Profiles in Black Creativity: Erin Smith's CreativGen

Throughout Black History Month, we’re partnering with agency owner Derek Walker on a series that highlights the ideas, perspectives and successes of Black advertising professionals. Today, we’re spotlighting Erin Smith, writer at Instrument and founder of CreativGen, an initiative that educates high school students about careers in creative industries. The program connects agencies and brands with high schools, making it easier for educators to teach students about creative careers and what they entail. Below, in Smith’s own words, learn more about CreativGen and what inspired her to create it. Derek Walker: Why are you proud of this work? Erin Smith: CreativGen is a passion project I’ve turned into reality over the last few months. It’s been brewing in my head for years, but just seeing how far it’s come from paper to real life is why I’m so proud. CreativGen is a project that I started with a college friend of mine, Sarah King, and our mission is to bring more color to the creative world by championing one of the most underrepresented groups of talent: high school students, specifically juniors and seniors. It’s something I’ve always been passionate about, reaching back to the next generation and educating young talent on what’s possible career-wise before they begin making crucial, life-changing decisions (after graduation, during college, etc). At first, this all felt pretty ambitious, nearly impossible to get off the ground —but that’s exactly what kept me up at night. Would you change anything about this work? Why? Our goal is to be that word of mouth needed to bring more diversity into the industry—from junior to leadership roles—and educate students on the career routes they maybe didn’t know existed or that align with a passion. Before Covid, the plan was to travel to different high schools, speak to these students, and inspire them through mini career workshops and industry speakers. That’s one thing I wish I could change in this virtual world, to be in one room, working towards one goal, committed to the change we want to see. But for now, virtual it is. How did you get here with this idea? I came into college as an undeclared major. When figuring out what I wanted to study for the next four years of my life, I thought back on a program I participated in high school and how much I enjoyed using my creativity in the classroom. Even though it was just one hour out of the day, it really made a difference. I want to pay that feeling of finding my spark forward to the next generation and beyond so that they’re able to do what they love, create the life they want doing it and pay it forward (a cycle I hope never ends). I want students to have the knowledge and resources at hand to make informed decisions about the rest of their lives, and by bringing the creative world to their world, my hope is that it allows them to discover new career paths or create one for themselves. Industry-wise, the hope is that Black and Brown voices being at the table will be the norm. Our work is just beginning. Learn more about Erin Smith on LinkedIn.

Leadership & Talent

Profiles in Black Creativity: Erin Smith Sets Others on the Creative Path

Her program, CreativGen, is helping high schoolers learn about careers in creative industries

Minda Smiley

Derek Walker

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Minda Smiley

Derek Walker