About

My Design Journey

15 years of experience in education and design

Math and woodshop have taken me into just about every learning environment—boarding schools, public schools, international classrooms in Honduras, and schools where every student has a learning disability. I’ve built full math and SAT/ACT curricula, designed hands-on, inquiry-based projects, and coached runners to four straight state championships—all grounded in the belief that good learning should spark curiosity and actually stick.

Outside the classroom, I give brands the glow-up they’ve been needing. Nonprofits and small businesses trust me to help them show up with clarity, confidence, and scroll-stopping visuals. AI isn’t just a tool I use—it’s one I train, refine, and apply to real problems. I blend strategy and storytelling with a designer’s eye and an educator’s brain—because what’s the point of “looking good” if no one connects with it?

Keep reading to learn about my educational and design philosophies 🙂

Sam Pederson
see my resume

People First. Design Second.

Because great brands aren’t seen – they’re felt.

I’ve spent over 10 years diving deep into design – from image and video creation to brand guidelines, instructional design, curriculum development, and everything in between. If it’s creative, I’m in!

Companies often hire designers to create something that stands out and grabs attention, but here’s the truth: it’s not just about looking good or having a shiny logo. It’s about telling your story in a way that resonates, sticks with people, and leaves a lasting impact.

I don’t just hand you a logo and call it a day – I take the time to get to know you. I dig into your mission, vision, and story, then craft a design that speaks to your audience like a friend they can trust.

I believe brands are more than just fonts and colors – they’re communities, families, and places where people feel seen and heard understood. My goal is to help you build a culture that’s remembered, that builds trust, and that connects on a deeper level.

Everything we create together is focused on making sure your story is told in a way that feels real and human. At the end of the day, I want your audience to feel like they’re part of something bigger – something they believe in and want to be a part of for the long run.

Throw Out The Textbook

You hated school for a reason.

Working with me is about more than building a lesson plan or plugging content into a template—it’s about creating learning that actually makes sense to the people doing the learning.

Every project I take on is driven by one question: Would I have wanted to do this back in high school? If the answer’s no, then we’re doing it differently.

I’ve spent ten years in the classroom fighting for better—better engagement, better outcomes, and better ways of learning that tap into curiosity, creativity, and lived experience. Inquiry-based, project-based, experiential learning isn’t a trend—it’s what works. And I have the data, the awards, and the student success stories to prove it.

I don’t just design content. I build inclusive, learner-centered experiences that empower students to think, express, and grow—and I stay in the loop, gathering real feedback and adapting to what learners actually need. No fluff, no filler, no “when will I ever use this?” moments.

The process matters as much as the product. I collaborate closely, communicate clearly, and make sure everything we create feels accessible, relevant, and effective for your learners.

Because when we get it right, it doesn’t just check a standard—it changes the way someone sees the world. And that’s the kind of education I believe in.

FAQs

I specialize in brand identity design (logos, color palettes, typography, social templates), instructional design (curriculum, eLearning, LMS content), and creative strategy. Whether you’re launching a brand, refreshing your visuals, or need engaging learning materials, I’ve got you covered. I can even build websites – just like this one!

It’s simple and collaborative. We start with a quick discovery call to learn about your goals, then I’ll build out a timeline and share a custom proposal. You’ll get a private client portal, clear milestones, and regular updates—no chasing needed. Everything is designed to keep things easy and stress-free.

Absolutely. I’ve worked with schools, nonprofits, startups, wellness brands, creators, and more. I know how to adjust the tone, style, and approach to match your audience—whether you’re talking to Gen Z students or high-end clients. I listen first, design second.

Both! If you need editable templates for Canva, PowerPoint, or social media, I can create those. But I also love building fully custom designs from the ground up if you’re ready for a brand transformation. Either way, the end result is strategic, beautiful, and easy to use.

Just fill out the contact form below! I’ll respond quickly to set up a time to chat about your project. Whether you already know what you need or you just have a rough idea, I’ll help you figure out the best next step—and make the whole process feel effortless.

Get in Touch

Have a project in mind? Whether you’re building a bold brand, creating unforgettable learning experiences, or just want to see if we vibe—drop me a message. I’m always up for a creative chat and would love to hear what you’re working on.