Sam Rios

Senior Designer / Photographer / Adventurer

Throughout the years, I’ve curated an extensive portfolio of visual design, having worked for both corporate giants and exciting start-ups from completely diverse industries. As a result I’m no one trick pony, as digital, UI, print, events, branding and illustration work are all catered for. With a consultative mindset, I guide creative projects from ideation right through to a lasting experience. Whether on location or working entirely remotely, I’ve been trusted to bring expertise to every stage of the process.

Travelling has played a huge part of my skills and approach to projects, having the tendency of straying away from conventional tourist routes, opting instead to make the special effort to immerse myself in diverse cultures. This deliberate choice consistently yields unique and unseen encounters, expanding my portfolio with photography and video editing, now utilised by numerous organisations I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with.

EST. since 2005

Hire Me

Experience Borneo

Teaming up with Sylwia Wojslaw, we’ve successfully built up a volunteer and visitation program, including all design, marketing and trip coordination. Supporting orangutans under their care 100%. Uniquely situated in the heart of secondary rainforest and an orangutan sanctuary, the lodge is well worth a visit. Reward yourself with a place here.

Discover more on the project

A powerful documentary

I had the pleasure of working alongside celebrities, photographers and producers to market the documentary to all, online and in theatres.

View the project here

Mystery shopping

I designed mystery shopping communication material for a range of blue chip retail and food brands that you’ve certainly heard of.

View the project here

How I work

Illustrations by Sam Rios

From beginning to end

By understanding your needs and your end goals, I will produce a creative plan that will not only achieve the results you’re after, but look great too! A creative with a consultative approach.

Anywhere you want

You can hire me to be on-location, within your teams or remotely. With almost 20 years in the industry I’ve been trusted by many to produce exceptional work, for start-ups and global organisations alike.

Feeding many birds with one seed

After having created for a variety pf clients in different industries, I’ve picked up an array of skills and experiences to bring to the table. Whether it be a lasting memory for physical adventure or 3D design.

No stone unturned

Every element within every project is carefully considered during implementation. Visuals are broken down to ensure everyone’s informed of what’s going on (especially developer’s and stakeholders).

Timeline

Blooming marvellous

Pre-career interests peaking, creativity through painting outdoor interests with camping, photography with my father’s camera. Indiana Jones inspiring me to travel.

2004 – Graduated

With a 1:0 (1st) in Bachelor of Arts Honours Design Degree: Electronic Graphics
Staffordshire University, United Kingdom

Rock climbing also became a favourite sport.

2005 – 1st design job

Starting off with eLearning applications, wireframes and animation back when Macromedia was a thing.

Clients include: NHS, BT, Ashurst, Network Rail and Unilever

Travelling – Fell in love with photography

2 years across Asia and Australasia.
Off the beaten track and immersed into local culture resulted in the most bizarre experiences all captured on early days of my photography.

Plus working for conservation in Australia, Darwin national parks.

View my photography

Springer Nature Publishing

A major job that excelled my love for the natural world while working within a buzzing scientific community with a strong focus on UI+UX design, on scientific publications.

View the work

Freelance Creative – 100% remote

Becoming a freelancer was one of the most important points in my career to opening up a wealth of unique creative experiences. Trusted and proven to work within teams remotely and on location.

Clients include: Ingram Micro, Ogilvy, Social.Lab, Cranfield University, Travis Perkins, Value Retail – each with their own blue chip clients to work for.

Borneo Orangutan Survival

My love for nature, environment, photography and design all combine for the benefit of saving orangutans and restoring their depleting rainforest home.

I also volunteered for Sun bear Husbandry, covering maintenance, bear training and feeding.

View photography for BOS
View design for BOS

Photography, video editing and events peak

Being active and spotting opportunities has led to major catalysts for work which included:

Design and running of documentary screenings
Hike leads and photography for animal abuse, yoga and adventure sports
Asset collection for wild animals and further marketing
Creative design for animal welfare
And much more

Making a difference for you

Get in touch and let’s create amazing memorable experiences for you and your audiences. Whether it be outdoor activities, photography and video, creative design or all together. On location or remotely.

creativerios@gmail.com

Design

Photography

Email

Sam is fantastic to work with. From our first meeting he understood my requirements perfectly, and translated them almost immediately into something I was delighted with.

Sarah Blenkinsop

Golden Frog Public Relations

Thank you for all your help marketing the documentary. You’ve been amazing!

Aaron Gekoski

Environmental Photojournalist

Just wanted to say how incredibly thankful I am that you found us and are applying your incredible talents to help the orangutans. Everything you do has your passion built in to it, and that is obvious to all that see your work.

Ben Callison

CEO - BOS UK & USA

Your work is really modern & trendy. You are a cool Designer.

Dribbble User

Sam receives glowing references from any client he encounters and is commended on his high quality work and consultative approach.

Amy Bradbury

Blue Skies Careers

Sam was diligent in his work, enthusiastic and patient with the constant changes requested by the authors. The final product is excellent. Student feedback gained has been positive.

Dr Robert Lilis

Cranfield School of Management