Christopher “Sancho” SMalls

Christopher “Sancho” Smalls is an artist deeply rooted in the rich Gullah culture of St. Helena Island, SC. His upbringing in this vibrant coastal community shaped his artistic voice and passion for storytelling through visual mediums.

A graduate of Winthrop University with a BFA in Jewelry/Metals, Christopher’s creative journey spans painting, sculpture, ceramics, and photography. He blends traditional techniques with modern influences like fashion and digital design, creating work that bridges heritage, fashion and technology.

Now based in Charlotte, NC, Christopher creates empowering photographic works celebrating identity, focusing on uplifting minority expression.

Christopher took on the moniker “Sancho Smalls” in 2019 to honor his ancestry and as commitment to a life of artistic pursuit.

Creative Director | Art Direction | Brand Storytelling

Creative leader with over a decade of experience directing visual narratives for global brands, nonprofits, and cultural organizations. Skilled at leading diverse creative teams, developing high-impact concepts, and executing campaigns from pitch to launch. The goal is always innovation while ensuring brand consistency, strategic alignment, and sharp execution.

CORE STRENGTHS

  • Creative Direction & Campaign Development

  • Art Direction & Visual Storytelling

  • Team Leadership & Mentorship

  • Client Pitching & Presentation Skills

  • Photography (Digital & Film), Lighting Design, Retouching

  • Integrated Marketing & Brand Identity

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign

  • Project Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Art Director — Springclean (Textile Sustainability Non-Profit) | Charlotte, NC | 2024–2025

  • Lead creative vision and execution for a nonprofit dedicated to textile sustainability and community engagement.

  • Design and oversee marketing materials, brand identity, and integrated campaigns.

  • Produce photography for marketing, e-commerce, and advocacy initiatives.

Photographer / Designer — Sancho Smalls Design, LLC | Charlotte, NC | 2014–Present

  • Direct and produce end-to-end creative projects for fashion, lifestyle, and event clients.

  • Oversee concept development, talent casting, set design, lighting, photography, and post-production.

  • Provide branding, graphic design, and social media strategy for diverse clients, with a focus on empowering BIPOC and queer artists.

HOA President / Onsite Property Coordinator — FoxRidge Lofts Condominium Owners Association | Charlotte, NC | 2023–Present

  • Manage multi-faceted projects, budgets, and vendor relationships for a historic property.

  • Lead strategic planning, community engagement, and governance to ensure operational excellence.

  • Oversee communications and brand consistency for community outreach.

Teaching Artist — Harvey B. Gantt Center | Charlotte, NC | 2023–Present

  • Develop and teach courses in digital photography, creative direction, and photo editing.

  • Design curriculum for workshops and digital art-based activations.

  • Facilitate open studio sessions and mentor emerging creatives.

Creative Studio Lead — The Whitaker Group (Social Status, A Ma Maniere, APB) | Charlotte, NC | 2021–2024

  • Directed a 15-person creative studio producing integrated content for streetwear brands.

  • Guided concept ideation, campaign development, and execution for global brand partners, including Nike, Puma, Burberry, and Givenchy.

  • Led weekly critiques and workshops to elevate creative output.

  • Managed cross-functional collaboration with buying, retail, and marketing teams.

Editorial Photographer — The Whitaker Group | Charlotte, NC | 2020–2021

  • Produced editorial content for e-commerce, social media, and brand storytelling.

  • Directed shoots including models, set design, lighting, and styling.

  • Pitched creative concepts to brand partners and executed them across multiple platforms.

Community Engagement Coordinator — The Light Factory | Charlotte, NC | 2019

  • Developed and facilitated photography education programs for community audiences.

  • Created engagement initiatives to build connections between the organization and local residents.

Marketing Coordinator — Facet Foundry Jewelry Studio | Gastonia, NC | 2019–2020

  • Directed photography and design for luxury jewelry marketing campaigns.

  • Managed e-commerce content, social media strategy, and promotional materials.

Product Image Producer — Belk Corporate | Charlotte, NC | 2017–2019

  • Directed image production workflows for apparel marketing.

  • Collaborated with art directors, copywriters, and content teams to maintain brand consistency.

Photographer / Designer — Freelance | Charlotte, NC | 2014–Present

  • Produced creative work spanning photography, graphic design, and branding.

Portrait Photographer / Sales Associate — Portrait Innovations | Charlotte, NC | 2017

  • Directed client-facing portrait sessions, sales, and in-studio production.

CAD & Jewelry Design Consultant — Delgado’s Jewelers | Charlotte, NC | 2016

  • Designed custom jewelry, directed product photography, and managed 3D printing production.

CAD Designer — Skatell’s Manufacturing Jewelers | Charlotte, NC | 2014–2016

  • Designed fine jewelry from concept to production, integrating both traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Fine Arts — Jewelry Design | Winthrop University | Rock Hill, SC

SELECTED CREATIVE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Nike x Social Status Free Lunch Dunk — Concept and execution of culturally resonant sneaker launch campaign.

  • A Ma Maniere x Burberry — Lead Photographer, integrated luxury streetwear campaign.

  • Puma Lafrance Campaign — First Photo Assistant, national broadcast & digital rollout.

  • Nina Simone House Project — Commissioned photography for the National Trust for Historic Places.

CV


Instructor, Composite//AI, Harvey B. Gantt Center  2025                   Charlotte, NC

Instructor, Intro to Photoshop, Harvey B. Gantt Center  2025               Charlotte, NC

Recipient, Historic Hoskin Community, Torch Bearer, 2024     Charlotte, NC

1st Photo Assistant, I'll be Home for National Margarita Day" Commercial, Chili’s  2024        Charlotte, NC

Instructor, Composite//AI, MODA, Harvey B. Gantt Center  2024               Charlotte, NC

Instructor, Fashion Focus Intensive 2, MODA, Harvey B. Gantt Center  2024   Charlotte,  NC

1st Photo Assistant, Lafrance Campaign, Puma 2024   Charlotte, NC

Instructor, Fashion Focus Intensive 1, MODA, Harvey B. Gantt Center  2024                 Charlotte, NC

Photographer, Nina Simone House, Nation Trust of Historic Places   2024           Tryon, NC              

Critic, Let’s Talk Dammit, BLKMRKTCLT  2023                             Charlotte, NC

Exhibitor, Hunnid Dollar Art Fair, 2023                   Charlotte, NC

Critic, The Creative Circle, MODA, Harvey B. Gantt Center  2023                       Charlotte, NC

Lead Photographer, A Ma Maniere x Jordan Airship Campaign 2023                         Washington, D.C.

Lead Photographer, A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan V Campaign 2023                               Beaufort, SC

Instructor, Clock-into-Photography Course, MODA, Harvey B. Gantt Center  2023     Charlotte, NC

Instructor, Light Bending Workshop, MODA, Harvey B. Gantt Center 2023                   Charlotte, NC

Panelist, The Phygital Funk, Harvey B. Gantt Center 2023                                                          Charlotte, NC

Lecturer, History of Fashion, SCAD 2023                     Charlotte, NC

Instructor,  Vivian Ayer’s Workshops in Open Fields 2022                                   Chester, SC

Lead Photographer, A Ma Maniere x Jordan Airship Campaign 2022                                   Atlanta, GA

Lead Photographer, Social Status x Nike Air Max Penny 1 Recess Campaign 2022   Pittsburgh, PA

Lead Photographer, A Ma Maniere x Burberry  Campaign 2022                 Charlotte, NC

Lead Photographer, A Ma Maniere x Givenchy  Campaign 2022                 Charlotte, NC

Featured Artist, Heritage Harvest Day Tour, Penn Center  2021                 St. Helena, SC

Lead Photographer, Nike x Social Status Free Lunch Dunk Campaign 2021                 Pittsburgh, PA

Lead Photographer, A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 1 Campaign 2021     Charlotte, NC

Lead Photographer, A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 3 Campaign 2021                   Charlotte, NC

Creative Director, ALPHA Virtual Concert, Mxxn Wave Production CO, 2021                   Charlotte, NC

Recipient, Adobe Creative Residency Community Fund, 2020                                 San Jose, CA

Content Photographer, TXTURE Magazine 2020   New York, NY

Instructor, Self-Discovery Through Photography, The Light Factory 2019               Mooresville, NC

Subcommittee Member, SIGGRAPH Conference 2019                                Los Angeles, CA Sub Committee Member/ Exhibitor, SIGGRAPH Conference 2018                       Vancouver, BC

Photographer/Retoucher, Txture Communications, 2017   Charlotte, NC

Subcommittee Member, SIGGRAPH Conference 2017             Los Angeles, CA

Content Photographer, TXTURE Magazine 2017     Charlotte, NC

Subcommittee Member, SIGGRAPH Conference 2016                                     Anaheim, CA

Subcommittee Member, SIGGRAPH Conference 2015                                         Los Angeles, CA

Jewelry Stylist, Kortu Momolu, New York Fashion Week FW 2014                 New York, NY

Subcommittee Committee Member/ Exhibitor, SIGGRAPH Conference 2014                    Vancouver, BC

Vice-President, Winthrop Jewelry Guild, 2014     Rock Hill, SC

Instructor, Computing and Jewelry Design Camp 2014                                               Rock Hill, SC

Creative Director/ Designer, Salute to Couture Benefit Fashion Show 2014                   Rock Hill, SC 

Subcommittee Member, SIGGRAPH Conference 2013                               Anaheim, CA 

Vice-President, Winthrop Jewelry Guild, 2013     Rock Hill, SC