Every year that Smirk New Media grows older, we focus on how our company’s growth can best serve our team and clients. We plan to take significant steps forward as a company this summer and this is the first of those exciting announcements. We are thrilled to welcome our new creative strategist to the Smirk family, Rachel Haynes.
Rachel brings vast client experience and new creative capabilities to our team. Her areas of expertise include design, branding, animation and video. Moving imagery is by far the most impactful and engaging form of content across digital and social media platforms. Her track record in motion design is unique in our market. She will help our clients connect with their audiences visually and differentiate themselves online.
Outside of her professional expertise, Rachel Haynes is a great human. We know she’s going to have a positive impact on our team culture and our clients will love working with her. With that said, I’ll give Rachel the floor to introduce herself.
Meet Rachel Haynes
I’m a Tulsa native that graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Graphic Design. I started my career in Oklahoma City as a Motion Designer at a creative agency. I was fortunate enough to work on a wide range of design projects for clients in retail, education, sports and recreation, and healthcare industries. I was promoted to Art Director in 2016 where I led the rebranding of the agency and transitioned into leading graphic design, motion design, and video projects.
I’m part designer, animator, art director, illustrator, and videographer. Why the range? Well, it boils down to one thing: I just love this stuff. I’m constantly learning everything I can about this field and I always jump at the opportunity to expand my skill set.
So, what’s there to love about design? Design is such a powerful storytelling tool that lends itself to digital marketing. All facets of design are full of possibilities, but I’m especially passionate about motion design and all the ways it can serve clients. It’s such an exciting time for motion design. It’s great seeing motion designers continue to push the envelope and do some really amazing things.
I am thrilled to start my position as a creative strategist at Smirk New Media. The opportunity to use my skill set to help grow the creative department with the exceptional team here at Smirk is beyond exciting. I can’t wait to dive in and start creating.
When I’m not designing, I also enjoy reading, rock climbing and hiking up the occasional mountain. I always say yes to dessert and never skip over title sequences.