I'm a passionate storyteller with a strong foundation in art and illustration, currently focusing on motion design and 2D animation. I love translating ideas into visuals, from rough storyboards to polished motion graphics, and I enjoy collaborating with musicians, designers, and clients to bring concepts to life. My background spans animation, branding, and social media content creation, with hands-on experience in post-production, video editing, and creative software. I'm eager to contribute to a dynamic team as a motion designer and continue exploring narrative-driven visuals.…

Sam Johnson

I'm a passionate storyteller with a strong foundation in art and illustration, currently focusing on motion design and 2D animation. I love translating ideas into visuals, from rough storyboards to polished motion graphics, and I enjoy collaborating with musicians, designers, and clients to bring concepts to life. My background spans animation, branding, and social media content creation, with hands-on experience in post-production, video editing, and creative software. I'm eager to contribute to a dynamic team as a motion designer and continue exploring narrative-driven visuals.…

Available to hire

I’m a passionate storyteller with a strong foundation in art and illustration, currently focusing on motion design and 2D animation. I love translating ideas into visuals, from rough storyboards to polished motion graphics, and I enjoy collaborating with musicians, designers, and clients to bring concepts to life.

My background spans animation, branding, and social media content creation, with hands-on experience in post-production, video editing, and creative software. I’m eager to contribute to a dynamic team as a motion designer and continue exploring narrative-driven visuals.

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Language

English
Fluent
French
Advanced
Spanish; Castilian
Beginner
Russian
Beginner
Romanian, Moldavian, Moldovan
Beginner

Work Experience

Social Media Content Creator at Waitrose
October 1, 2024 - Present
Created animated short form content for Waitrose's instagram page which engaged consumers with new product lines, services and events.
Video Editing and Motion Graphics Intern at Mitacs/Carleton University
May 16, 2024 - August 16, 2024
created a series of documentary films using archival footage, captured footage and motion graphic elements.
Motion Graphic Designer Placement at Wondrous
November 1, 2024 - January 31, 2024
Worked with B2B/B2C clients to develop their branding through motion graphic logos and advertisements which market their functions to their target audiences.
Director & Animator at Self-initiated project
May 31, 2025 - October 23, 2025
Wrote, directed and animated a 3-minute short film, 'Birthday Suit'; collaborated with musicians to create an original soundtrack; conducted extensive research into animation theory and the Jazz movement; performed testing and problem-solving across production; shortlisted for the Aardman Academy Screening Prize at New Designers; presented at Overlapp in Birmingham and New Designers in London.
Social Media Content Creator at Waitrose
October 1, 2024 - Present
Created a series of social media videos to advertise new product ranges (e.g., No.1 range and Halloween lines); conducted market research to understand consumer trends; videos published on Waitrose Instagram and achieved meaningful engagement.
Video Editor / Motion Graphics Artist at Carleton University
August 31, 2024 - October 23, 2025
Transferred archival footage for digital use, edited into educational films, and created supporting motion graphics; conducted research into mosques such as Umayyad Mosque in Damascus to explore sanctuary dynamics; produced additional educational films; collaborated with Professor Janine Debanne and incorporated feedback.
Project Lead / Illustrator at Alphabet (Children’s Book Project)
February 29, 2024 - October 23, 2025
Led a 26-page children’s book project, coordinating illustrators and graphic designers to develop vocabulary through illiterative poems; allocated roles and ensured visual consistency across contributors.
Motion Graphic Designer at Wondrous
January 31, 2024 - October 23, 2025
Designed brand identities and advertising for various clients; regularly met with clients to discuss ideas and incorporate feedback; developed storyboards and animatics for presentations; conducted market research to tailor branding toward target audiences.
Animator at Royal Society of Arts
November 30, 2023 - October 23, 2025
Created an animated video in response to an audio stimulus for the RSA 2024 Student Design Awards; developed diverse design concepts backed by client research to communicate RSA's ethos in design.
Marketing & Social Media Manager at Birmingham City University – New Designers Exhibition
July 31, 2024 - October 23, 2025
Managed the university's social media presence for the New Designers Exhibition in London; presented the short film 'Birthday Suit' which was shortlisted for the Aardman Academy Screening Prize.

Education

BA (Hons) Illustration at Birmingham City University
September 1, 2022 - July 15, 2025
First Class Honours
N450 Diploma Contemporary Art and Illustration at Burton and South Derbyshire College
September 1, 2020 - July 15, 2022
Triple Distinction
Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Illustration at Birmingham City University
September 1, 2022 - July 31, 2025
National Diploma in Contemporary Art and Illustration at Burton and South Derbyshire College
September 1, 2020 - July 31, 2022
GCSEs (including Art and Design) at Thomas Alleynes High School
September 1, 2017 - July 31, 2020

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Other, Media & Entertainment, Education, Retail
    paper Waitrose Social Media

    Developed social media content for Waitrose’s Instagram page to boost engagement with new product lines, services and events.

    paper Cinema Branding

    Designed the branding for a cinema and bowling alley including advertisements for display both on social media and at the venue as well as motion graphic assets.

    paper "Birthday Suit"

    Wrote, directed and animated a short film. Collaborated with musicians to create a piece of music that was interactive with the visuals. Was exhibited in Birmingham and London and was shortlisted for the Aardman Academy Screening Award.