About Samuel
A Purpose-Driven, Culturally Grounded Storyteller
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in the vibrant DMV, I’ve spent over a decade honing my approach to storytelling. From producing for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 campaign to running Fufu and Grits, a studio focused on celebrating the experiences of the Black diaspora, my work is a blend of strategy, design, and production aimed at connecting people on a human level. My work has been featured in Fast Company and is driven by a belief that creativity should serve a larger mission.
I’m currently looking to work with socially conscious, mission-aligned organizations who see creativity as a means for positive change. My ideal collaborators are brands and organizations committed to inclusivity and social impact—those who embrace collaboration, prioritize authenticity, and create space for diverse voices. Together, I want to craft stories that resonate deeply, inspire connection, and remind audiences of our shared humanity.
Process
Most of the time, my process serves as a reliable guide—but I know that not every project can be approached in exactly the same way. For me, the process is a framework, a way to regroup when creativity feels off-course. It’s there to help me pause, recalibrate, and get back on track. But true creativity can’t always follow a script; some of the best ideas come from breaking away from routine. That’s why I stay open to the unexpected, balancing structure with spontaneity in every project.
01
Spark
I start by opening myself to ideas, letting them surface naturally without forcing a direction. This is when I observe and listen—tuning into my environment, instincts, and any initial sparks of inspiration that arise. I capture thoughts, take notes, and allow patterns to form on their own, trusting my intuition before choosing a path.
02
Dive
I commit to a direction and take those first bold steps. Here, I translate my ideas into early concepts, knowing it doesn’t have to be perfect—just a start. These initial drafts and frameworks are the first forms of my intuition taking shape, giving me something tangible to work with.
03
Evaluate
I take a step back to reflect on what I’ve created so far. I look closely at each idea’s potential, weighing its impact, feasibility, and risks. This is my moment to be honest with myself, deciding if I need to make adjustments, pivot, or move forward based on the value and clarity of my concepts.
04
Deepen
I dive into research to give my ideas a strong foundation. At this stage, I explore data, trends, and real-world examples that validate and strengthen my direction. I learn, challenge assumptions, and look for new perspectives to ensure my concept is grounded and refined.
05
Shape
I bring it all together into a clear, cohesive vision. Here, I connect the dots between intuition and research, defining my perspective and aligning it with my goals. This phase helps me shape an authentic, informed point of view that will drive the project forward.
06
Develop
I bring the vision to life, moving from concept to creation. This is where I get hands-on, refining details, and fully developing the work. I focus on translating the idea into its best form, paying attention to every element until the concept is fully realized.
07
Reflection
After completing the work, I pause to reflect. I look back on the process, noting what went well, where I faced challenges, and what I can take forward. Each reflection helps me grow and evolve creatively, ensuring that I carry these insights into my next project.
Skills
Design & Visual Communication
Graphic Design
Digital Design
Brand Identity Design
Human-Centered Design
Brand Strategy & Concept Development
Brand Strategy
Creative Writing
Design-Thinking
Screenwriting
Film, Video, & Podcast Production
Video Production
Directing
Video Editing
Podcast Production
Business Leadership & Operations
Creative Studio Management
Entrepreneurship
Client Relations
Team Building & Cross-Functional Collaboration '
Project Management
Experience
Fufu and Grits, Founder
December 2020 — Present
Lead a creative studio focused on storytelling that celebrates the Black diaspora, collaborating with clients like the American Lung Association, Color Of Change, College Board, and ACLU. Oversee brand strategy, multimedia production, and campaign execution for projects with budgets up to $500,000. Specialize in creating culturally authentic content that connects with audiences and drives impact, leveraging skills in creative direction, branding, video production, storytelling, and project management.
Grassroots Law Project, Creative Director
June 2020 — December 2020
Directed the rebranding of a justice-focused organization, aligning its visual identity with advocacy goals. Produced impactful video PSAs and multimedia campaigns addressing systemic inequities, while leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality creative outputs. Developed research-driven design strategies to enhance audience engagement and campaign effectiveness, applying expertise in brand strategy and multimedia production.
Bernie 2020, Media Producer
April 2019 — April 2020
Produced several assets, including videos for rallies, social media, and ads that mobilized millions of supporters nationwide. Collaborated with digital and communications teams to ensure cohesive messaging and narrative alignment. Simplified complex policies into accessible narratives, applying storytelling and content strategy expertise to engage a broad audience.