Sam Rios
Previously known as No Beaten Track
Senior Designer / Photographer / Adventurer
Throughout the years, I’ve curated an extensive portfolio of visual design, having worked for both corporate giants and exciting start-ups from completely diverse industries. As a result I’m no one trick pony, as digital, UI, print, events, branding and illustration work are all catered for. With a consultative mindset, I guide creative projects from ideation right through to a lasting experience. Whether on location or working entirely remotely, I’ve been trusted to bring expertise to every stage of the process.
Travelling has played a huge part of my skills and approach to projects, having the tendency of straying away from conventional tourist routes, opting instead to make the special effort to immerse myself in diverse cultures. This deliberate choice consistently yields unique and unseen encounters, expanding my portfolio with photography and video editing, now utilised by numerous organisations I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with.
EST. since 2005
Experience Borneo
Teaming up with Sylwia Wojslaw, we’ve successfully built up a volunteer and visitation program, including all design, marketing and trip coordination. Supporting orangutans under their care 100%. Uniquely situated in the heart of secondary rainforest and an orangutan sanctuary, the lodge is well worth a visit. Reward yourself with a place here.
A powerful documentary
I had the pleasure of working alongside celebrities, photographers and producers to market the documentary to all, online and in theatres.
Mystery shopping
I designed mystery shopping communication material for a range of blue chip retail and food brands that you’ve certainly heard of.
How I work
Illustrations by Sam Rios
From beginning to end
By understanding your needs and your end goals, I will produce a creative plan that will not only achieve the results you’re after, but look great too! A creative with a consultative approach.
Anywhere you want
You can hire me to be on-location, within your teams or remotely. With almost 20 years in the industry I’ve been trusted by many to produce exceptional work, for start-ups and global organisations alike.
Feeding many birds with one seed
After having created for a variety pf clients in different industries, I’ve picked up an array of skills and experiences to bring to the table. Whether it be a lasting memory for physical adventure or 3D design.
No stone unturned
Every element within every project is carefully considered during implementation. Visuals are broken down to ensure everyone’s informed of what’s going on (especially developer’s and stakeholders).
Timeline
Blooming marvellous
Pre-career interests peaking, creativity through painting outdoor interests with camping, photography with my father’s camera. Indiana Jones inspiring me to travel.
2004 – Graduated
With a 1:0 (1st) in Bachelor of Arts Honours Design Degree: Electronic Graphics
Staffordshire University, United Kingdom
Rock climbing also became a favourite sport.
2005 – 1st design job
Starting off with eLearning applications, wireframes and animation back when Macromedia was a thing.
Clients include: NHS, BT, Ashurst, Network Rail and Unilever
Travelling – Fell in love with photography
Off the beaten track and immersed into local culture resulted in the most bizarre experiences all captured on early days of my photography.
Plus working for conservation in Australia, Darwin national parks.
Springer Nature Publishing
A major job that excelled my love for the natural world while working within a buzzing scientific community with a strong focus on UI+UX design, on scientific publications.
Freelance Creative – 100% remote
Becoming a freelancer was one of the most important points in my career to opening up a wealth of unique creative experiences. Trusted and proven to work within teams remotely and on location.
Clients include: Ingram Micro, Ogilvy, Social.Lab, Cranfield University, Travis Perkins, Value Retail – each with their own blue chip clients to work for.
Borneo Orangutan Survival
My love for nature, environment, photography and design all combine for the benefit of saving orangutans and restoring their depleting rainforest home.
I also volunteered for Sun bear Husbandry, covering maintenance, bear training and feeding.
Photography, video editing and events peak
Being active and spotting opportunities has led to major catalysts for work which included:
- Design and running of documentary screenings
- Hike leads and photography for animal abuse, yoga and adventure sports
- Asset collection for wild animals and further marketing
- Creative design for animal welfare
- And much more
Making a difference for you
Get in touch and let’s create amazing memorable experiences for you and your audiences. Whether it be outdoor activities, photography and video, creative design or all together. On location or remotely.
Sam is fantastic to work with. From our first meeting he understood my requirements perfectly, and translated them almost immediately into something I was delighted with.
Thank you for all your help marketing the documentary. You’ve been amazing!
Just wanted to say how incredibly thankful I am that you found us and are applying your incredible talents to help the orangutans. Everything you do has your passion built in to it, and that is obvious to all that see your work.
Your work is really modern & trendy. You are a cool Designer.
Sam receives glowing references from any client he encounters and is commended on his high quality work and consultative approach.
Sam was diligent in his work, enthusiastic and patient with the constant changes requested by the authors. The final product is excellent. Student feedback gained has been positive.
Software competency
Photography and outdoor skills
Photography & video
Nature & travel photography
Image editing & touchup
Video editing & export
Outdoor
Hike lead & coordination
Tour guide
Advanced Padi diver
Design skillset
Digital
Wireframe & concepts
Responsive (mobile) UI design
Video editing and animation
Digital styleguides
Asset Management
Animation & UI transitions
3D space & 3D design
Print & branding
Logo, brand & stationary design
Styleguide management
Illustration
Packaging & POS
Brochures, leaflets & book covers
Exhibition design
Liaising with printers & other 3rd party companies