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

Samantha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Taking the leap to apply for a position with Strange Music, Inc. was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. The journey started back in March when I submitted some graphic design work into a competition for a contract job with them. Honestly, I had little expectation that it would go anywhere—after all, Strange Music is a well-known label, and I was sure they’d get hundreds of incredible submissions. But despite my doubts, I pushed through the hesitation. I’ve had a deep passion for the music industry since junior high, where I first dreamed of being a part of something creative in that space. So, even though the odds felt slim, I took the shot.

A few months later, in May, I received a life-changing call. Out of over 400 applicants, they had chosen me! Not only that, they wanted to offer me a full-time position rather than just the contract work I originally applied for. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement—this was a dream come true. To finally be part of an industry I had admired for so long, working behind the scenes to help musicians bring their art to the world, felt surreal.

It took a lot of courage to put my work out there, but the payoff was more than I could have imagined. This experience taught me that sometimes the biggest rewards come from the scariest risks. It reminded me of the quote, “Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” -Babe Ruth. If I had let fear hold me back, I never would have had the chance to achieve something I’d dreamed about for years.

The success of this opportunity inspired me even further. I have found the confidence to pursue another dream—starting my own business, Sander Productions. The risk I took not only led to an incredible career moment but also set off a chain of events that are still happening and is helping me shape my future as an entrepreneur. Sometimes the best way to make your dreams a reality is to take that leap, even when it feels uncertain. You never know where it might lead!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey into the creative industry started much earlier than most might expect. Growing up, I worked alongside my dad in his production company, where we were involved in the high-energy world of professional wrestling. From a young age, I was immersed in the behind-the-scenes action, handling filming, lights, and sound. That experience sparked a lifelong passion for production.

By the time I hit junior high, I discovered a love for photography and design. This newfound passion became an obsession, and I dedicated countless hours to perfecting my craft. My love for visual storytelling continued to grow through high school, which eventually led me to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Graphic Design and Marketing.

During college, I honed my technical skills, both through hands-on experience at the school’s printing press and an internship with a renowned photographer in Branson, MO. It was during that time I realized something crucial—many companies were offering photography, design, or videography services, but rarely all three. I saw a gap in the market for a business that could provide a full suite of creative services under one roof. And that’s when the idea for Sander Productions was born.

Sander Productions is a creative powerhouse that provides photography, design, and videography services for individuals and businesses alike. We’re here to make your life easier by offering these essential services in one cohesive package. Whether it’s a small business looking to elevate its brand or an individual wanting to capture a milestone event, we bring a fresh perspective and a whole lot of passion to every project.

What sets us apart is our holistic approach. We understand that coordinating multiple vendors for a single project can be time-consuming and often results in inconsistency. At Sander Productions, we eliminate that headache by handling everything in-house, ensuring a smooth process and a unified final product. We believe that great visuals—whether through photography, video, or design—have the power to transform businesses and preserve memories in a way that lasts.

One of the things I’m most proud of is our ability to partner with our clients to create something truly special. We don’t just focus on delivering a product; we focus on telling stories. We bring passion, creativity, and a unique eye for detail to every project we take on.

For potential clients or followers, I want you to know that with Sander Productions, you’re not just hiring a service provider—you’re getting a creative partner who’s invested in your vision. We’re here to make sure that your project stands out, whether it’s through a compelling video, stunning photography, or an eye-catching design.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that really illustrates my resilience as a creative comes from a challenging experience I had with a past employer regarding the rights to my design work. As a designer, your portfolio is everything. Unlike a traditional job where a resume is often enough, creatives have to constantly prove their talent by showing past examples of their work. So, when a former employer insisted that I couldn’t use the work I created for them as part of my portfolio, it felt like I was backed into a corner. I suddenly had to navigate a confusing and grey area of intellectual property and rights—one that isn’t often discussed or taught in school.

It was a frustrating situation because, as the person who put in the creative effort, it seemed natural that I should be able to showcase the work. But, I quickly realized that wasn’t always the case. This experience forced me to educate myself on copyright law and intellectual property rights. I learned that reading and fully understanding any contract I sign is crucial—not just for protecting my work, but for safeguarding my ability to grow in the industry. As creatives, we need to ensure that we’re making agreements that allow us to retain some rights over the work we produce, particularly when it comes to using that work to market ourselves to future clients.

The key takeaway from that ordeal was simple but profound: always have a contract that is clear on your rights, and when possible, have a lawyer review it. Contracts should work in your best interest too. It’s a lesson that’s hard-earned but important for any creative professional. The ability to educate myself and come out stronger on the other side of that situation is something I’m proud of. I now take proactive steps to protect my work and help others understand the importance of doing the same.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to help others bring their dreams and visions to life. Whether it’s a small business looking to elevate their brand or an individual wanting to capture a special moment, there’s something incredibly fulfilling about taking someone’s ideas and turning them into something tangible. The best part is seeing that work out in the real world—whether it’s shared on social media, displayed on a billboard, or even featured on TV. Watching my designs, photography, or videos make an impact and knowing I played a part in making someone’s vision a reality is what drives me. It’s not just about the finished product; it’s about helping people tell their stories in ways they never imagined possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sanderproductions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanderproduction/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SanderProductions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sander-productions/
• Other: https://samantharsander.myportfolio.com/home

Image Credits

Headshot by Colleen Christi Photography