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Shane Smith Speaker Reflection - Thank you!

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Shane Smith Speaker Reflection - Thank you!

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Shane, thank you for taking time out of your day to share your experiences and work with our class. I loved how the presentation itself felt like a creative project, and I am excited to see what the future of your career and creative pursuits entail!

Shane’s talk in class today was insightful. I am extremely impressed by the career path he has taken, which has made me realize my career path does not have to be linear. One of the best pieces of early career advice that Shane gave was to “keep your blinders down” because you never know when an advantageous opportunity is around the corner. If you are so set on one path, it's easy to miss an amazing opportunity. While people praise putting your heads down and grinding, being overly locked into one pursuit can cause you to miss out on so much.

Another impactful thing Shane shared is that it’s career & art, not career vs art. One can easily feel suffocated in a corporate environment, but you can fulfill different aspects of your passion outside of work. And along with that, not everything needs to be a side hustle. Since high school I have taken up a variety of creative pursuits; crocheting, sewing, tie-dying, etc., and when those become side hustles rather than creativity for creativity's sake, it can be stifling. I appreciated hearing that pursuits outside of work for their own sake are not only important but could also progress my future career.

Favorite quotes: “The best campaigns are always present, but not intrusive” & “Your audience should feel like collaborators rather than consumers”

Thank you again Shane!

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Shane Smith Speaker Reflection - A Pursuit for Passion

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Shane Smith Speaker Reflection - A Pursuit for Passion

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Overall, Shane Smith’s talk was very compelling. He was a great speaker and kept me entertained and engaged the entire time. I liked the way he used the recurring motif of “Brb” to storytell. Through introducing his talk with the definition of “BRB” and circling back to the acronym at the middle and end of his talk, he was able to engage the audience throughout his entire story, along with emphasizing the theme of applying “BRB” to our lives.

One particular quote that stood out to me during his speech was “It’s not career vs art, its career and art”. This really spoke to me and I'm sure to many of my peers as well because, as a lost college student not sure what to do with their life, Smith reminded me that it’s still possible to monetize off of your passions and live a life with financial stability. I feel like a lot of young adults these days are pressured into working jobs they despise, mostly because they are afraid to let go of a secure income. However, Smith was very motivational in the sense that he shared his struggles and emphasized that was able to overcome them, explaining to the class that anything is possible with time and hardwork.

Connecting to this idea of following your passions, Smith’s ability to turn his creative direction into corporate aid outlines the range of versatility in one’s professional career. He emphasizes the importance of balance - connecting the phrase “BRB” as a tool for creativity and control. This was very insightful to me because I struggle a lot with balance and being blind-sighted by my dreams and ambitions. Smith’s ability to adapt and be open to opportunities is a great reminder for students, like myself, to not be limited to their wants and be open to other opportunities that come their way. As Smith had dreams of being a magazine director and never planned to work corporate, his liking for his corporate jobs emphasizes the idea that we, as students, may find joy in other opportunities, so it's best to give it a shot.

Lastly, I asked Smith a question at the end of his talk, “do you have any advice to balance career stability and creative passion?” into which he responded with the philosophy that there are many hours in the day and it's possible for one to find time to work on your passions and make it happen. His advice was very valuable to me because I often struggle finding a balance between schoolwork and what I actually want to do. I am too wrapped up in finishing assignments and forget to work on what I am truly passionate about. And obviously, if I don't work on it and put in input, there will be no output that gets me closer to what I truly want to do. Smith’s talk was a reminder that it's up to you to decide your future and that there is always time in the day to follow your dreams and find success in that.

Overall, Shane Smith was a very insightful speaker and I took a lot from his talk. I will make sure to apply his philosophies to my day to day and do something everyday in taking a leap towards my future.

Thanks Shane!

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Reflection on Shane Smith’s Guest Lecture: Creativity, Balance, and Career

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Reflection on Shane Smith’s Guest Lecture: Creativity, Balance, and Career

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Shane Smith’s guest lecture made a strong impact on me, particularly his thoughts on balancing a corporate career with personal artistic pursuits. His belief that “it’s not career vs art, it’s career and art” really resonated with me, emphasizing that it’s possible to find harmony between creative passion and professional responsibilities. Hearing about his journey from working graveyard shifts to collaborating with major brands like Apple was incredibly inspiring. It showed how determination and a clear vision can lead to remarkable opportunities.

What stood out most was his talk about the concept of “BRB” as a tool for creativity and balance. In a world where we’re constantly connected, the idea of intentionally stepping away to recharge and innovate feels more important than ever. His approach to using breaks as a way to foster creativity and protect mental well-being is something I’m going to try to apply in my own life. I’m grateful for the chance to hear from someone with such a diverse and successful career. Thank you, Shane, for sharing your experiences and perspectives with us.

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I really enjoyed listening to Shane speak. I felt engaged the whole time and his experience, projects, and overall outlook were SO interesting and inspiring.

I especially appreciated the segment on balancing career and art. As someone who often grapples with this, Shane's approach made it seem so effortless. It reminded me that I can pursue hobbies purely for enjoyment, without turning them into work.

His discussion on the constant presence of the online world, especially in advertising, was eye-opening. Working in social media advertising myself, I had never really paused to consider why it’s so effective and it's because we're completely surrounded by tech and social media.

Thank you so much, Shane, for taking time out of your schedule to come speak with us. I loved hearing your perspective and how unfiltered and real you were, it really resonated with me.

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Reflection on Shane Smith's Lecture (Jackson Zobrist)

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Reflection on Shane Smith's Lecture (Jackson Zobrist)

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For the first guest lecture of the semester, Shane Smith set the bar extremely high. He has an incredible background and wide ranging experiences that make him extremely knowledgeable about digital marketing and all of the roles that play a part in creating social media posts. I really enjoyed the "BRB" message that was expanded and elaborated on. He got me to think of my own relationship to social media and I've decided to take more BRB breaks to diversify myself and for my mental health.

One thing that stood out to me most was his discussion on "career vs. art" and "career and art." I personally want to do marketing for video games since I have a passion for video games and the stories that can be told. His discussion furthered my desires to be in an industry that I am passionate about. However, I recognize that I need to avoid making my "art" (enjoying video games) not feel like work. I hope that if I am able to work in the video game industry that I can continue to enjoy both video games and marketing.

Overall, I really enjoyed our first guest speaker. I'm excited for the rest of the guest speakers and hope I can learn as much as possible from them. Thank you Shane Smith.

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Shane Smith's guest speaker lecture was an enlightening experience, offering valuable insights into the intersection of creativity, branding, and work-life balance in the digital age. His expertise, particularly in visual arts and photography, was evident throughout his talk, and his journey—from majoring in photography to working with high-profile brands like Apple, Nike, and Alexander McQueen—demonstrated the power of visual storytelling in modern marketing.

A significant portion of Smith’s talk revolved around the concept of BRB, which he introduced as a tool for achieving balance, creativity, and control in a digitally saturated world. This concept was incredibly impactful for me. His approach to using BRB as a boundary-setting tool resonated deeply in an era where social media often overwhelms. By intentionally stepping away to “protect mental space,” Smith reminded us of the importance of taking a break for rest and increasing our creativity. As someone studying Communication and Marketing, I found his focus on this balance particularly relevant—highlighting how less, but more intentional, engagement with media can lead to better content and more meaningful branding.

Smith’s emphasis on BRB as a “curated presence” was equally powerful. His idea of “posting less, but better” aligns with modern digital marketing trends prioritizing quality over quantity. In a world where content overload is typical, his strategy of controlled social media consumption struck me as a valuable lesson for professionals in the creative and marketing fields. This method supports mental well-being and allows for more impactful and meaningful communication.

One of the examples Smith shared was his work on the iPhone campaign, Hollywood in Your Pocket. This campaign, showcasing the power of visual storytelling, illustrated how even everyday tools like a phone can be used to create compelling, high-quality visuals. His work with brands like Apple Music, Nike, and New Balance further highlighted the versatility and potential of visual media in brand building. This was particularly inspiring for someone like me, aspiring to work in marketing and communications, showing how creativity and technology can work hand-in-hand to produce memorable campaigns.

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In class today we got the opportunity to learn and hear from Shane Smith, who provided the class with a lot of information regarding social media, the digital world, and life as a whole. One of the most important parts of his presentation I felt was his emphasis on really being open-minded when it comes to your career. He mentioned how he had always envisioned himself as a photographer in NYC, but his skills and abilities led him to experiences that he hadn't thought of before. With that came jobs at places like Vice and Apple. I also liked how he mentioned that while photography was his favorite thing to do, he wanted to reserve it almost keep it sacred, as he felt like he owed so much to it that it would be a disservice to treat it like a job. I enjoyed his concept of BRB, which was the central point of the presentation, and how BRB could be anything, whether it be a true disconnect from social media in the form of a detox, or doing it in a way to innovate and create mental space. Overall, I enjoyed Shane's presentation and felt like it provided me with a lot to think about as I start to navigate my professional career. Thank you for speaking to us, Shane Smith.

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Shane Smith- Reflection and Thank you note

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Shane Smith- Reflection and Thank you note

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Our guest speaker Shane Smith was very inspirational as he comes from humble beginnings and has come so far in his career as a successful creative director. I really appreciate that he was honest about his career path and did not make it seem as if everything came easy to him; his realistic story made me feel as if I can also pursue a career path in the creative industry. Similar to his college experience, I am still exploring what I may want to pursue in the future and this course is the very first class I am taking in hopes to minor in Marketing. I am still learning how to get inspired and create authentic art, which is why I appreciated Shane Smith’s presentation. His art in the form of music videos and the additional campaigns he created working with brands was really authentic and something not often seen in other works. A quote he stated in his presentation that I found very motivating was “Do something and something will happen”; I have never known when to start creating art and getting involved in marketing, but now I feel so much more motivated to begin my portfolio. Thank You Shane for taking your time to inspire many of us and being authentic. You kept it real and that is what makes you very memorable.

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Thank you to Shane Smith for taking time to come and speak to us on Thursday! I really enjoyed your presentation and hearing about your career and journey!

Overall, Shane's talk was super cool and inspiring. I really loved how he talked about the term "BRB", and made me come to appreciate it. The reason for this was because I think my favorite point of how BRB can be used to our advantage is learning how to make platform evolution work for us. And as someone who uses social media regularly because of my aspirations as a sports reporter/anchor/broadcaster, I found that to be super applicable to what I want to do after I graduate from USC.

I also enjoyed hearing Shane talk about his career and hearing about how he got to where he was. I also appreciated hearing that his career path was not a usual one, especially since I know that my path isn't a usual one, especially with how I've personally gotten to where I am today. Overall, I left class feeling really inspired and will try and apply some of his suggestions and ideas to my own work, especially on social media because I think a lot of what he said will enhance my work.

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Having Shane Smith as our guest speaker offered insightful perspectives about creativity and art that I would have not known without his expertise. I enjoyed listening to the various photography projects that Mr. Smith talked about, such as when he first started working for a photo company in New York and working at Vice. Throughout his career, Smith never faltered from his passion for art and always pursued what he loved. I enjoyed listening to how he was able to implement his creativity with a technical side. For instance, working with Annie Leibovitz for the Journeys x Hyundai project, where he was able to shoot a creative marketing campaign. Not only did he partake in this project, but Smith emphasized how important it is to look for a career that has not career versus art but career and art. In other words, knowing when to deconstruct an advertisement campaign and looking at different perspectives of why each component has a reason behind it. What really resonated with me throughout his presentation was his advice on never giving up what you love and your hobbies. Even amidst a busy schedule, it is important to take some time out of your day to do things you truly enjoy doing. When it comes to building your character, being able to enjoy your hobbies makes you a well-rounded person and makes you a “forest in the workforce,” as Shane put it. An example he gave was reigniting his passion for hiking outdoors. Shane’s message resonated with me about embracing your passions. Maintaining that mindset can bring personal fulfillment to your life and add value in enriching your professional journey.

Thank you Shane for coming to talk with us!

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First, I want to say thank you Shane for sharing your journey with us! Listening to Shane was an insightful experience. His concept of "BRB" as a tool to step away from our screens intentionally for mental health and creativity resonated deeply with me. In a world where we're constantly connected, his advice on avoiding burnout by taking mindful breaks was a valuable reminder to enjoy what is out there and use it as a fresh start with new ideas when it comes to going back to work. Shane's diverse and successful career further highlighted the importance of balance in pursuing creative work. I really appreciated Shane's perspective on embracing a diverse career path. His experience taught us that we don't need to stick to just one path, but instead can explore different passions and skills. It was encouraging to hear that stepping into new roles or fields doesn't diminish our expertise in other areas it adds depth to who we are. Shane's journey reminded me that it's okay to evolve and that having a variety of experiences can help set us apart and bring fresh perspectives to whatever we do.

Something that really stood out to me from Shane's talk was his deep respect for his passion. It was inspiring to hear how he chose to protect what he truly loved by not turning it into just another job for financial gain. He shared how important it is to honor your passions, even if it means stepping away from them professionally to preserve their integrity. Shane's decision to move into a different field while still holding on to his passion resonated with me because sometimes, as college students, we overlook the importance of protecting what truly drives us, focusing only on what's practical. Shane's perspective was a valuable reminder that it's possible to respect our passions while still pursuing diverse opportunities.

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Shane, thank you so much for coming in to our class and speaking to all of us. I think I can speak for everyone when I say we were thoroughly impressed by both your career and enthusiasm towards your work. As someone who also loves to be constantly working, it was so inspiring for me to hear about your two passions at the WSJ and your personal work. It is always very relieving to hear that you are still finding time to do your own creative work while working a different full time job.

Listening to your journey from New York to LA as well as your various jobs was really beneficial. Being a senior, it is hard not knowing what path my life will take when I graduate, which is why I really appreciate you sharing your story.

Weaving in the concept of BRB was not only engaging but also eye opening. We rarely think about how connected we are in the social world-but it is true. We are never going away because it is always in front of our face and surrounding us. I think this is both a good and bad thing. In our context of working in the social world, I think never being away from social media gives us an opportunity and advantage to grow ideas and brands.

Thank you again for coming in to speak with us, keeping us engaged and inspired! It is always a pleasure meeting people working in the field I am so excited to enter into!

Alie

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Shane, thank you so much for your presentation.

What resonated most with me was your emphasis on staying open to opportunities and leveraging your unique background as an asset. I found this particularly relevant, as my decision to transfer to USC marked a pivotal shift in my own path, and hearing how you’ve embraced change reinforced the value of adaptability. Your approach to reframing imposter syndrome as a strength, rooted in the diversity of experience, was a refreshing perspective. I often wrestle with doubts about belonging in certain spaces, but your insights reminded me to recognize the inherent value in my journey and background, and how they can enrich every environment I enter.

I was also struck by your discussion of BRB as a tool for controlled social media consumption, which gave me a new perspective on how I engage with digital spaces. I've taken steps to curate my social media feeds, but hadn’t realized how much that choice mirrored the intentionality you spoke about. The idea of fine-tuning these experiences for greater balance and focus really resonated with me, and I’m eager to explore it further. The balance you’ve found between corporate work and your personal artistic projects—each fulfilling different parts of your identity—was both reassuring and motivating, and I hope to cultivate that same clarity in my career and personal life.

Thank you again for sharing your journey and wisdom with us. It’s clear that your career path is a reflection of both self-awareness and openness, and I hope to embody those values as I continue to navigate my own path.

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Shane Smith – Reflection & Thank you note

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Shane Smith – Reflection & Thank you note

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First, I would like to thank Shane for making the time and effort to come to our class, but also Elena, for organizing this guest speaker class.

At the start of the class, I didn’t understand how the phrase “BRB” the topic of the conversation could be, but it was impressive how he took this phrase and put so much more behind its meaning.

I loved how passionately he talked about his successes and the path that led him to his achievements. This is why I think Shane was not only a great guest for those who want to work in a similar field as him, but also for those going into different directions, because he showed the realness of finding your way and trying out yourself in many jobs and places.

Thank you so much again for taking the time to come to USC,

Dóri

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Listening to Shane speak was truly insightful. His experience in his career really resonated with me, especially the part of him feeling out of place in a corporate environment. I constantly worry about my creative aspirations and how they might conflict with having a stable job, but his testimony on how he balances being the Creative Director at Wall Street Journal and also working on the Nike project simultaneously to work both sides of his brain brought me solace that there can be balance.

I liked his open-mindedness about the trajectory of his career, and it reminded me not to be closed off to other opportunities that may challenge the path that I believe I should take. I know I can find joy in other outlets and avenues, and this brings comfort.

I thought it was interesting how he talked about our perpetual connectedness, how it's nearly impossible to completely log off and be unreachable. From an advertising standpoint, this works to the advantage of whoever is trying to sell you stuff, but from a human standpoint, it's exhausting. Finding a way to make advertising feel refreshing and not forced is a unique perspective and approach, one that makes sense when I look at the type of content I gravitate toward. The companies/people that I enjoy consuming content from don't feel polished and curated, but raw and inclusive.

Thank you Shane for coming to speak to us! You're portfolio is extremely impressive and inspiring, and hearing about your experience in your career brings me hope. It was really nice to hear the perspective of a true creative.

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Shane Smith's insights on navigating the creative industry were very profound. His journey from photography school to finding success through unconventional paths in creative fields highlights the importance of flexibility and openness to opportunities. Shane's approach of balancing career and art, while understanding the requirements of both, resonated with me. His realization that separating passionate creative pursuits from professional goals can lead to greater contentment is a valuable lesson for me as well. Shane's understanding of the evolving social media landscape and his ability to adapt to new trends in the online engagement space was very impressive. His perspective on the shift from traditional advertising to capitalizing on the "always on" nature of social media consumption offers valuable insights for creatives in the social media space.

The advice to take breaks, switch between creative outlets, and continue growing skills beyond one's initial education is particularly inspiring. Thank you, Shane Smith, for sharing your experiences and providing your insights on navigating the creative industry and managing one's online presence.

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I really enjoyed the first guest lecturer of the semester, Shane Smith. Shane shared his unique experiences with us throughout his career, and I am confident to say that I learned a lot from Shane. One of my key takeaways from Shane's lecture was his dedication to succeed despite his humble upbringing, as he showed us the image of him with the Hennessy bottle in a small New York City apartment, which I thought was pretty comical as well. Despite his difficult upbringings, Shane's creativity ultimately shined through and he became very successful in his own right, which I found to be inspiring. Shane's content is very creative, and I was impressed by his ability to create content for various A-List celebrities, such as LeBron James for his Nike Basketball shoes and Travis Scott for his album. For me personally, these are two celebrities that I look up to so I was very inspired to hear that Shane has done work for them for their campaigns.

I also found Shane's "BRB" campaign to be very inspiring as well. Shane explained how "BRB" represents the importance of being able to disconnect from the digital world in order to recharge our creative drive. In the world we are living in, it could be very difficult to step away from the world of social media and refocus on our own wellbeing and creativity. That is why I believe that Shane's message of BRB is extremely important for those of us who are looking to create content on social media as a profession and not lose focus on ourselves and our creativity. Also, I appreciate how Shane talked about the importance of physical and mental health by mentioning the 75 Hard Challenge, which helps improve our physical and mental wellbeing through exercise, reading books, and eating a healthy diet for 75 days. Shane is very grounded with his perspectives on life and emphasizes balancing professional work and our career with our hobbies, physical health, and mental wellbeing which I believe is very important to do.

Lastly, I would like to thank Shane for taking time out of his day and giving us this outstanding guest lecture. Shane's insights into his career journey in social media has definitely inspired me and I'm sure others in the class to pursue a career in this fascinating industry.

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Shane Smith's guest lecture left a significant impact on me, especially his thoughts on maintaining a balance between career stability and creative passion. His journey, from struggling to establish himself as a photographer in New York to collaborating with major companies like Apple and Amazon, was incredibly inspiring. Shane’s message about art giving him freedom and passion, while his career provided stability, resonated deeply. It reminded me that it's possible to pursue both creativity and professional growth without sacrificing one for the other.

One key takeaway was his concept of "BRB" as a tool for controlled social media consumption. In a world where we're constantly connected, I found it insightful how he emphasized the importance of taking deliberate breaks to recharge and foster creativity. This idea of balancing engagement and detachment in a digital world is something I aim to implement in my own life.

Thank you, Shane, for sharing your journey and insights with us. Your lecture has motivated me to rethink how I approach both my creative and professional pursuits, and I truly appreciate the wisdom you’ve imparted.

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I really liked Shane Smith's lecture. It was super inspiring. He shared his journey from starting in a humble role in New York to landing a job with Apple and becoming the Creative Director at Vice. What really grabbed my attention were the artistic slides he used. His passion for art shone through both in his slide design and his delivery. His talk about "BRB" also resonated with me. It was funny how he talked about "BRB" being a bit old-fashioned as I'm usually the first one to use it! But more importantly, he showed us how BRB should remind us to take a step back to avoid burnout and look after our mental health. He also taught us about Bottega Veneta's strategy of deleting its social media for a while to create mystery and increase brand interest, which I found really intriguing. I also appreciated how open-minded he was about sharing his career path and his upcoming venture.

He also told us about using different accounts for different interests. He called it the “Sandbox” approach, which helps keep content valuable and focused, cutting down on the clutter and noise from the broader algorithm. I found that very interesting and it is now something I intend to do for my current job. I didn't even know we had to do this padlet, which goes to show how much his talk resonated with me. I might not take on the 75-day challenge he did, but I definitely see the value in stepping back sometimes to give ourselves some free space.

Thank you Shane for this beautiful lecture!

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Thank you Shane for speaking with us! I love all the work that you do. I felt very inspired and encouraged by you to pursue a creative career. BRB has evolved over the years and now can be a tool for balance, creativity, and control. BRB has allowed us to navigate mental health and build digital spaces for personal growth. It's also been a mindfulness tool that helps us to be present in the real world. BRB allows us to step away and innovate even more. We can pivot careers and set boundaries.

I resonated with these types of BRB especially BRB for creative inspiration. I always said that the more time I spend on social media, the more inspiration I can receive. The more I view videos, the more I can see what’s working and what the trends are. However, I realize that I’m mindlessly scrolling sometimes, and I’m not even aware of the content I’m consuming. Therefore, I really like the idea of BRB and stepping away to prevent burnout. I can find myself burning out when working on one project; therefore, I want to try to rotate my projects so I can prevent burnout.

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Shane, thanks for taking the time to talk to us and making your presentation so relevant to our class! It was really nice to hear you speak about the intersection between creativity, artistic pursuit, and stability in today's job market.

Shane's reflection on his career path was what I found most interesting about the presentation. While he admitted that he had doubts and questions about his various jobs in his younger days, the sentiment that he shared with us in class was overwhelmingly positive. His message gives myself and I'm sure many others in the class the confidence to explore lots of different career options, and to not be afraid of working an "undesirable" job because you never know what doors it could open for you in the future.

His theme of BRB was also super relevant as many of us will be entering the workforce soon. Having a job that requires heightened attention to social media seems like it could be very mentally taxing, especially when we use it every day already. The strategies Shane gave us, such as creating multiple social media accounts for different functions as well as getting out and doing something that forces you to be off your phone/the internet for an extended period were super valuable.

One thing Shane spoke about during the Q&A that will stick with me is to think about ways in which you can balance your career AND your art. Whatever art may be to you, think about how you can keep yourself afloat while allowing enough time to sponsor creativity. Shane demonstrated through his career that with enough determination, the two can be merged together.

Lucas

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Shane Smith- Reflection and thank you note 

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Shane Smith- Reflection and thank you note 

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Smith highlighted the disappearance of “BRB” as a reflection of our constant connectivity and the cultural shift towards perpetual digital engagement. The once common practice of signaling a temporary absence has vanished, symbolizing how our communication habits have evolved. Today, we are enveloped in an "always-on" environment where notifications are ubiquitous, and our attention is continuously divided among multiple platforms.

This shift has profound implications for how we adapt to the digital space. As brands, we can harness this constant connectivity to craft comprehensive ad campaigns that seamlessly transition across various platforms. By doing so, we meet audiences where they are, rather than forcing them to focus intensely on a single channel. This approach allows for a 360-degree campaign that is omnipresent, creating a more integrated and engaging brand experience.

Smith also discussed the evolution of platforms and how it can be leveraged to our advantage. Modern audiences are accustomed to consuming content at their own pace, which opens the door for brands to develop long-term storytelling campaigns. By creating content that aligns with this consumption style, brands can engage audiences more effectively over time.

Another key takeaway was the importance of adopting a lighter touch in branded content. Subtle, native content that mimics real conversations can be more impactful than heavy-handed messaging. This approach allows brands to integrate into the audience's daily life more naturally and meaningfully.

Smith emphasized the value of “BRB” as a form of curated presence. Instead of posting constantly, the focus should be on intentional and impactful content. Brands can use social media strategically to prompt real-world actions and create a sense of mystery or exclusivity, much like the case where Bv deleted their social media account to spark curiosity.

Thank you again for your engaging and insightful presentation. Your perspectives on the evolution of digital communication and branding strategies have provided valuable guidance on adapting to our constantly connected world. I appreciate the time you took to share your expertise and look forward to applying these insights in my own work.

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Reflection on Shane Smith's Guest Lecture (Amina Suleman)

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Reflection on Shane Smith's Guest Lecture (Amina Suleman)

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I took much inspiration from Shane Smith's lecture, as I really appreciated his down-to-earthness and creativity. One key takeaway relating to creative direction from the lecture was the importance of being a "centralized creative individual". Having experience in doing an array of different types of creative projects not only makes you stronger as a creative but also helps others want to work with you more and increases the amount and levels of projects in your portfolio. Shane also expressed that he enjoys using both the left and right sides of his brain, to work on different types of projects alongside different age demographics. I appreciated how he expressed that working with the Wall Street Journal helped him gain perspective on how to do branding for older-aged demographics and be more analytical. On his personal pieces and personalized projects however, he got to be more creative and take artistic liberties which I think is really cool.

Another key takeaway from the lecture that I found to be very helpful was Shane's explanation of "strategic absence". I think the idea of a brand, person, or entity being somewhat elusive and mysterious makes it seem more exclusive. I think that when a brand/person posts less frequently, their absence can actually draw attention to them, as the public starts to wonder what projects or personal experiences they have been up to, which fosters interest and curiosity. This strategic marketing/branding idea is effective and uses social media in a mindful/limited way to ensure that the public is not overwhelmed and bored of seeing the same type of content.

Thank you so much Shane for sharing your genuine experiences with our class. I really enjoyed how passionate you are and your discussion on how there are many ways to be a creative director in your own life was very inspiring.

-Amina Suleman

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Overall, I really enjoyed Shane Smith’s presentation. It was very inspiring to see how his career evolved from the ground up. As cliche as it sounds, Shane exemplifies the idea of “being patient and kind” to yourself. Hearing how he started out living in a small studio in New York right after graduation and is now a creative director who has worked on multiple, prominent projects, such as Hollywood on Phone for Apple and Beats by Dre, was truly inspiring. I liked how Shane explained the concept of “BRB,” which is stepping out of social media for a little bit, and coming back to it more fulfilled. For example, “BRB” can represent the importance of taking breaks from our screens to avoid burnout and explore new paths for self-reinvention. In the future, I will certainly maintain a “BRB” mindset whenever I need a social media cleanse.

Shane gave some great advice. Towards the end of his presentation, a student asked him, “Do you have advice for startup businesses?” His response was to “not be too annoying.” The example he used was the Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl commercial and how you can find that same video everywhere, i.e. on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc. It can get annoying seeing the same video being reposted over and over again. His advice is, if a business, especially a startup one, is going to launch a new project, then it’s better to use a variety of content across different platforms. For the Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl promos, he suggested that it might’ve been better if his team had created different types of content rather than uploading the same video on every platform, such as creating a “Top Hits Kendrick Lamar” playlist on Spotify, a storyboard on Instagram, etc. I think this advice is a very helpful marketing tip for every business launching a new project so that they can reach audiences in creative, engaging ways.

I would like to thank Shane for taking the time to come and speak to us. His presentation was truly motivating and I aspire to one day have the same work ethic, drive, and success that he has.

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Thank you so much Shane for taking the time to speak with our class! I really appreciate hearing about Shane Smith’s complete journey from humble beginnings to now. Something that he said that really spoke to me was “do something, and something will happen”. As a senior who is now trying their best to begin navigating their post grad life, it was something that I really needed to hear. I should be doing things if I want to expect things to happen in my life instead of just remaining idle and fearful for my future. Even if it starts off a little rough, I look forward to doing things without discouragement and excitement for what's to come.

Shane Smith’s presentation concerning BRB was very impactful with the way that I interact with media. A point he made that stood out most to me was using “BRB as a tool for balance, creativity, and control”. By choosing to BRB from social media, we can give ourselves a much needed break and allow time in our hectic lives to actually do something in the real world. This concept of stepping away from social media further encouraged me to do something with the hopes of expecting something to come out of it. As I take a break from the digital world, I allow my brain to take a breather and can allow room to explore other avenues to life.

Thank you Shane for the amazing opportunity to be inspired with your journey. I know I’ll take the lessons learned and carry it on with me as I step into the scary post-grad life. Thank you again and I can’t wait to see all the cool new projects you explore in the future.

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Thank you so much Shane for taking the time to speak with our class! I really appreciate hearing about Shane Smith’s complete journey from humble beginnings to now. Something that he said that really spoke to me was “do something, and something will happen”. As a senior who is now trying their best to begin navigating their post grad life, it was something that I really needed to hear. I should be doing things if I want to expect things to happen in my life instead of just remaining idle and fearful for my future. Even if it starts off a little rough, I look forward to doing things without discouragement and excitement for what's to come.

Shane Smith’s presentation concerning BRB was very impactful with the way that I interact with media. A point he made that stood out most to me was using “BRB as a tool for balance, creativity, and control”. By choosing to BRB from social media, we can give ourselves a much needed break and allow time in our hectic lives to actually do something in the real world. This concept of stepping away from social media further encouraged me to do something with the hopes of expecting something to come out of it. As I take a break from the digital world, I allow my brain to take a breather and can allow room to explore other avenues to life.

Thank you Shane for the amazing opportunity to be inspired with your journey. I know I’ll take the lessons learned and carry it on with me as I step into the scary post-grad life. Thank you again and I can’t wait to see all the cool new projects you explore in the future.

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Thank you Shane for taking the time to teach our class! Showing the different styles from your portfolio were truly inspiring and motivating. There were so many interesting things during your presentation, I forgot to blink at times. The work and art that Shane has worked with artists and known companies was very eye opening to see different styles of creativity. I do worry at times when it comes to my career and where I find myself in this realm of industries. It gave me reassurance that everything takes time with the things you love to do. So thank you Shane for being vulnerable with us and sharing your story!

There were many things that stood out to me, but specifically the different perspectives of how people can apply BRB to their everyday lives. BRB for creative inspiration was a key takeaway that resonated with me since I’ve never thought about taking a break to allow the best ideas when stepping away. I feel at times that I always want to push out work when related to my career, though I don’t think about my mental health or giving myself time to rest. Personally, I feel very competitive when pushing out my work (quality) and this concept gives me reassurance when I deserve a break. I would definitely apply this to my mentality as I pursue different jobs and careers, and find hobbies that I love. Additionally, I thought it was interesting to see how BRB can be seen through personal life and professional life!

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Shane Smith's presentation was very captivating and resonated with me very deeply. I was engaged through the entirety of his speech and had the opportunity to speak to him afterwards and ask more questions.

I really enjoyed his "BRB" message. In today's day and age, we can easily remain in "work mode" and forget to take care of ourselves, whether that be physically or mentally. In order to complete our best work, we must also invest in ourselves. Shane shared how he really enjoys hiking and other outdoor activities. I do as well. His story inspired me to get back to doing the things I love and to take time for myself and put my phone down.

Shane also talked about "career and art." I want to tie the two together but I am often discouraged. Shane's presentation inspired me to follow my heart and pursue what I truly am interested in and not do what everyone else is doing.

Thank you Shane for opening my eyes and reigniting my passion and creativity.

-Cierra Aparicio

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I really enjoyed Shane Smith's lecture sharing about his career trajectory and his outlook on social media and marketing as a whole. His perception on saying yes to the different opportunities that come before him in his career was really comforting to hear. I have heard from many people in the marketing world where their career paths have been far from linear and they take risks to try new things. I heard Shane say the same thing and that was really inspiring. Many of us students can get pigeon holed into something and not be able to experience different facets of our careers.

I also enjoyed learning more about what a creative director does in different environments whether that's corporate or a more creatively open work environment. Hearing of how his role was at Vice compared to Apple was very interesting. Vice gave him a lot of creative freedom, however, he said he really enjoyed the structure and opportunity at Apple as well. This goes hand in hand with his philosophy of "Its not career vs art, its career and art" which really resonated with me. I feel like it seems difficult to balance both, but Shane made it sound very possible. Overall, I really enjoyed his lecture!

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Thank you Shane for taking the time to speak with us. I definitely learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. You started off the presentation with the statement: “do something and something will happen.” I am now a junior in college and need to start thinking about my future. That statement stood out to me because it reveals how you need to take action if you want some kind of result. You talked about how everyone told you how successful you were going to be in NYC as a photographer post grad, but that was far from true. You worked in a small apartment and had a humbling beginning. However, you took action and got incredible results over time

One of my other key takeaways from your presentation was the idea of “strategic absence.” I learned that this involves intentionally stepping back from online activity to achieve specific outcomes. Absence builds intrigue, it generates excitement for returns, and avoids oversaturation. Most importantly, however, it gives people a break from social media which can reduce stress and anxiety.

Thank you Shane for sharing your experiences. I truly admire your drive and determination. I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!

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Reflection and Appreciation for Guest Speaker - Shane Smith

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Reflection and Appreciation for Guest Speaker - Shane Smith

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Shane’s discussion on the evolution of the term "BRB" offered an intriguing reflection on how our relationship with technology and communication has changed. He explained that "BRB" (Be Right Back) is no longer as commonly used, largely because we live in an era of constant connectivity. With smartphones, messaging apps, and endless notifications, there's rarely a need to step away from our devices, as we're always connected whether we like it or not. This cultural shift has made it vital for brands to find the right balance between being ever-present and not overwhelming their audience. The challenge, as Shane mentioned, is crafting campaigns that seamlessly flow across multiple platforms, ensuring that consumers are engaged without feeling bombarded.

Interestingly, Shane also pointed out that "BRB" can still be useful when applied as a tool for creativity, balance, and control. In a world where digital fatigue is real, stepping away from our screens can lead to more intentional, mindful moments that foster creativity and prevent burnout. Shane’s insights on this subject were both thought-provoking and timely, reminding us that even as technology evolves, it’s essential to find ways to maintain balance.

Sending a huge thank you to Shane for taking time out of his busy schedule to come speak with our class. I appreciate him sharing his invaluable insights, especially around portfolio building, where he reminded us that it's not about the big brands we work with, but about showcasing our unique creative abilities through personal projects. His perspective was inspiring and insightful for someone like me who’s looking to blend creativity with a corporate mindset.

~ Dejanae

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Shane Smith’s lecture made me strongly resonate with the experience he shared. He shared lots of invaluable insights on the intersection of creativity and career-related things. The whole topic was related to the concept of BRB, which is a tool for balance, creativity, and control.  It reminds us of the importance of stepping away from our screens to maintain focus and protect mental space. BRB also can represent a shift towards intentional posting and shopping in-store or in-app.

I particularly remembered that he mentioned a sentence – Do something, and something will happen. I totally agree with this because it makes me think a lot about my past. I tend to get scared before I start something, but after I start it, I realize that things go in a good direction. Hence, I tried to change my mind. I feel like it made my life easier without thinking a lot. Besides, I remember Shane mentioning that being a corporate creative director is quite different from what you might think of when you think of your favorite music artist or brand. It also makes me think much more deeply about this career. Finally, I really want to thank you for Shane Smith’s lecture! Joy Cai

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Shane Smith Speaker Reflection- Wilona Wiafe

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Shane Smith Speaker Reflection- Wilona Wiafe

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Shane– I want to sincerely thank you for your incredible talk on Thursday. Your insights on the power of ‘BRB’ left a lasting impression, and you truly embody what it means to chase your dreams. You’ve inspired me to embrace redirection while staying true to my core passions. I look forward to staying connected and am excited to see how your creative journey unfolds.

Who would have thought that an acronym born from the early days of texting when phone screens were too small for full phrases, could come to represent something far more profound. Shane’s ability to transform ‘BRB’ into a metaphor for life speaks volumes to his undeniable talent and creative genius. The talk brilliantly framed ‘BRB’ as a symbol to step back and take intentional breaks. He explained how it could aid in enhancing career stability as stepping away creates the mental space necessary for innovations and breakthroughs. Using ‘BRB’ as a career strategy one can pivot and reinvent themselves. This could mean exploring new career paths and the development of new skills and insights that can drive long term success. This sets one up to become a well rounded force, something crucial to standing out in today's volatile job market.

His pivot to discussing how using ‘BRB’ could be an advantage in marketing was extremely enlightening as well. He highlighted how ‘BRB’ could embody the concept of a curated experience i.e the idea that less is more. ‘BRB’ can encourage a shift toward intentional posting as posting less but with more thought creates a more meaningful curated presence that resonates deeper with followers. This insight is extremely valuable to me as I think about marketing strategies for my event planning company. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed his talk and will definitely apply these insights to my own career journey.

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I gained a lot of insight from Shane Smith's lecture. Shane is an incredibly eloquent speaker, and his style is one I want to try to adopt myself. He effortlessly balanced serious tones with some comedy and lightheartedness, making his entire speech incredibly impactful and engaging.

Regarding Shane's career, I appreciate the tenacity and open-mindedness he displayed in every single profession. Shane took advantage of all opportunities presented his way, and it truly paid off, even if it didn't feel that way in the moment. Shane's attitude towards opportunities is a great reminder and an example of how being open to opportunities can lead you on an incredible journey.

Shane's humble beginnings in New York are also an excellent testament to the saying, "It doesn't matter where you go; it's where you end up." Shane went from a little apartment in New York to an incredible job at Apple. Shane also worked as a Creative Director for Vice. While these jobs are all incredibly impressive and achievements that cannot be understated, I believe the most significant success Shane achieved was the ability to keep his passion alive. As mentioned in the "brb" section of Shane's speech, balancing the creative side with the corporate side is something that Shane has mastered. It is an incredible reminder to never lose sight of what's essential and where we started. The artistic-passion-based projects are just as important, if not more, than the corporate jobs because they kept Shane's fire alive. Furthermore, Shane's advice to only accept jobs that make you feel fulfilled is also incredible. The corporate world can get convoluted, but as long as you have passion, that will lead you through it all.

Thank you so much, Shane, for sharing your valuable wisdom and incredible story. I will be embodying these values on my path. I appreciate you so much for spending your time chatting with us! Thank you again for the great visit and impactful insight.

Nana <3

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Thank you Shane for giving us the opportunity to listen to your guest lecture as it is very inspirational since you gave us perspectives on both the corporate and artistic world. I admired your ability to engage us all with your strengths in storytelling and being a creative director. On the other hand, you motivated me that a career path doesn’t have to be linear. How we should take every opportunity and work on our creative portfolios, whether it is paid or not. I also appreciated the emphasis on not faking your portfolio work and to not fight for your ideas that often with whoever you’re working with.

Your portfolio provided so much variety and insights that highlighted your strengths and talents which came full circle with “BRB”. I also really loved the philosophy of it and how many of us don’t let others know that “we’ll be right back” in this digital age. How we need to balance our time between the personal and digital world. The development of this has so much potential that can influence our contemporary society just like your work has on us over the years from Vice, Apple, and in music working with A-list music artists.

As a senior at USC, I feel motivated to take up any opportunity even if it doesn’t complement my chosen career path, just like you did when you shared your journey. I admired how much variety you stepped into throughout your career and your networking initiatives. Especially since you are very passionate about photography, it led you towards working with big brand names which was very inspiring. You stayed open-minded no matter where those challenges were going to lead you, I noticed that you trust your talents to lead you to bigger ventures throughout your career. Which is something all of us should have faith in as we’re all very talented individuals.

Thank you so much Shane!

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Shane Smith Reflection - Michael Martinez

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Shane Smith Reflection - Michael Martinez

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Shane’s story is incredibly inspiring. As someone involved in social media/creative strategy, it’s always motivating to see someone navigate challenges and ultimately find the path to success, despite uncertain outcomes. The contrast between a cookie cutter, formulaic corporate career and his artistic ventures is a balance that is difficult to find, often leading to one taking over the other, but Shane was able to effectively merge both worlds. He embraced his creativity while leveraging the structure of a traditional career, allowing him to innovate and adapt without sacrificing his artistic vision.

This is something that I’ve struggled with when trying to create my own path in the social media marketing industry. Efficiency vs. creativity are two concepts that are difficult to find balance between, but as Shane said, “It’s not career vs. art, it’s Art and Career”. These are words I will continue to remember for my entire professional career.

Thank you so much for your time, Shane, hearing your story is both inspiring and valuable for prospective creatives. It was incredible to hear an unfiltered version of someone’s journey in the space, highlighting both the highs and the lows.

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Shane Smith's "BRB" message had a very, VERY strong impact on how I view both media and my own personal well-being. In today's constantly connected world, more synonymous with “oversaturated” than “nourishing” in my opinion, it's so easy to stay in "work mode" and forget to take care of myself mentally and physically. Shane’s talk reminded me of the importance of taking a break—not just from work, but from social media too. This was especially relevant for me since I plan to attend law school and study my LSAT materials, politics, law, etc. as my main education, but do marketing as a side profession. His BRB point was a very needed reminder that even my less time-consuming responsibilities in marketing still need breaks too. His sharing of how he enjoys hiking and outdoor activities further resonated with me because I also love getting outdoors, which is an outlet I need to explore more in my hectic schedule.

Further, another impactful part of Shane’s talk was his discussion on "career vs. art" and "career and art." One of my biggest joys in life is the ability to storytell, to immerse someone in a setting and narrative and time that is directly linked to emotion. If I ever do pursue marketing full-time, I plan to synthesize this passion for immersion in a professional position. However, while Shane’s insights did reinforce my desire to work in a field I’m passionate about, they did also remind me of the importance of protecting my joys and peace found within that passion without letting it reduce down to simply a job.

My takeaway was the conclusion that by intentionally stepping away from social media, we can recharge and make space for real-world experiences, and how this approach also applies to brands; using lighter, more subtle content can be more impactful than aggressive advertising. By blending into people’s daily lives naturally, brands can create meaningful connections without being overwhelming. His focus on intentional presence, both personally and professionally, has motivated me to be more thoughtful about how I engage with media and prioritize time for myself. Alyse.

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I really enjoyed our guest speaker, Shane Smith’s presentation. It was very inspiring to hear his story and how he got to where he is now. I liked the concept and explanation of a new meaning to “brb”. From a marketing standpoint, it was interesting to explore how the new brb can be used essentially as a 360 degree advertising strategy. Since a lot of the times a “brb” from one platform is to hop to another. This is also why it is good to have varying advertising across different platforms as to not get repetitive in this brb strategy.

Additionally, I appreciated Shane’s viewpoint on how to turn being at the start of your career in a job into an advantage rather than a disadvantage. He said that since our generation grew up with social media and lives and breathes social media, we have a great viewpoint on what a good campaign looks like. This is a perspective that is very helpful for me.

Thank you so much Shane!

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Shane Smith’s talk was genuinely one of my favorite talks that I have experienced while attending USC. My favorite part of the entire talk was probably just the authenticity throughout the entire lecture. As he talked about rediscovering old hobbies such as hiking and bouldering, I would look at his instagram and see all of these recent hikes that he has been on. One of my favorite quotes that he said was “Do something, and something will happen.” This resonated with me because I struggle with getting started on projects because I overthink doing it right; however, if I take this approach in my life, I can keep myself ahead on my projects. Additionally, I enjoyed the numerous meanings of “BRB.” I never considered how one phrase can have so many different meanings based on how you realized. Overall, I really enjoyed Shane Smith’s presentation, and I hope to use his advice in numerous situations in my future career. Thank you so much Mr. Smith!!

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From the get go Shane was able to capture my attention with his captivating story of using the phrase “BRB” IRL. It is very interesting to think how things simply fade in our society. One day everyone is using a phrase like “BRB” or “very demure” and the next it's gone and outdated. It’s especially interesting in the world of social media where you need to keep up with these trends or else you aren’t “in.” I loved all of the examples he used through this motif of “BRB.” As a society that is always plugged in and online it is so important to find the time to step away. I loved that he wasn’t just preaching to get off your phone but instead giving great reasons as to why. Unwinding offline can allow you to creatively grow or help you better protect your peace. It was also very interesting how Shane was able to segway from individuals taking the time and effort to connect with oneself and the real world into everything we are learning in this course. His conversation about how brands are able to get users/consumers to get offline but then come back online was so interesting. Especially after being on that other end myself.

He also had a quote at the beginning that really stuck with me throughout his whole presentation, “Do something, and something will happen.” While talking about his past roles and how he got to where he is now the quote kept repeating in my head. He really did do something and it got him all the way to the presentation he gave us. He has been able to curate his portfolio and broaden his experiences in incredible ways. Seeing how well rounded yet balanced he is was very impressive. It was so interesting to see the behind-the-scenes of all of these huge projects because you typically don’t think about how something came to be, just the finished results.

I am really glad that Shane was able to be our first guest speaker of the semester! He did a great job at keeping me engaged the entire time. I enjoyed his deep dive into various brands. He definitely showed me another side to this multifaceted industry. Thank you so much Shane!!

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Shane's talk was very inspirational and engaging. I really enjoyed his anecdotes and how he founded a way to be a creative and stay practical at the same time.

He highlighted how blending art and career can lead to a fulfilling and dynamic professional life. His journey through marketing illustrated that creativity doesn't have to be left behind when pursuing a career; instead, it can enhance and elevate professional endeavors. By integrating artistic vision with strategic thinking, Shane showed us that marketing isn't just about selling products—it's about creating compelling narratives and engaging experiences. His success underscores the idea that embracing one’s artistic passions can indeed drive innovation and success in the business world.

Overall, Shane was very informative and insightful who gave me inspiration and hope for the future. Thank you so much Shane!

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I really enjoyed and I was amazed by how interesting was the first guest lecture of the semester, Shane Smith. I got the opportunity to learn and hear from him. He provided the class with a lot of interesting information regarding social media and the digital world. I enjoyed hearing him talk about the journey and his career. Hearing about how he got to where he is today gave me a lot of courage. I also appreciated hearing that his career path was not a usual one. I enjoyed listening to the various jobs of photography that he took part of, such as when he first started working. Shane's understanding of the evolving social media and his ability to adapt to new trends in the online engagement space was very impressive as well. A point he made about using BRB for balance, creativity, and control. I find it very useful that in this way we can take a break in a better way. Thank you Shane for your time and efforts. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Your drive and determination really inspired me!