Steve Smith draws on years of experience in technology, education, design, web-development, video and photography to provide a powerful offering to clients looking to tell their story in a clear and creative way.
Steve recently used this combination to manage the Essential Elements Interactive (EEi) website for the world’s largest music publisher, Hal Leonard. This website was the companion to the world’s most popular band and strings educational method book used by millions of students every year. Drawing on his 15 year career as a music teacher, Steve had a clear understanding of the needs of teachers and students. For EEi, Steve helped design user interfaces and website updates, directed video shoots, contributed photography, created online articles, developed ad campaigns, and guided the website for nearly 10 years.
Web Design
It was this focus and hands on experience with so many aspects of website design led Steve to start Smith Studios MKE to help create unique websites for many individuals. He loves the relationships he builds through this process with people from different industries, creating personalized websites to fit their needs. His attention to detail combined with his artistic and photographic eye allows him to provide a truly unique and customized service to his clients.
Photo & Video
For many years, Steve has maintained a photography studio, specializing in portrait, sports and journalistic photography. His love for photography came at an early age, using his dad’s film camera to capture images on family trips and sporting events. After a few years away from photography, he picked it up again and found his love for it had grown. In addition to capturing cityscapes and urban photography, he enjoys capturing memories for weddings, family portraits, sporting events, and senior portraits.
Recently, Steve has found joy in storytelling through video. His work with weddings, sporting events, universities and other organizations has opened a unique avenue for Steve to help others tell their story.
Education & Leadership
Steve also continues his role in education working with one of the country’s largest student leadership companies, SASi Student Leadership, to provide training for high school students throughout the United States. In working with SASi for over 20 years, Steve has helped to develop a rich curriculum and is the primary designer for the workbooks and media presentations each year for the company. This is one of his most rewarding endeavors as it allows him to stay connected to his roots in music education in a truly meaningful way.
Steve lives in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (a suburb of Milwaukee) with his wife, Jenny, a freelance artist, his son Seoul and their Corgi, Owen. He is an avid Milwaukee Bucks fan and will one day, be on the sidelines to capture images for his favorite team (goals… right?). You can find him enjoying all the amazing things Wisconsin has to offer with his family and friends, kayaking, hiking, or taking in the local festivities. He feels extremely blessed God has allowed him to pursue these passions and he looks forward to what lies ahead.