We were lucky to catch up with Rachel Samples recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rachel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I took a risk leaving a full-time career in advertising to create comedic/sketch videos full-time. You know, just a cute little change from a 9-5, very defined creative director path to a high risk, super unknown path as a content creator. It had always been a passion/hobby of mine over the years – think music videos with friends in high school to making quick TikToks in-between work calls during the pandemic. I love it, but I felt ike the traditional path was what I was “supposed to do.” Videos and “creative time” was just a nice-to-have. It wasn’t until the pandemic and getting some traction on videos that I realized – this could be THE THING. I can try to be consistent and make this THE THING. It started slowly – getting branded opportunities while I was working full-time – and finally it got to what I like to call me “shit or get off the pot moment.” So I decided to take a shit. I know, what an eloquent way to put this lifechanging moment. I’ve been a full-time creator/comedian since I left my advertising job over a year ago and I am BEYOND happy that I made the switch.
Rachel, 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 went from being a Creative Director at an ad agency to a full-time comedian/content creator. My bread and butter is sketch videos with improvised characters/bits – I’m sometimes known as “Dad” in The Parents series, or as a host in “Hey Cool Car” or as one of the three “Women Leaving the House” – or any other character that comes to mind. I love “making” – concepting, writing, directing, producing and editing. The whole thing really gets me going. Being a full-time creator has also opened up a ton of community. There are so many creative, funny people in Los Angeles and it’s been nothing short of magical to be able to meet, hangout and collaborate together.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative person is bringing joy to people. It sounds cheesy, but it’s true. It’s fun to make something fun that makes people feel happy.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I always want to be “making” something – whether it’s a script, a series, a video. I enjoy being in motion and I never want to stop.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heyfreesamples.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyfreesamples/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-samples-7127592b/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@heyfreesamples
Image Credits
Mariah Miranda photo