Samuel Butcher
Q What do you do?
“I’m the Creative Director at a Toronto-based agency, where I get to bring ideas to life through photo and video, basically, I make branded content look and feel awesome while keeping all the creative gears moving smoothly.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
So many steps. I started my career for a prominent food brand in Toronto which is where I got more exposure to marketing through social media marketing, local trade zone marketing, and building original branded content pieces for their social channels. Making the switch to agency has allowed me to have a more clear vision on what I want and how to execute that vision, in the way of innovation for a vast range of client types, across different industries.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Be curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to do things differently. The best creative decisions come from a well-informed strategy. Gather key insights, stay tuned into current trends, and always push for originality.
Q What are you working on right now?
So many projects! Large format commercial products and performance video assets are top of mind right now.
Q What’s your style?
Brands like Mejuri, Sidia, Merit, Rhode, Graza, and Our Place share a refined, lifestyle-driven aesthetic, clean visuals, soft tones, and intentional use of space. Their photo and video content feels natural and tactile, often capturing real moments rather than overly staged scenes. Social marketing is calm but confident, rooted in mood and storytelling more than hard selling. They create a world you want to be part of, effortless, modern, and emotionally connected.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
While I love being involved in the day-to-day, I’d really like to spend more time leaning into art direction and creative direction on a bigger scale, pushing boundaries, challenging the standard, and doing braver work for brands. I want to have my hands on more projects where I can shape the vision, drive bold ideas forward, and keep raising the bar creatively.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Changes with social platforms creative guidelines, ad standards, and production budgets being limited with goals being increasingly more demanding!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I'd love to have someone endlessly scroll through TikTok or Instagram and deliver a daily roundup of the best video content/campaigns for me to absorb and dissect.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Don't worry about what other people think. Don't be afraid to speak up and voice your opinion and ideas, especially in a group (or boardroom) setting. Your ideas are creative, and matter!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Networking! It's so crucial to be and stay connected these days, yet I find it hard in the creative space to have the time and opportunities to network with larger groups!
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m currently looking for opportunities that let me dive into full-scope creative direction—from concept to launch. I love working on product-driven projects and brand launches, especially within jewelry, accessories, fashion, and CPG brands. I’m excited by work that involves building a creative vision and carrying it through across channels like OLV, DOOH, social ads, and full social media marketing campaigns. Basically, if it involves crafting a brand moment and bringing it to life in a big way, I’m in.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I thrive in a team environment. I'm very much a team player, and prefer that over siloed work. Open and collaborative. The ability to see ideas and creativity through many different lenses, and have the capacity to collaborate and work through ideas/issues, etc. Let's create together, and make something we're both proud of. Brainstorm sessions together are where the magic happens.
Q: What is your rate?
I’m flexible and easy to work with, whether you need hourly help, a monthly recurring project work, support for a specific product launch, or a long-term partnership. We can work together to find a cost that makes sense!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Reach out to me via email! Definitely include what the projects about and how you found me, or why you want to connect. I wouldn't be mad if you wanted to include your favourite GIF, or more importantly, your favourite quote from Mean Girls.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Creatives who know how to play around creatively, push boundaries and create assets that spark intrigue and inspire. There are so many I love, but to name a few:
Rachel Karten @milkkarten
Oren John @orenmeetsworld
Katarina Terentieva @katarinaterentieva
Michael Petruzzelli @itsmichaelpetruzzelli
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Keep living on social! Things change so frequently in the social media world these days, and its so exciting to see the advancements and everyones creative ideas come to life. Also, travelling is so inspiring to me.
This member profile was originally published in November 2025.