Sam Smolka

Basic Fun!

Digital Marketing Graphic Designer - Internship (September 2020 - January 2021)

Digital Marketing Graphic Designer / UI Designer (June 2021 - February 2023)

Multimedia Graphic Designer (February 2023 - October 2024)

Senior Designer - Media Production

October 2024- Present

Responsible for managing the creation of content and collateral in support of producing/creative directing internal photo & video shoots, product campaigns, social media, ecommerce, and website for Basic Fun!’s portfolio.

Content Creation and Project Management:

  • Managed social media content planning and creative direction of freelancers for Littlest Pet Shop and Basic Fun! to help expand the level and quantity of content, from ideation to completion.

  • Collaborated with the brand and digital marketing team to ensure creative consistency and quality across all digital channels.

  • Planned and executed in-house photo and video shoots, including creating mood boards, styling directions, set mockups, wardrobe selects, prop selects, budget management, shot lists for photo and video shoots, and managed licensing/brand approval for concepts and final content selects.

  • Reviewed and ensured that all created content is aligned with brand guidelines and met quality standards before distribution.

  • Worked alongside the Senior Director to help plan, design, and manage all digital and print collateral needed for the trade shows, including the overall booth design, social media presence, and website landing pages.

Freelancer Management:

  • Managed and coordinated the work of freelance designers, including drafting briefs, setting timelines, setting up style guides, overseeing asset delivery, and payment management.

  • Ensured all freelance work meets the company’s creative standards and aligns with ongoing marketing strategies.

 Marketing Support:

  • Created digital and print collateral to support marketing campaigns, including advertisements, both print and digital, social media graphics for social media and ecommerce, and packaging designs.

  • Worked closely with cross-functional teams to brainstorm and implement creative marketing strategies and initiatives for marketing campaigns.

  • Assisted in the development and execution of influencer campaigns and promotional trade show events, managing content creation and delivery.

I’m a South Florida–based Senior Designer with a passion for design, art, and storytelling. With a BFA in Graphic Design from Florida Atlantic University and six years of experience spanning design, marketing, social media, and creative production, I enjoy bringing ideas to life across a variety of mediums and platforms.

My work ranges from brand and digital design to creative direction, content production, and campaign development, with a particular interest in the toy and consumer products space. I’m always looking for new ways to push my creativity, expand my skill set, and create work that feels thoughtful, engaging, and visually distinctive.

I’m currently working toward becoming a Creative Director, with a focus on growing as a creative leader and developing meaningful, memorable brand experiences.