Design should raise eyebrows: this is the motto that Samuel works by. Samuel is a designer based in the UK, he aims to combat social and cultural issues through the power of design. From local businesses to mental health charities and Instagram influencers. Samuel supports change for the better, he’s indeed very committed to social impact topics. In fact, among his Impact goals, he’d hope to educate businesses to make more sustainable design choices. So we can all play a part in producing with little-to-no negative impact.
But now it’s time to let Samuel introduce himself and tell us something about his experience.
What is your area of expertise?
I specialize in creating or refreshing brand identities, layout design, and UI/UX for websites. I like to be involved in the entire process of a campaign, including doing some animation, illustration, and photography where necessary. What I do best is making something truly unique and personal to the client.
How did you become a freelance designer?
I started picking up work during my degree from interested parties, and it has carried on from there. As a teenager, I received an award from the Royal Academy of Art and began accepting small freelance projects between my studies. I then worked for a few studios, before setting out to be a freelancer.
What do you enjoy the most about being a freelancer?
I enjoy the ability to put in the extra effort where needed. Everything I create I put my passion into, so getting the project to a point I am really proud of is important to me. I then know I’ve done a great job and added a huge amount of value to the client’s business, organization or campaign.
If you would not be freelancing, what would you be doing?
If I was not freelancing, I’d either be working with elderly people or with plants! The older generation is sometimes neglected, so helping someone enjoy their years of later life would be a fulfilling career also.
Plants have the ability to transform spaces and achieving greener spaces through a hard days work as a landscaper has always sounded appealing to me.
What are your goals? (Also not professionally speaking)
I would like to create a collective one day, comprising Designers, Illustrators, Developers, and Animators, all with the same objective- to make stunning visual work! I am also learning pottery, and I would be thrilled to exhibit some work at a gallery one day. In addition, I’m also working on community art projects as a way of providing connection. It would be really amazing to see this operate as a Community Interest Company, that can support local communities of people.
What makes you feel you’re contributing to a better world?
Over lockdown, I have been putting boxes of free art materials together for older people suffering from isolation and loneliness. I sent out the boxes with some activities that I put together, to hopefully brighten their day a bit.
I also did online art workshops with citizens in sheltered housing, teaching them a bit about abstract art practice. You can follow the account: @kindredcommunityarts and get involved via Instagram!
Favourite organisation, and why?
Of course, it’s got to be my hometown football club, Torquay United! I have been watching TUFC for over 10 years and always go with my grandad. I have many great memories there. Unfortunately, we’ve not been able to go for some time!
Do you want to connect?
If you want to know more and get support on Web Design and Graphic Design, connect with Samuel at Work for Impact. If you want to share your story as a freelancer, you can reach us at community@workforimpact.com.
Read more stories from WFI Freelancers here.