I'm Sam Small, a multidisciplinary designer based in Kansas City, Missouri.
I'm Sam Small, a multidisciplinary designer based in Kansas City, Missouri.
As an avid believer in the power of human-centered design, I am fascinated by user interaction and people-based problem-solving. I approach design empathetically and focus on understanding the latent needs and emotions of the people who I am designing for, aiming to create clear, impactful solutions to enrich their lives.
I have worked on projects in UI/UX, web design, branding and identity, motion graphics, signage and wayfinding, and print design. I enjoy collaboration, analog and digital experimentation, and learning about new tools and approaches to continue enhancing my design process.
Outside of design, my interests include contemporary fashion and streetwear, traveling, researching new technologies, and music/podcasts.
Want to work together or say hey? Let's chat
As an avid believer in the power of human-centered design, I am fascinated by user interaction and people-based problem solving. I approach design empathetically and focus on understanding the latent needs and emotions of the people who I am designing for, aiming to create clear, impactful solutions to enrich their lives.
I have worked on projects in UI/UX, web design, branding and identity, motion graphics, signage and wayfinding, and print design. I enjoy collaboration, analog and digital experimentation, and learning about new tools and approaches to continue enhancing my design process.
Outside of design, my interests include contemporary fashion and streetwear, traveling, researching new technologies, and music/podcasts.
Want to work together or say hey?
Let's chat
Experience
Experience
Experience
Springboard | UI/UX Design Mentor | 2019–Present
Springboard
UI/UX Design Mentor | 2019–Present
Springboard
UI/UX Design Mentor
2019–Present
I mentor professionals pursuing a new career in the field of UI/UX design. I have weekly one-on-one calls with students to guide them through learning and practicing UX design thinking, user research, concept development, UI design, and validation. I also help students through several capstone and client projects, provide industry advice, and assist with career-building to set them up for success.
I mentor professionals pursuing a new career in the field of UI/UX design. I have weekly one-on-one calls with mentees to guide them through learning and practicing UX thinking, user research, journey mapping, information architecture, UI design, and validation. I also help guide students through several capstone and client projects, provide industry advice, and assist with career-building to set them up for success.
I mentor professionals pursuing a new career in the field of UI/UX design. I have weekly one-on-one calls with students to guide them through learning and practicing UX design thinking, user research, concept development, UI design, and validation. I also help students through several capstone and client projects, provide industry advice, and assist with career-building to set them up for success.
Theorem | Senior & Lead Product Designer | 2016–2020
Springboard
UI/UX Design Mentor | 2019–Present
Springboard
UI/UX Design Mentor
2019–Present
I worked on all phases of the UX process including research, journey mapping, information architecture, wireframing, interaction design, visual design, and design systems. I also led design strategy and implementation for design teams on projects and managed products from kickoff to launch, ensuring alignment across squads and consistency of design output. I collaborated with a fully remote team of engineers, solution architects, product managers, and strategists to solve business challenges and create innovative products for clients like AT&T, Brooklyn Nets, Intel, First American Title Insurance, and SundaySky.
As a Product Designer at Theorem, I work on all phases of the UX process including research, journey mapping, information architecture, wireframing, interaction design, visual design, and design system development. I have led design on projects and managed products from kickoff to launch. I collaborate with a fully distributed team of engineers, solution architects, product managers, and strategists to solve business challenges and create innovative software solutions for clients like AT&T, Brooklyn Nets, Intel, First American, and SundaySky.
I worked on all phases of the UX process including research, journey mapping, information architecture, wireframing, interaction design, visual design, and design systems. I also led design strategy and implementation for design teams on projects and managed products from kickoff to launch, ensuring alignment across squads and consistency of design output. I collaborated with a fully remote team of engineers, solution architects, product managers, and strategists to solve business challenges and create innovative products for clients like AT&T, Brooklyn Nets, Intel, First American Title Insurance, and SundaySky.
Freelance & Contract Designer | 2011–Present
Freelance & Contract Designer
2011–Present
Freelance & Contract Designer
2011–Present
As a freelance and contract designer, I have worked on projects spanning everything from branding and identity to UI/UX and web to motion graphics and print design.
As a freelance and contract designer, I have worked on projects spanning everything from branding and identity to UI/UX and web to motion graphics and print design.
As a freelance and contract designer, I have worked on projects spanning everything from branding and identity to UI/UX and web to motion graphics and print design.
Special Edition Co. | Founder & Designer | 2014–Present
Special Edition Co.
Founder & Designer | 2014–Present
Special Edition Co.
Founder & Designer
2014–2018
Special Edition Co. is an experimental creative collective that I co-founded with designer Trent Roach. We have collaborated with artists/designers internationally and worked on client projects in branding, content creation, web design, and exhibition design. Our work has been featured by It’s Nice That, AIGA Eye on Design, and People of Print.
Special Edition Co. is an experimental creative collective that I cofounded with my friend and designer colleague, Trent Roach. Our mission is to collaborate on innovative projects with other designers and artists internationally. We have worked on various collaborations, but we have also worked on client commissions in branding, web design, campaign design, exhibition design and more. Our work has been featured by It’s Nice That, AIGA Eye on Design and People of Print and more
Special Edition Co. is an experimental creative collective that I co-founded with designer Trent Roach. We have collaborated with artists/designers internationally and worked on client projects in branding, content creation, web design, and exhibition design. Our work has been featured by It’s Nice That, AIGA Eye on Design, and People of Print.
Hufft | Designer & Brand Manager | 2014–2016
Hufft
Designer & Brand Manager | 2014–2016
Hufft
Designer & Brand Manager
2014–2016
I worked on branding and identity, web design, interactive spatial experiences, and signage & wayfinding projects. I also managed the Hufft brand, assisted with marketing and social media, and worked on research, strategy, and concept development for Hufft’s rebrand.
As a designer at Hufft, I worked on branding and identity, web design, interactive spatial experiences and signage and wayfinding projects for various clients. I also managed the Hufft brand, assisted with marketing and social media initiatives, and worked on research, strategy and concepting for Hufft’s rebrand.
I worked on branding and identity, web design, interactive spatial experiences, and signage & wayfinding projects. I also managed the Hufft brand, assisted with marketing and social media, and worked on research, strategy, and concept development for Hufft’s rebrand.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | Print & Digital Designer | 2014
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Print & Digital Designer | 2014
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Print & Digital Designer
2014
I worked on digital signage, print materials, and social media promotional content for various exhibitions at the museum.
As a designer at the Nelson-Atkins, I worked on digital signage, print materials, and social media promotional content for various exhibitions.
I worked on digital signage, print materials, and social media promotional content for various exhibitions at the museum.
Kansas City Art Institute | Communications Designer | 2013–2014
Kansas City Art Institute
Communications Designer | 2013–2014
Kansas City Art Institute
Communications Designer
2013–2014
I collaborated with a small design team to maintain KCAI’s brand and create digital and print promotional materials, collateral, and social media content.
I collaborated with a small team of designers to maintain KCAI’s brand and create ditigal and print promotional materials, collateral and social media content.
I collaborated with a small design team to maintain KCAI’s brand and create digital and print promotional materials, collateral, and social media content.
Berstein-Rein Advertising | Contract Designer | 2013
Berstein-Rein Advertising
Contract Designer | 2013
Berstein-Rein Advertising
Contract Designer
2013
I worked on print and digital advertising campaigns for brands like McDonald's, Kansas City Chiefs, Old Dominion, and Hostess.
As a contract designer at Bernstein-Rein, I worked on print and digital advertising campaigns for brands like McDonalds, Kansas City Chiefs, Old Dominion and Hostess.
I worked on print and digital advertising campaigns for brands like McDonald's, Kansas City Chiefs, Old Dominion, and Hostess.
La Cucaracha Press | Print & Design Intern | 2012
La Cucaracha Press
Print & Design Intern | 2012
La Cucaracha Press
Print & Design Intern
2012
While interning at La Cucaracha Press, I designed layouts and worked with letterpress and screen printing processes to create collateral, posters, and packaging for clients.
As an intern at La Cucaracha Press, I designed layouts for client projects and worked with letterpress and screen printing processes to create collateral, posters and packaging.
While interning at La Cucaracha Press, I designed layouts and worked with letterpress and screen printing processes to create collateral, posters, and packaging for clients.
Education
Education
Education
Kansas City Art Institute | BFA in Graphic Design
Columbus College of Art & Design | Foundations
Kansas City Art Institute
BFA in Graphic Design
Columbus College of Art & Design
Foundations
Kansas City Art Institute
BFA in Graphic Design
Columbus College of Art & Design
Foundations
Capabilities
Capabilities
Capabilities
UI/UX Design
Visual Design
Concepting & Ideation
Wireframing
Prototyping
Interaction Design
Product Management
Information Architecture
Web Design
Mobile Design
UI/UX Design
Visual Design
Concepting & Ideation
Wireframing
Prototyping
Interaction Design
Product Management
Information Architecture
Web Design
Mobile Design
UI/UX Design
Visual Design
Concepting & Ideation
Wireframing
Prototyping
Interaction Design
Product Management
Information Architecture
Web Design
Mobile Design
User Research
Usability Testing
Branding & Identity
Design & Art Direction
Motion Graphics
3D Design
Print/Layout Design
Signage & Wayfinding
Screen Printing
Letterpress Printing
User Research
Usability Testing
Branding & Identity
Design & Art Direction
Motion Graphics
3D Design
Print/Layout Design
Signage & Wayfinding
Screen Printing
Letterpress Printing
User Research
Usability Testing
Branding & Identity
Design & Art Direction
Motion Graphics
3D Design
Print/Layout Design
Signage & Wayfinding
Screen Printing
Letterpress Printing
Select Clients
Select Clients
Select Clients
Awards
Awards
AIA Monsters of Design Awards
Best in Show
Adobe Above the Fold Design Awards
Best in Show, Web Design, App Design
AIGA Kansas City A9 & A10
Award Winner (x2)
KCAI Design Awards
Armin Hofman & Jan Tschichold Awards
Adobe Muse Web Design Showcase
Website of the Day & Year
Organizations
AIGA Kansas City
Recognition & Contributions
Career Foundry - Feature in "9 of the best UI Design portfolios that will inspire you"
It's Nice That - Interview feature
Figma Editorial - Interview feature
Bestfolios - Portfolio feature
Mockplus Blog - Portfolio feature
AIGA Eye on Design Design Diary - Featured collaboration with Emma Fisher
Reality vs. Virtual Reality Features - Work in international events at Ace Hotel (LA), V&A Gallery (London), Magic Johnston (Melbourne). Featured on I-D Magazine and Acclaim Magazine
KTLG Directory of Design Studios - Interview & video feature
ilovecreatives - Interview feature
Card Dsgn - Business card design feature
EYE X EAR Exhibition - Planned & co-curated an exhibition with Special Edition Co. & Yaeji featuring work from 70+ international audio/visual artists in Brooklyn, NY. Work also featured in the show.
Pitch Zine - Feature article
Fount Magazine - Work featured in magazine & exhibitions in Berlin & Dortmund
Chroma Magazine - Work featured in The Red Issue
Neue Goods - Creators Series interview
UltraLab Apps - Work created for and utilized in Pattern Soup mobile app
Computer Arts Magazine - Typeface design featured
AIGA Get Out the Vote - Work featured in AIGA's National Design Gallery in NYC
It's Nice That
Interview feature
Figma Editorial
Interview feature
Mockplus Blog
Portfolio feature
Bestfolios
Portfolio feature
AIGA Eye on Design Design Diary
Featured collaboration with Emma Fisher
Reality vs. Virtual Reality Features
Work in international events at Ace Hotel (LA), V&A Gallery (London), Magic Johnston (Melbourne) / Featured on I-D Magazine and Acclaim Magazine
KTLG Directory of Design Studios
Interview & video feature
ilovecreatives
Interview feature
Card Dsgn
Business card design feature
EYE X EAR Exhibition
Planned & co-curated exhibition with Special Edition Co. & Yaeji featuring work from 70+ international audio/visual artists in Brooklyn, NY. Work also featured in exhibtion.
Pitch Zine
Feature article
Fount Magazine
Work featured in magazine & exhibitions in Berlin & Dortmund
Chroma Magazine
Work featured in The Red Issue
Neue Goods
Creators Series interview
UltraLab Apps
Work created for/utilized in Pattern Soup app
Computer Arts Magazine
Typeface design featured
AIGA Get Out the Vote
Work featured in AIGA's National Gallery in NYC
Career Foundry - Feature in "9 of the best UI Design portfolios that will inspire you"
It's Nice That - Interview feature
Figma Editorial - Interview feature
Bestfolios - Portfolio feature
Mockplus Blog - Portfolio feature
AIGA Eye on Design Design Diary - Featured collaboration with Emma Fisher
Reality vs. Virtual Reality Features - Work in international events at Ace Hotel (LA), V&A Gallery (London), Magic Johnston (Melbourne). Featured on
I-D Magazine and Acclaim Magazine
KTLG Directory of Design Studios - Interview & video feature
ilovecreatives - Interview feature
Card Dsgn - Business card design feature
EYE X EAR Exhibition - Planned & co-curated an exhibition with Special Edition Co. & Yaeji featuring work from 70+ international audio/visual artists in Brooklyn, NY. Work also featured in the show.
Pitch Zine - Feature article
Fount Magazine - Work featured in magazine & exhibitions in Berlin & Dortmund
Chroma Magazine - Work featured in The Red Issue
Neue Goods - Creators Series interview
UltraLab Apps - Work created for and utilized in Pattern Soup mobile app
Computer Arts Magazine - Typeface design featured
AIGA Get Out the Vote - Work featured in AIGA's National Design Gallery in NYC
Get in touch
Get in touch
Want to discuss a project, collaborate, or say hello?
Want to discuss a project, collaborate or say hello? Drop me a line.
Want to discuss a project, collaborate, or say hello? I'd love to hear from you! : )
Drop me a line, I'd love to hear from you! : )
Want to discuss a project, collaborate or say hello? Drop me a line.
