Headshot image of Sam Penner

BRAND & IDENTITY DESIGN

FOR GROWING BUSINESSES

My Passion

I'm Sam — a freelance creative director and designer who gets equal satisfaction from a tight brand strategy and a really good cup of coffee. I started Sam Penner Creative because I wanted to do work that actually moves the needle for businesses that care about how they show up in the world. I like using both sides of my brain: the half that obsesses over systems, strategy and process — and the half that wants to explore creativity and storytelling.

If you're building something and you need a creative partner who's as invested in your story as you are, I'd love to talk.

Let's Work Together

Merch Design

  • On The Lawn

    Focused on keeping the story and narrative of the non-profit On The Lawn, I developed event swag that inspired collaboration and growth in Bend, OR.

  • Cascade Tshirt

    This design started as a gift to my coworkers at an outdoor company in Bend, OR. This piece has always stuck with me as a symbol of that season of my life that I want to share with others.

  • Eleven Streetwear

    Eleven Streetwear was a small business aiming to foster a community inspired by soccer in Long Beach, CA. The merchandise would allow Eleven to pour back into the community through youth soccer camps and skill clinics.

Brand Design

  • Whitecap Brewing

    Born in the mountains, inspired by the slopes. Whitecap Brewing wanted to develop a brand that would speak to skiers and snowboarders.

  • Grateful Coffee Roasters

    For many coffee can be a religious experience. Through ritual and craft, Grateful coffee aimed to create a brand experience that communicated the reverence and gratitude we all have for coffee.

  • Paradise Trail Mountain Club

    PTMC was a non-profit set on curating a space for parents to bond with their kids in the outdoors. The brands mission was to educate parents on outdoor activities and connecting with their children.

Interface Design

  • Potluck in the Park

    Potluck in the Park is a non-profit that prepares and serves a meal to those needing one every week, rain or shine. PITP was in need of a brand refresh, as well as creating a better digital experience that was crucial to their volunteer outreach.

  • Locavore App

    Aiming to eat healthier or have specific dietary needs? Locavore was created as a resource that helps users find the best food options for their specific needs.

  • Bureau of Land Management

    A lot of government websites are old school and outdated. This was an exercise in creating a cleaner, brighter experience for users of the BLM.

How I work…

I enjoy collaborating with teams to build creative solutions tailored to their needs. From small clients needing focused design to large companies that require a more premium level of service - I understand your goals, create thoughtful designs, refine to a viable product and deliver a polished system that will set your team up for success.

About me

When I'm not designing, I'm out exploring Central Oregon with my wife and dog, expanding my network, or chasing some great espresso. I believe the best creative work comes from people who are genuinely curious about life outside their desk — and I try to bring that energy into everything I make.

Two people in the snow with a dog