Good brands are noticeable.
Great brands are attractive.
I’m a brand designer and illustrator in Bend, OR. I work with founders and business owners who care about the story their brand is telling.
Evidence-based insight
I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. I studied studio art, graphic design and UX/UI, but didn’t go straight into design work.
I spent 7 years in operations, marketing, and sales first. I learned how businesses run, how customers decide, and why a good-looking logo isn’t enough on its own. That’s still how I think about every project. A brand has to work at the register, on the shelf, in the inbox, and long after the first impression.
In early 2026, I launched Sam Penner Creative to bring both sides together: hand-drawn craft and a clear understanding of what story does for the business behind the brand.
The Method
A standard brand project can take about two months. With the DRIVE process, you’ll always know where we are and where we’re going next.
Discover
We talk about your story, your customers, and where you want to go. I do the homework so I understand your business before I sketch anything.
Refine
We narrow everything down to what matters most: who you are, who you serve, and what makes you different.
Identify
I turn that into a clear creative direction, so we agree on the feel before I build the details.
Visualize
This is where it comes to life. Logo, Illustration, Color, Type, Voice/Tone, Photo Style and the system that ties it together.
Expand
We take the brand everywhere it needs to live: packaging, merch, signage, web, and social.
What I need from you
A clear vision, quick decisions, and about an hour a week for check-ins. I handle the rest.
TRUSTED BRANDS
At Home
When I’m not drawing, I’m usually spending time with my wife, Ashley, and our dog, River. We like to get outside, go find some quality coffee, play a card game or enjoy a cozy night in. We truly love living in Oregon and all the treasures it has to offer.
Wherever I am, I love connecting with fellow creatives and exploring ways to cultivate creativity in our community. I firmly believe that we are all capable of creativity and I want to help people tap into that potential.
