Samantha Richardson
Samantha Richardson
Freelance Designer / Art-Director
Birmingham, Al
www.samrich.co
skillshare
instagram @samrich.co
pinterest
linkedin
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I craft fun, funky designs for forward-thinking brands. Branding, digital, and content marketing are my forté”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I’ve been pushing pixels since 2014 and have developed a dangerous arsenal of skills from studio, agency, and freelance experience. I got my start making websites and Youtube videos at my university’s digital studio. There I honed my craft in motion and design (and took home a few national awards). When I was hired on as a designer at a full-service agency, I became a full-service agency. Helping clients with brand positioning, print layout, concept/strategy, UI/UX design, digital marketing, social media content, etc. As a freelancer, I’m able to help clients with basically anything related to their creative needs.
My experience has taught me I want to work with clients to establish their brands from the ground up and create a unique identity that their audience will enjoy engaging with. I enjoy being involved in the process from strategy to execution.
How do you stand out in your field?
Most people hate ads. This is because the relationship between brands and their audiences can feel one-sided. My job is to help bridge this gap by offering user-centric solutions. With the right strategy and visual execution, a brand’s online presence can transcend traditional advertising and offer value to people’s lives through aesthetics, functionality, or entertainment. Ads can become more like content and brands can become more like personalities in your life. I help brands create designs that are worthy of the people who interact with them. I help cultivate these relationships.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m hustling my Skillshare class, An Insider’s Guide to Digital Ad Campaigns, on how to make digital ad campaigns like a pro.
[Wanna learn how to make 🔥 digital ad campaigns without spending loads of time? I gotchu, boo✨]
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My brand and personal style is colorful, playful, progressive, funky, and feminine. I’m inspired by the design faux paus, such as decorative typography, anime, and pixel art. Basically everything they tell you not to do in design school. I’ve been using my Instagram (@samrich.co) to make “design for good” with a naughty edge. 😈
My commercial work is a little more tame (for now, ha!), but I love working with fem-owned, tech, or food brands to help craft their brands from identity to execution across all the platforms. Elia Fulmen was a great opportunity for me to get to work with a fem-powered brand and hone in on every aspect of the design.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I would love more logo, branding, and packaging projects. Something femme-based, like fashion, makeup, or lifestyle would be a dream. Also cat projects. 🐈
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I’m low-key a little triggered by the lack of support for freelancers right now. COVID-19 relief is basically non-existent. According to a survey conducted by the freelancer’s union in early May, 84% of surveyed freelancers have not received any relief. Two-thirds (66%) of freelancers surveyed had “already lost more than $5,000 in income, and almost all of them (86%) had applied for at least one” assistance program. I would love to see the government take action to help independent designers support themselves during these trying times.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
A massage therapist? 💆♀️
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
It would have been nice to create my perfect portfolio before starting as a professional, that way I could have let that guide my career more. Building a portfolio is a bit more difficult while juggling agency life, freelance, and being a human being. On the same token, working in an agency as a student really helped jump-start my career and I really didn’t know what I wanted to do until I had a chance to develop those skills. I still don’t think my portfolio fully represents what I have learned and can do. It’s more of a representation of the work I’ve been able to do. Other tidbits...I’ve never shied away from investing in my own business and I think that was a good move. More money is not really worth it at the expense of your happiness and dignity. 💅Take care of yourself. If you hate your job, please quit. 🔮Your future self will thank you.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would love some help automating my project inquiries into a streamlined pipeline and growing my social media following.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Femme startups with budgets looking for fly branding and ongoing work 👀
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I love building ongoing relationships with my clients and working with them across multiple projects throughout the year. I enjoy doing work that is iterative. Crafting the brand, then making all the executions. Building the illustration then animating it, etc. I work best when I have information, copy, and references from the client upfront. Then I can go to do my thang and we can circle back for feedback and follow up revisions. I enjoy collaborating with the client to combine our different areas of expertise, while also prioritizing the end user experience.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Most projects start at $1,000. If your budget is under, still reach out and I may be able to help or refer you. Every project is different so please don’t hesitate to reach out for a free quote at samrich.co/contact.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Give me a holler at samrich.co/contact for a free consult and quote 🌸
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Hmm.. In six words? Abandonware, vintage mags, pixel art & miniatures.
This member profile was originally published in July 2020.