Drew props, backgrounds, illustrations, references, and full 4-5 minute storyboards. Attended weekly presentations and critiques with artists, animators, editors, and managers.
Freelance Digital Artist at Self-Employed
August 1, 2019 - Present
Created digital artwork and illustrations for individual clients and small collaborations such as fanzines, live stream channels, and fundraisers.
Story Artist at Creative Collective Studio
August 31, 2023 - August 28, 2025
Contributed to visual development including color schemes, lighting, and wardrobe for the animated short “Rain.” Exchanged feedback with director and lead character designers during team meetings.
Illustrator at Readeezy
May 31, 2023 - August 28, 2025
Created character designs, single-page illustration drafts, and line art for an interactive YA storybook.
Visual Development Intern at The Dream Arc Company
August 31, 2022 - August 28, 2025
Designed main characters, props, and promotional artwork for the 2D animated short “Songbirds.”
Mentee at WIA Mentorship Circle
January 1, 2024 - October 24, 2025
Group project; simulating the animated short pre-production process with mentor's guidance; acted as lead writer and co-producer; created additional character designs and story animatics
Digital Artist at The Mista Pat Project
February 1, 2023 - July 1, 2025
Created reference sheets, including full-color vehicle design, and prototype 2D character rig with individual body parts / mouth shapes. Composed story boards for 5-minute episodes (up to 75 frames each) in turnaround time of about 2 weeks; made concept animatic for future title sequence.
Character Design Mentee at Mentoring With Caleb
August 1, 2024 - September 1, 2024
One-on-one character design mentorship with a professional character designer.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media at Otis College of Art and Design
September 1, 2018 - May 1, 2022
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Otis College of Art and Design
September 1, 2018 - May 1, 2022

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Other, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet