SmithBorn Studio is an interdisciplinary art and design practice, strategically guiding purpose-driven businesses in their pursuit for brand cohesion and community trust.
Thataway Method
Holistic creative guidance, transforming ideas into impact.
01 Active
Listening
Focused discovery session that uncovers truths, aligns vision, and sets the foundation to build on.
02 Strategic
Processing
Translating insights into a clear structure that connects people, purpose, and execution.
03 Creative
Emergence
Brings strategy to life through purposeful design and creation that solves real problems with heart.
04 Iterative
Refinement
Testing, tuning, and evolving ideas until they become lasting, high-performing outcomes.
Vanessa McCrann
Managing Director - Startup Colorado
"TJ is a wonderful artist and graphic designer to work with! He has helped me on several projects. We love his brand design. He is responsible for the West Slope Startup Week brand. TJ is so easy and professional to work with, we continue to work with him whenever we can."
Owner & Creative Guide
TJ Smith is a creative strategist and brand architect thoughtfully navigating complex problems with logic and curiosity. Guided by systems-thinking, human-centered design and a deep respect for nature, he approaches every project as a living ecosystem—where design balances beauty with purpose.
A lifelong creative, he’s been refining his craft since the days of fingerpainting and continues to collaborate with people who care about people, planet, and purpose.
Dave Goe
Downtown Grand Junction
“Having a trusted designer to turn to when I'm building and launching a new brand is invaluable. TJ has proven to be a thoughtful and engaged partner with Downtown Grand Junction, and consistently delivers high-quality work. He does a great job distilling our ideas into well composed, thoughtful designs that meet our promotional requirements.”
Marco Vienna
Four Points Funding
"I tasked TJ with creating a portfolio of brands with the need to clearly be married, but each have their own personality, which is not a simple task. He created a unique logo and color scheme for each brand, yet kept the brands similar enough to show they are part of the same family. He even created a unique font for the project. I look forward to continuing to work with TJ!"
Crystal Tyndall
Colorado National Monument Association
“SmithBorn was fantastic to work with in developing our brand guide! Giving us a cohesive look with authentic design. They were flexible and easy to work with. They took the time to dive into our archives and built an understanding of our organization that informed our designs and brand elements. We really appreciated this extra effort, which has added to the authenticity to our brand and visual assets.”
Ana Hinojosa
Conservation Colorado
"I've gotten all sorts of things from SmithBorn - and I'm such a big fan of TJs style! Not only is his art unique and gorgeous, but he's an incredible person with a mission and vision for his business that deeply resonates with me and my family. His love for the outdoors is deeply reflected in his work and his flexibility and adaptability to co-create is fantastic! Highly recommend working with him and checking out his work."
Leah Carlson
Wilderness Awareness School
“TJ and SmithBorns's branding and design brings accessibility and warm invitation to environmentalism. He's been wonderful to work with on unique sticker design, marketing layouts, and overall branding elements.”