Jordan searches for the right reference in the Lyons Memorial Library. Photo by Austin Felker.
Jordan D. Smirl is a graduate of College of the Ozarks with a Bachelor’s degree in both Graphic Arts and History. He has a wide range of experience in the field of art and design, and is well versed in both traditional and digital media. His historical interests are also diverse; he has researched and written about topics ranging from the Middle Ages to the World Wars. As part of his focus on history and art, he also participates in medieval living history events with the Society for Creative Anachronism. Jordan strives for detail and accuracy in all of his work, whether it be fantasy illustrations or essays on military history, and he takes pride in the ability to communicate both through images and the written word.
Hailing from the Kansas City area, Jordan developed an interest in both art and history at a young age, and decided to pursue both as his career. In high school, he served as the design editor for the award winning Ramizzou yearbook, and his work was featured in a number of community art shows. He received a number of awards in academics, journalism and art, and was recognized as “Most Artistic” by his graduating class. As a sophomore at College of the Ozarks, he began working at the College Press. He gained experience in many aspects of graphic arts, including design process, prepress, and production, working in both the press room and design lab. He served as the President of the Graphic Communications Club and Treasurer of the College Historians during his time in college.
Since he graduated, Jordan has been working in the printing industry, specifically as a wide format printing and signage specialist. He continues to pursue historical interests on the side, and has taken up bookbinding as a hobby. His dream is to someday either be a history professor or a professional bookbinder, or both.
Awards and Honors
Jordan has received these and other recognitions for his academic and artistic achievements.
- Another Time & Place: Short-Form History Paper Competition Winner
- Dean’s List from College of the Ozarks
- Jerrold W. Watson Memorial Scholarship
- Quill and Scroll Membership
- National Honor Society Membership
- George Washington Carver Award
- Raytown Arts Association Scholarship
- Superior Award for Yearbook Page Design from Missouri Interscholastic Press Association
- Excellent Award for Photo Illustration from Missouri Interscholastic Press Association
- Certificate of Merit in the Fine Arts from Raytown Arts Council
- Certificate of Academic Achievement from Raytown High School
This website is dedicated to the memory of Phyllis Bell, 1922-2016. As Jordan’s great grandmother, she was one of the most important sources of support, encouragement and love in his life, and she is dearly missed.
J.D. Smirl 