SAM LEONG, TEAM LEAD – DESIGN
With almost seven years under her belt, Sam is one of the longest standing members of team Orion. Every day is a different ball game for our talented Team Lead and Digital Designer. She’s faced with an array of different tasks each day that range from managing client campaigns, UI design for websites, eDMs and much more. Sam’s a pro at juggling different clients and is always keen to share her wealth of knowledge with others. All the while keeping a pep in her step and a smile on her face.
When she’s not busy taking phone calls, replying to e-mails, brainstorming fresh new ideas for clients and taking on whatever the day may throw at her, you’ll find Sam working up a sweat next door at Virgin Active to get rid of any unwanted stress. Our resident gym junkie has also recently discovered a penchant for late-night baking. And she’s certainly not short of any taste-testers here at Orion!
How long have you been at Orion?
I started at Orion in 2010, so it will be 7 years in October. Wow!
Was there a defining point that made you want to become a designer?
I knew I wanted to do something creative from a young age when I started drawing birthday cards for friends and family. I told my Mum I wanted to be an artist one day, but she said I needed a job that would make money.
Any designers out there that you look up to?
I’m currently going through a hand lettering phase, and LOVE the work of Gemma O’Brien. She was at the Adobe Make IT Conference last year, so it was a great opportunity to watch her do her thing. I was able to learn about her process and how she got to where she is now. There are so many talented creatives on Instagram who make the art form look so easy!
What’s the most complex project you’ve worked on at Orion?
To date, the most challenging project I’ve worked on was designing the UI for a medical web and mobile app. The job required me to think about how to present numbers and figures in a clean and simple way. Data also had to be easy for medical professionals to see and interpret. Sounds boring, but it was a good experience that makes me want to better develop my skills in UI and UX.
What would an ‘average day at the office’ look like for you?
The average day starts with checking through my emails, then it’s simply a matter of moving on to the next project. I’m pretty lucky to have the opportunity to work on a range of different projects every day. It might be brainstorming for creative campaigns one day, designing a 20-page brochure the next, or working on digital projects that include UI design for websites, eDMs, and event registration pages. The days are certainly more fun when you get to work as a team collaborating on different projects.
What have you been most proud of during your time here?
I think it would have to be the team. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside some cool, creative and quirky individuals. That really helps when you’re with them for a big chunk of your day. We’ve got a great team that support each other and we all have a common goal of being able to produce a successful outcome for our clients. The designers have really stepped it up a notch and there are some great things coming out of the creative department at the moment.
What are you watching right now?
La La Land was unexpectedly good. But hey, it’s Ryan Gosling, so I’m not complaining. I’ve also been watching way too many TV shows lately and am loving Marvel/DC TV series, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Fresh off The Boat.
Fun or little-known facts about you that would surprise us?
I have an extra half rib that didn’t fully develop. True story!
Want to take a look at what the rest of the Orion crew? Take a look here.
