Buzz Smith

This is a photo of me in the varsity jacket I made myself. It has two chenille patches, one of a sewing needle, the other of a ryoba handsaw. It’s also hand embroidered to say, “made in the bedroom.”

Degree: BFA in Product Design

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2022

2021-2022 Scholarship
AASFP Product Design Award

I Am Originally From River Forest, IL

WHY I CAME TO THE UO AND HOW I CHOSE MY MAJOR
I chose the University of Oregon for its tradition of innovation in not only sports product design but multiple designs which have reached icon status.

I have a passion for making products with my hands and so the Product Design major was an easy choice.

UNIQUE QUALITIES I BRING TO MY STUDIES
Growing up in Chicago introduced me to a wide range of different people with a wide range of different interests. This diversity built my curiosity to build and learn new things.

MY INFLUENTIAL PROFESSORS
Tom Bonamici, Instructor of Product Design, has been a particularly influential professor for me especially in my work process. He has encouraged me to continue making to the level I know I can make things. He has also nourished my love for woodworking and sewing.

MY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
I’m part of the jpeg photography club which was especially important to me as a freshman showing me that people my age could begin pursuing specific careers in the arts.

MY GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT UO
The greatest learning experience for me was seeing how I could apply my experiences in sculpture classes to my projects in product design.

AFTER GRADUATION
I hope to continue running Genius, a small business I started to seel the clothes I make, and eventually open my own retail location selling clothes and furniture.

YOUR GIFT
This seed funding means that I can finally start making products that have far more significance and lifespan than the products I’ve made before. It also means that I will be able to travel to markets in other cities to introduce my brand to a broader audience. Without this money I would still only be able to screen print garments to raise funds.

Thank you for your donation. You can trust that I will do great things for my brand and my community with your generous help.