Category: ROCK & ROLL PHOTOGRAPHY

RESUME

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LUELLEN SMILEY

      MARKETING & EVENTS STRATEGIST | Turning Creative Ideas Into Profit

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

A resourceful communications professional with a proven track record of curating high-profile exhibitions, managing multi-platform media campaigns, and producing award-winning written content. Combines creativity, research acumen, and a strong business sense to translate trends into opportunities for brand growth and audience engagement. Experienced in public relations, event management, content creation, social media, branding, and business development. Known for building collaborative relationships, maintaining integrity, and delivering results with enthusiasm and a clear strategic vision. Blue Ribbon Award for Smiley’s Dice in the 5000-10000 category | California Newspaper Publishing Contest. Retail sales experience selling art and clothing.

KEY SKILLS & AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Special Events Planning | Event Coordination | Marketing Strategy | Community Engagement | Content Writing  Copywriting | Social Media Management | Brand Development | Public Relations | Arts & Culture Promotion  Creative Campaigns | Expert Leasing Manager / Vacation Rental Owner and Management | Project Management | Vendor Relations | Advertising | Exhibition Planning | Email Marketing | Digital Marketing |  Strategic Planning | Team Collaboration

SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • Curated and managed the exhibition strategy for a gallery, including marketing, public relations, receptions, opening night extravaganzas, advertising, and media planning; exhibitions featured iconic photographers worldwide: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, The Who, Janis Joplin, and Joni Mitchell.  
  • Awarded the California Newspaper Publishers Association Blue Ribbon Award for excellence in weekly column writing.
  • Founded and grew Odyssey of Adventures, a globally read blog featured in the New York Post and More Magazine.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

The Scott Varley Team Keller Williams โ€“ Saratoga Springs, NYย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  2019 โ€“ 2025

Public Relations & Promotions Consultant

  • Owned accountability for media relations, promotions, event planning, and advertising for a real estate brokerage.
  • Implemented SVKW communications strategy with guidance from the Director.
  • Increased brand awareness and ensured consistent branding, voice, and messaging across all digital platforms.
  • Planned and executed social media campaigns to advance communication and engagement goals.
  • Identified and leveraged opportunities to raise awareness of SVKW initiatives, partners, and collaborators.

The Gallery Loulou โ€“ Santa Fe, NM, & Taos, NM                                                                        2006โ€“ 2018

Owner/Gallery Manager

  • Oversaw the development and execution of exhibitions and events related to photography.
  • Secured exhibitions with world-class rock & roll photographers and established the Southwestโ€™s only gallery of its kind.
  • Translated vision into executable annual operating plans.
  • Served as an internal decision-making authority across contributing photographers.
  • Managed vendor relationships across framing, shipping, and cost analysis for all gallery functions.

Main Street Media โ€“ Del Mar, CA                                                                                                           2002 โ€“ 2007

Arts & Lifestyle Columnist

  • Authored a weekly column on arts, cultural events, character interviews, and personal lifestyle on travel and horse racing.
  • Collaborated with the art department, colleagues, and city-wide councils.
  • Utilized storytelling skills to cover news, including city council meetings, press conferences, and special events.

Galerie D Art International โ€“ Solana Beach, CAย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  2005 โ€“ 2007

Publicist & Marketing Director

  • Managed all functions relating to external communications and media relations.
  • Coordinated media interviews for gallery artists and occasionally served as a spokesperson.
  • Supported division-level PR and media-related programs.
  • Originated the collaboration between the community theater and gallery to co-produce theater in the gallery.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE: Leasing Manager at Terraces Condominiums | Founder of United Steps Dance Productions | Marketing & Leasing Director at Torrey Pines Science Park

Associate of Arts (A.S.), Art History and Literature |Sonoma State University                                                              

At 98, iconic photographer Jerry Schatzberg proves cool never ages at Lower East Side gallery opening | amNewYork

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My pal since 2007 when I asked him to exhibit in my gallery. He advises, humors, and inspires me on every phone call. Today he is still exhibiting his photographs worldwide.Photographer and filmmaker Jerry Schatzberg, almost 99 years old, looks back at Edie Sedgwick in a new show at the Ki Smith Gallery.

Photo by Bob Krasner

A FEW PHOTOS FROM GALLERY LOULOU

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ED CARAEFF PHOTOGRAPHER- He came out for the opening, a really nice guy. We played Hendrix every day for 6 months.

PHILIP TOWNSEND AT HIS EXHIBITION IN SANTA FE, NM. A PRINCE OF A MAN. WE SOLD ALL HIS STONES, BUT 4 THAT I KEPT.

JIM MARSHALL-Only he could get Dylan to smile. Jim, the legend rocked the gallery, the most eccentric man I ever met.

JIM MARSHALL.

BARON WOLMAN. The man who ignited Gallery Loulou with his introductions and faith in my passion.

LEFT TO RIGHT. MAN, unknown, my pal Blair Sabol, Jim Marshall, Ali McGraw. I get chills looking at this adventure. OPENING NIGHT IN TAOS, NM.2007

JERRY SCHATZBERG, ICONIC PHOTOGRAPHER AND FILM MAKER WHO DID MORE THAN PUSH THE ENVELOPE. HE PUNCHED IT. I JUST SPOKE WITH HIM, 99 YEARS OLD, CLEVER, HUMOROUS, ALL THERE. He exhibited in the gallery and we became confidants.

AND OF COURSE FAYE. WHOM HE ADORED AND TOOK HER TO HIS CAMERA.

CONFIDENTLY ON CONFIDENCE

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Gallery Loulou Rock&Roll Photography. 2008

According to AI Self-confidence refers to an individualโ€™s trust in their abilities and judgment, allowing them to face daily challenges with resilience and optimism. Unlike self-efficacy, which is task-specific, self-confidence is a broader and more stable trait that reflects overall perceptions of capability. It is closely linked to self-esteem and self-worth, but while self-esteem focuses on how much you value yourself, self-confidence emphasizes your belief in your ability to succeed in various situations.

Raise your hand if have it. Speak out if you have some of it, keep reading if you’re like me, missing it now, but once you had it.

So where, why and what happened? I’ll go first: My last accomplishment was saving my home from foreclosure and selling it in 2025. What have I done lately? Packed up a home, moved to Southern California, found an apartment, and began searching for employment.

Full stop. After seventy-five resume submissions in six different categories, and recruiting websites, I listened to my nagging annoyance and said enough. I’ve been validated by articles about AI interfering with companies even seeing my resume, outdated job postings, and fraudsters.

Without a project, or employment, I can’t find my confidence. Rejection letters, unanswered emails, or no response at all is about as harmful as I can tolerate.

I took the next approach. I met a gentleman with a gallery. I looked up his gallery, and was impressed. The next time I met him, I said I was looking for a gallery I’m passionate about, and I would like to work for you, in sales and marketing.

He said, “Okay, you bring me buyers, I pay high commissions.”

A stroke of confidence and look what happens.

UNTOLD READS.COM, THANK YOU!

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CRADLE OF CRIME : A Daughter’s Tribute

MICK JAGGER

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JAGGER PHOTOGRAPH FOR SALE. It is black-and-white and has Mick’s authenticated signature in perfect condition. It is matted and framed and measures 10 in x 11 1/2. For more information, leave a comment.

ASKING $500.00

PHILIP TOWNSEND REMEMBERED

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The Beatles and the Maharishiย ย  1967 –Philip Townsend

“The Beatles and Maharishi at the Meditation Centre, Abbotsbury Road, Kensington. After this meeting, they went to the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, where Maharishi gave a lecture.ย  These shots for Beatle purists were taken before they went to Wales or India.ย  The shot of all the fabs, partners and road crew is interesting as it is one of the few with the whole lot in one snap.

The photographs are exclusive as I was the only photographer there. I had been asked by the holy manโ€™s Public Relations agent to take them but they failed to pay, me therefore I own the copyrights.”

What I love is every Beatle has a distinctive expression at the meeting. Note John contrasted with Paul.

Gallery Loulou 2008

Philip arrived from London late in the evening. We met him at La Posada Resort Hotel. He did not stop smiling and chuckling in spite of his lost luggage, and a twelve-hour flight. His photographs had arrived and were already placed when we invited him into the gallery. Again, a resonating joyous outburst, ” Oh, it’s lovely, marvelous, just marvelous.” He was tall, lanky, and at seventy-something majestically youthful. We spent hours together over the next week. He loved when I made him a cup of Tea, the bumpy New Mexico road trips we planned, and the dinners. The slightest bit of congeniality towards him was returned with a pat or a hug and kiss. Opening night was a sensational tribute to a prince of a man.

What

WHY LIE

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When do we begin to lie about our life our feelings, our fears, our everything? I ask this because of simple observation, knowing when someone is not telling me their truth and I remain silent, it’s not my way to ask, why do you lie to me? My friends are not lying, it’s more like a social cultural mask. My wise father once told me ‘Tell them your sister or father just died, and they’ll respond, excellent because they do not want to hear your problems.’ But I do, I’ve always wanted to know the truth. Why should we shield our traumas and hardship, more than our triumphs and accomplishments? Do you know who does not lie? ART and SPORTS. That is why we listen to music, read books, go to galleries and museums, films, the theater, and ballet or other dance performances. I cannot comment on sports because I’m not a spectator although I do love basketball.

We, and I mean this in only a visceral sense, do not believe the politicians, news, social media, or advertisements. We want to, but deep in our inner truth, we know it is the manipulation of our individual thoughts. And that my friends is why I trust art to deepen my understanding of the human condition. Thank you to all the artists and athletes who share their pain and glory.

FOUND ON THE INTERNET

THE PHILADELPHIA PHILHARMONIC

MAXFIELD PARRISH

ZORBA
PHILIP TOWNSEND
AUDREY HEPBURN – EDWARD QUINN
PHILIP TOWNSEND

DYLAN’S TOUCH

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The irony.ย  When I first heard “Like A Rolling Stone” as a teenager, the lyrics saddened me every time I played it or it came on the radio. Then this song became my destiny.

“Once upon a time you dressed so fine
Threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn’t you?
People call say ‘beware doll, you’re bound to fall’
You thought they were all kidding you
You used to laugh about
Everybody that was hanging out
Now you don’t talk so loud
Now you don’t seem so proud
About having to be scrounging your next meal
How does it feel, how does it feel?
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone
Ahh you’ve gone to the finest schools, alright Miss Lonely
But you know you only used to get juiced in it
Nobody’s ever taught you how to live out on the street
And now you’re gonna have to get used to it
You say you never compromise
With the mystery tramp, but now you realize
He’s not selling any alibis
As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes
And say do you want to make a deal?
How does it feel, how does it feel?
To be on your own, with no direction home
A complete unknown, like a rolling stone
Ah you never turned around to see the frowns
On the jugglers and the clowns when they all did tricks for you
You never understood that it ain’t no good
You shouldn’t let other people get your kicks for you
You used to ride on a chrome horse with your diplomat
Who carried on his shoulder a Siamese cat
Ain’t it hard when you discovered that
He really wasn’t where it’s at
After he took from you everything he could steal
How does it feel, how does it feel?
To have on your own, with no direction home
Like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone
Ahh princess on a steeple and all the pretty people
They’re all drinking, thinking that they’ve got it made
Exchanging all precious gifts
But you better take your diamond ring, you better pawn it babe
You used to be so amused
At Napoleon in rags and the language that he used
Go to him he calls you, you can’t refuse
When you ain’t got nothing, you got nothing to lose
You’re invisible now, you’ve got no secrets to conceal
How does it feel, ah how does it feel?
To be on your own, with no direction home
Like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone.”
Songwriters: Bob Dylan
ยฉ Downtown Music Publishing, AUDIAM, INC
Photograph credit Jim Marshall