We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Samantha Poirier. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Samantha below.

Samantha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

Securing my first client straight out of college has been an unexpectedly fascinating journey. It all began during our town’s annual summer riverfront festival in August of 2017, where my family and I ventured downtown to enjoy the festivities – live bands, diverse food stands, and a plethora of locally crafted goods. The headline act for the year was none other than the renowned Barenaked Ladies, with the talented Gary Hoey as the opening act.

Although I had known of Gary through his daughter, who attended the same elementary school as my brother, we had never interacted before. Witnessing his remarkable performances with my family over the years, I admired his exceptional guitar skills and vocal prowess.

Encouraged by my mother, I approached Gary by the riverbank after his set. To my surprise, he recognized our last name from his daughter’s school connections. As we conversed, I shared my recent college graduation and pursuit of graphic design work. His enthusiastic response was palpable; he eagerly requested a business card and expressed a pressing need for social media graphics.

Fast forward to now, Gary remains a valued freelance client to this day. The continuity of our professional relationship brings me immense joy and pride. His unwavering support and advocacy for my work have been instrumental, and I reciprocate by enthusiastically promoting his endeavors to my circle.

Reflecting on this journey, I am grateful for the encounter by the riverside and the enduring partnership it sparked. Working with Gary continues to be a source of fulfillment and inspiration, reaffirming the significance of meaningful connections and seizing opportunities.

Samantha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Samantha Poirier, the founder of Bucket Mouth Designs, and creativity has been my lifelong companion. My journey began in a high school art class, where doubts about my artistic abilities were dispelled by an inspiring teacher who nurtured my talents. Through relentless effort, dedication, and guidance, I honed my skills across various mediums such as drawing, painting, charcoal, mixed arts, ink, and pottery.

Upon contemplating college options, my passion for both music and art seemed unlikely to yield a sustainable career. Seeking guidance, I turned to my mother, who introduced me to the world of digital art—graphic design. Witnessing the lucrative potential of this field, I embarked on a path that seamlessly merged my creative inclination with the evolving digital landscape.

My educational journey led me to achieve a 4.0 GPA, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and a minor in Business Administration. Specializing in branding, logos, print and digital ads, social media, animations, website design, and UI/UX design, I take immense pride in my versatility and adaptability.

What sets me apart is my commitment to crafting unique and tailored brand identities for each client. Rather than adhering to a fixed style, I embrace the challenge of aligning my designs with the distinct essence of each brand, ensuring every project is a fresh and engaging endeavor.

I am particularly gratified by the opportunities to collaborate with esteemed brands and individuals, including Eversource Energy, Gary Hoey, Milwaukee, Hoodie Allen, Plymouth State University, GoodYear Tire, Taylor Bank, Cytek Biosciences, Pelham Plastics, Merchants Auto, Lowell Catholic Schools, Covelle & Co., and Rochester Electronics.

Each client has played a pivotal role in shaping my company and career’s trajectory, and I am deeply grateful for their trust and partnership.

If you are ever in the market for a graphic designer, please keep me in mind, I look forward to the possibility of working together to bring your creative vision to life. You can find my work on these sites: https://srpoirier.myportfolio.com/ and https://www.bucketmouthdesigns.com/.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most fulfilling aspect of being an artist lies in materializing people’s visions and witnessing their genuine appreciation for the brand identity you craft for them. Among my repertoire of design endeavors, branding holds a special place in my heart. From selecting colors and fonts to conceptualizing logos, designing websites, and crafting stationery, I relish the opportunity to shape a company’s distinct style.

There’s an indescribable satisfaction in presenting clients with a tangible manifestation of their abstract concepts, realized across various facets of their business. While the creative journey can pose its challenges—navigating vague directives, accommodating differing tastes, and striving to meet unspoken expectations—it’s the moments of creative synergy that make it all worthwhile.

I cherish the unexpected encounters with my own work “in the wild,” whether it’s spotting my designs adorning a box truck in New York City or proudly acknowledging my contribution to a recurring commercial for a local bank. These instances serve as delightful reminders of the impact and reach of my creativity.

Sharing these experiences with friends and loved ones, whether casually pointing out my work on television or recounting anecdotes of its unexpected appearances, brings a sense of pride and fulfillment that epitomizes the essence of being a creative professional.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Establishing my personal venture, Bucket Mouth Designs, initially stemmed from a desire to supplement my income while navigating post-college financial obligations. Immersed in the world of freelance design, I found immense satisfaction in the autonomy it offered—selecting clients, defining my stylistic approach, and crafting my professional trajectory independently. Leveraging my background in Business Administration, earned through a Master’s degree, I adeptly navigated the intricacies of entrepreneurship, propelling my venture towards success.

The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, including the loss of my corporate job. Yet, amidst uncertainty, my freelance endeavors emerged as a beacon of resilience. With unwavering determination, I expanded my client base to encompass over ten companies, relishing the opportunity to engage with diverse projects and individuals. The abrupt departure from corporate confines was met not with dismay, but with a newfound appreciation for the freedom to bask in the warmth of the sun on the beach during the day and work when I wanted instead of confined in a freezing office building and chart my own professional course.

One of my freelance clients ended up loving my work so much, it led me back into corporate employment full time, the indelible mark left by my freelance work proved invaluable. The opportunity to spearhead a comprehensive rebranding effort for one of my clients ultimately paved the way for a long-term commitment, enriching my portfolio and professional journey over the ensuing years.

Subsequent layoffs prompted a period of reflection and rejuvenation, during which my steadfast dedication to Bucket Mouth Designs remained unwavering. Continual engagement with freelance projects ensured a seamless transition out of corporate confines, reaffirming the resilience and viability of my entrepreneurial pursuit. As I navigate the job market in pursuit of fulfilling opportunities, my side venture stands as a testament to adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit, ready to seize every opportunity that comes my way. Always keep your side hustle going, you never know when you are going to depend on it during hard time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bucketmouthdesigns.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bucketmouthdesigns/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthapoirier/
• Other: Portfolio: https://srpoirier.myportfolio.com/