We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sam Fraley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sam, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?

At 19, I had just been hired full-time at the local library where I’d already spent over three years volunteering and working part-time. I became the youngest full-time librarian in the county. I had the chance to learn from an amazing team and give back to my community. Not everyone gets to say they truly loved their first job, but I did, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

Though I was hired at such a young age, my supervisors felt it was best that I continue my education to guarantee a successful future. To maintain my position at the library, I was required to enroll in classes. After about a year of working full-time, I decided to go back to school to study graphic design, something that felt like a perfect match for my creative side and a skill I could use to support the library’s programs and outreach.

During that time, I was juggling a lot: school, work, and everything else that comes with being 20. I was regularly putting in 50 to 60 hours a week, and while I was proud of the work I was doing, I started to feel stretched thin. I realized that I couldn’t give my best to both my education and my job at the same time. Deciding to leave the library wasn’t easy. I was walking away from stability and a role I loved, but deep down, I knew it was the right step for me. I chose to invest in myself and take a chance on something bigger, and that decision has shaped who I am ever since.

After leaving the library, my design work really began to grow. With more time to focus, I dove deep into the world of graphic design and quickly found a passion for typography and branding. Now, I’m working to blend my love for community with my creative skills. As the founder of FRALEY Designs, I’m focused on creating meaningful, thoughtful designs that serve and inspire my community.

Sam, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Sam Fraley, founder of FRALEY Designs, a freelance studio rooted in thoughtful, intentional design. While I specialize in branding and typography, my true focus is on creating work that feels authentic and personal. In a world driven by algorithms and metrics, I believe the most powerful designs are the ones that put real stories front and center. Beyond branding, I also bring experience in social media content, video production and editing, print design, layout, and a wide range of practical, hands-on skills that help bring creative visions to life.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is simple: to keep creating. Creativity is a deeply human instinct, something we’re all drawn to. The opportunity to create, especially alongside others, is one of the most fulfilling experiences there is. It’s more than just making something new; it’s about connection, collaboration, and sharing a little piece of yourself with the world.
Sharing my work with the community gives me a sense of purpose and reminds me how powerful creativity can be. In the midst of life’s challenges, I hope my designs bring a little joy, a moment of connection, or simply a reason to smile.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Two YouTubers who have significantly reshaped my perspective on graphic design are Elliot Ulm, known for his channel elliotisacoolguy, and Kel Lauren. Together, they co-host a visual podcast called Kelliot, where they share insights into their creative processes and explore current design trends and topics.

What sets their content apart is its authenticity. Rather than chasing the latest design trends or producing step-by-step tutorials, they focus on creating for the joy of it—designing with intention, curiosity, and a genuine passion for the craft. Their approach has helped me feel more confident and comfortable in embracing my own creative style.

In a field where it’s easy to get caught up in perfectionism or productivity, their message served as a much-needed reminder: it’s okay to have fun while creating. That lesson was crucial for me in avoiding burnout and reconnecting with what I love about design in the first place.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: fraley_designs/ https://www.instagram.com/fraley_designs/
• Linkedin: Sam Fraley/ www.linkedin.com/in/sam-fraley-784441247
• Other: Linktree/ https://linktr.ee/fraleydesigns