Grayson Smith
Big picture, small details.
Specializing in brand identity, executive storytelling, and data-driven design that makes an impact.
Strategic Design // Strategic Performance
I create impactful, results-driven designs with a focus on brand identity, visual storytelling, and design systems.
With expertise in art direction, brand licensing, motion design, and data visualization, my work spans industries, mediums, and global markets.
Expertise:
Art Direction – Strategy-driven visuals that engage and inspire.
Branding & Licensing – Ensuring global consistency across hundreds of brands.
Data Visualization – Simplifying complex information into compelling visuals.
Showcase
Ookla
Speedtest users initiate over 10 million unique tests daily, generating a vast dataset that provides critical insights for the global connectivity industry. Since its founding in 2006, Speedtest has conducted over 45 billion tests, making it a key player in network intelligence.
I joined Ookla as a Graphic Designer in 2016 and currently serve as the Lead Graphic Designer for Marketing. I oversee all marketing design projects, ensuring strategic prioritization, proper resource allocation, and brand consistency across Speedtest, Ekahau, Downdetector, and RootMetrics. My role blends creative direction and execution, helping shape the visual identity of Ookla’s products while supporting key initiatives across the company.
Bloodworks Northwest
I worked full-time as an in-house Graphic Designer for this medical focused nonprofit, where I played a key role in enhancing fundraising efforts. Through strategic design and compelling messaging, I helped increase fundraising by over 40%, empowering an already enthusiastic donor base and staff.
By strengthening the organization’s visual identity and communication, we created a stronger brand presence and competitive edge against national competitors, driving greater engagement and long-term support.
Also, donate blood! It saves lives and you get cookies.
Spooky Bikes
In 2016, Spooky Bikes’ new management approached me to lead the art direction and design execution for the brand’s revitalization and relaunch. The goal was to honor Spooky’s legacy while introducing its hand-made, USA-built bikes to a new generation of discerning, competitive riders.
Through bold design and strategic branding, we reignited enthusiasm among loyal fans while expanding Spooky’s reach to cyclists seeking custom aluminum road, cyclocross, and mountain bikes. The result was a dynamic, modernized brand identity that stayed true to Spooky’s roots while positioning it for the future.
Currently @ Ookla
I joined Ookla as a Graphic Designer in 2016 and currently serve as the Lead Graphic Designer. I oversee all marketing design projects, ensuring strategic prioritization, proper resource allocation, and brand consistency across our four brands: Speedtest.net, Ekahau, Downdetector, and RootMetrics. My role blends creative direction and execution, helping shape the visual identity of Ookla’s products and licensing partners while supporting key initiatives across the division.
Speedtest users in particular initiate over 11 million unique tests daily, generating a vast dataset that provides critical insights for the global connectivity industry. Since its founding in 2006, Speedtest has conducted over 45 billion tests, making it a key player in network intelligence.
Designing for impact at scale
250+ licensed Speedtest Awards clients
400% growth in editorial content support
30% annual growth in Speedtest.net users from 2017-2024
Current & Previous Clients
Want to see more proof? Check out my Work page.
I have a Behance portfolio, and I’m on Linkedin too!
Testimonials
As the lead graphic designer for our global brand licensing program, Grayson’s contribution to Ookla and our clients’ success is incalculable. Grayson handles a constant and overwhelming volume of custom design requests from Tier 1 telecom operators from every corner of the world. He is always gracious and supportive no matter the challenge or time constraints of the work in front of him. Our team can always count on Grayson to add a fresh perspective when in search of a solution and our brands could not thrive without his poise and creativity. An absolute asset to any company looking for competent graphic designer that can work well with anybody and everybody.
— Jim Nugent, Director Global Brand Licensing, Ookla
I had the distinct privilege of working with Grayson Smith for the better part of a decade and based on my experience can confidently say he is one of the most talented designers I have ever collaborated with. Grayson's design is art. I have been so thoroughly impressed by his work over the years and that is only matched by the respect I have for him as a person. Grayson moves through the world with humility, kindness, and grace. He is a warm, compassionate colleague and the true definition of a "team player". I would gladly recommend Grayson to any brand that is looking to elevate their storytelling.
— Adrianne Blum, SVP, Corporate Marketing, Brand, and Communications at Ookla
I would highly recommend Grayson for any design work. He has showed consistent professionalism in his dedication to his job. He is extremely creative; always coming up with new designs and ideas. He has created many different pieces for me; including logos, full line catalogs, flyers, packaging, and post cards. Grayson is able to accomplish projects quickly and efficiently. He has a wonderful personality that is perfect for collaborating on new ideas and designs. Grayson is a great designer who is unique among his peers in his understanding of blending creative elements with the necessary business goals of a project. Any company would be lucky to have Grayson become part of their team.
— Sean Cummings, Director of Ecommerce UFP Industries
Contact Me
I occassionally dive into freelance art direction and illustration. If you’ve got a budget lets talk.