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32nd Annual Communicator Awards - Award of Excellence Badge

2026 Winner
Award of Excellence

Artist & Graphic Designer Credit
Government or Municipal Campaign

SJWD Midcentury Waterworks Educational Series

midcentury waterworks

SJWD Water District | Educational Campaign Illustrations

Midcentury Waterworks is an educational campaign created for SJWD Water District, blending mid-century modern illustration with water education and local utility history. I developed a cohesive visual system and illustrated series of promotional and educational materials—including social graphics, banners, posters, rack cards, and postcards—that made a complex subject approachable, engaging, and distinctly rooted in SJWD’s identity. The project was recognized with an Award of Excellence in the 32nd Annual Communicator Awards.

r.b. simms centennial brand

Spartanburg Water | Anniversary Event Designs

R.B. Simms Centennial celebrates 100 years of the R.B. Simms Drinking Water Treatment Facility and Municipal Reservoir #1, both established in 1926. For Spartanburg Water, I developed a centennial brand identity inspired by the facility’s history and enduring role in the community. The project included a commemorative logo system, visual identity, and enamel pin, with supporting heritage-inspired posters, postcards, and sticker designs. The result blends historic utility aesthetics with a modern, cohesive visual language—honoring a century of water service while giving the celebration its own distinct identity.

flat out under pressure contest

Greenville, South Carolina | 24-Hour Art Competition

Each year, Greenville SC’s Metropolitan Arts Council organizes the Flat Out Under Pressure (FOUP) art contest, in which local artists of all levels compete under the same restrictions: create an original, hand-made work of art in 24 hours. While there are monetary prizes for the top 8 places, these winners also earn exposure in the community – FOUP winners also have their artwork displayed on downtown Greenville’s recycling bins for a year. In 2023, I entered the contest for the first time, and was awarded second place for my woodburning, “Swamp Rabbit Railroad”. This piece was fittingly installed on the recycling bin outside of the entrance to Falls Park, a primary connection point along the Swamp Rabbit Trail - a pedestrian and bike trail system built on the remnants of the Swamp Rabbit rail lines. I have continued competing each year since, using the contest as a challenge to improve my woodburning skills, battle my perfectionism, and trust in the process of a somewhat unpredictable art form.

the adventures of meatball

Children's Book Illustrations

The Adventures of Meatball is a three-part children’s book series in the making, with the first book, “The Rescue” showcasing the true story of the author’s family rescuing an abused, abandoned dog they discovered while on a family trip. While originially envisioned as a personal project for her family to enjoy, author Janet Perdue plans to list the books on Amazon for purchase, in the hopes that sharing Meatball’s story will promote pet adoption and teach children to never judge a book by its cover.

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Illustration of a hand making the shaka sign to express a casual greeting.

© 2026 Desiree K. Smith. All rights reserved.
No part of this portfolio or the artwork displayed herein may be reproduced, distributed, or used for AI training without prior written permission.

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