In this series, we ask Imagination talent all about the experiences that have made them who they are. This month we spoke to Lauren Smith, Strategist from our New York studio.
A bit about me…
I’m from San Diego, CA, but going on 9 years in NYC. (Does that make me almost a real New Yorker?!) I have a tabby cat named Tobi who is my absolute world. I love electronic music and festivals, so that’s where all my PTO goes. I also just ran the NYC marathon in November, which was a huge bucket list item!
The creative experience that has influenced me the most…
I took a creative writing workshop in college that truly transformed me as a person. I have struggled with writing my entire life, but not for lack of interest or even skill. Mostly anxiety. Anxiety stemming from the voice of my “inner critic” – a helpful phrase my professor taught us – which nagged me along the way about my words not being good enough. The act of writing freely while self-judging is impossible.
One of the most important lessons I learned in that class was that, to get to good writing, you first have to write something bad. Being imperfect, especially in front of others, can feel extremely vulnerable, but my professor made the class a safe space for everyone to share their creations at any stage in the process.
I think these lessons mean the world to me now because, not only do I write every day as a strategist, but I also am a person who likes to create. The rules of the writing game apply to pretty much everything.
I dare you to do something terribly.
My industry hero is…
Excision, my favourite DJ/producer! I know it’s a bit unconventional, but he actually has his own live events production company called Excision Presents. He just absolutely nails the production of each and every show/festival, every time, and is always raising the bar for his own live experiences and the whole industry’s. The amount of lasers he uses should be studied.
The piece of work I’m most proud of…
It’s something I’m actually currently working on: Forum Fest at this year’s Visa Payments Forum in SF. Unshockingly, a music festival…I digress. We have a super tight-knit team at Imagination working together to create an amazing experience with surprises and delights at every turn, and I cannot wait to see the event in action. It’s been such a fun process being on the other side of the festival and thinking through every aspect of the guest experience, and the creative work is outstanding.
The piece of work that makes me cringe…
I come from a pharma ad background, so it’s really hard to make me cringe – professionally speaking.
I do cringe thinking about the vast array of TikToks I made in 2020, many of which have been archived. I was cringe, but I was free.
The experience I wish I had created…
The entire Electric Forest 4-day festival production. This festival truly blew my mind when I went for the first time last year…it opened my eyes to some of the most creative, outlandish possibilities in experiential. It’s just such a vibe. And, if you must know, I will be back this year (duh).
Also, I have to mention Anyma’s Vegas Sphere show “The End of Genesys”. Absolutely incredible and immersive experience.
Advice to my 18-year-old self…
It’s okay to change course.
Follow your intuition.
Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.
What’s next?
I’m new to the experiential world, so I’m honestly looking forward to just continuing to soak it all in. This year, I’ll be spending my 27th birthday at the Visa Payments Forum, and it will be a treat to see the first major event I’ve been a part of come to life! I truly love the Imag NY team and am grateful to be working with the best of the best <3
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December 03, 2024