Sam Kennedy

I’m proud of this piece and what I was able to contribute to Nagi’s brand, and I felt it was a worthy submission. Having my work independently evaluated has also been a huge morale boost. As a freelancer, it’s reassuring to know I’m making the right choices. Working with Nagi was a meaningful experience as well—the brand itself is visually inspiring, which made the collaboration all the more enjoyable. It’s always helpful when the business you’re partnering with is genuinely interesting. At the same time, I had the freedom to express myself creatively, which made this an ideal project to take on. It’s exciting to be recognized for my craft and the effort behind it. This Silver win motivates me to aim for Gold in 2026.

The ultimate goal of the brochure was to position Nagi as a luxury partner, worthy of representing one of the world’s most iconic watch brands, Omega. To achieve this, I created an elegant, high-end design that reflected the shared commitment to quality and detail between both brands. The layout was kept minimal, using a gold and black palette that felt sophisticated yet warm and inviting. Striking that balance between relaxed and refined helped capture Nagi’s unique value proposition while aligning seamlessly with their broader brand messaging.

I consider this brochure some of my best work, though I didn’t reinvent the wheel creating it. I follow a proven method on every project to ensure I deliver a superior end product that drives real results. Being able to handle both the writing and design gives me a unique advantage over most freelancers. It saves clients money, streamlines the process, and ensures a consistent, error-free voice from start to finish. It also removes the complications that come with managing multiple creatives—no mixed messaging, no clashing egos, just clear direction and cohesive execution. When a client invests in a project, they deserve to know that every detail is being handled with care and consistency. I believe my high rate of repeat work comes from offering exactly that—a simplified, comprehensive solution that delivers.

Finding the right design scheme is always a challenge. My process has become more fluid over time, but every project demands a fresh perspective to discover the right look, flow, and hierarchy. Sometimes inspiration strikes fast, but with Nagi, I needed to pause and reflect after sketching out my initial ideas. This project involved balancing visual complexity—creating a luxurious aesthetic for an established jewelry brand without falling into clichés or predictable tropes. Taking time to slow down at the start helped me see the bigger picture and approach the design with clarity. That said, I also believe in jumping in early when inspiration is fresh, especially after a client conversation. I usually begin with broad concepts, like color palette and tone, while the client’s vision and my own instincts are still top of mind.

Adding another award to my portfolio is a great way to show clients that I have the skills and experience they’re looking for. It’s a tangible reminder of the quality and effort I bring to every project. I hope this recognition brings more visibility to my work and helps expand my freelance opportunities. Ultimately, I just want to keep doing what I love—creating meaningful, results-driven deliverables for clients. For me, great design isn’t only about aesthetics; it’s about building something that truly works and achieves its purpose.

I’ve featured the brochure in my portfolio and on my website, and several prospective clients have already mentioned it as one of the reasons they reached out. This is actually my second award for this project, so I’ve been thrilled with how well it’s been received. I’ve also had the chance to share the news with a few of my regular clients, who’ve all been incredibly supportive and encouraging. Moments like these remind me how valuable it is to build lasting relationships with clients who truly appreciate the work.

Everyone has their own process, but for me, it’s all about maintaining quality control from concept to completion. It’s about finding the right creative direction and translating that vision into every slide or page with purpose and precision. I believe it’s essential to stay confident and consistent, yet also curious and disciplined. There’s always something new to learn, and assuming you know it all can lead to shortcuts that undermine good work. That drive to keep questioning and improving transforms the process into something more meaningful and rewarding. It builds a sense of integrity—and that, I think, is what fuels both early achievements and long-term success.

I often embrace new technology and trends to enhance my creative process—but I never let them define my work or limit my imagination. While I’m always evolving, the influx of new software and time-saving tools hasn’t changed my core approach. For me, great work is about being thorough and avoiding shortcuts—putting in the extra effort to ensure every project reaches its full potential. That level of care takes time, which is why strong time management and structured planning are essential. In freelance design, true innovation comes from continuous learning and refinement. I plan to keep exploring new industry trends and tools that expand my skills, while staying true to the personal design perspective I’ve developed since my early university days.

You’ll never win if you never enter. And if you didn’t win this year, don’t lose heart—focus on how you can grow, refine your work, and come back stronger next time. If the judges share feedback, take it as constructive insight to guide your next effort. Feedback means they saw potential in your work, and that’s something to build on. Persistence is key. Keep improving your craft and pushing your limits—you’ll eventually earn that win or honorable mention. And when you do, it’ll be an incredible motivator to keep moving forward.

I’m a strong believer in staying active and connected within the creative community. I post regularly on my website and LinkedIn to keep my presence visible and my mind sharp. It’s just as important to stay aware of what other artists are doing. Observing the evolving creative landscape helps you recognize what feels fresh and current versus what’s become overused or outdated. It’s easy to fall out of practice if you’re not intentional about keeping pace with how industries, technology, and design continue to influence one another. Staying engaged with the community keeps you inspired, motivated, and confident—pushing you to grow a little more each day.

I’d like to dedicate this achievement to my biggest supporter—my husband, James. He constantly encourages me to do my best, supports my work wholeheartedly, and is always there to listen. Some of my best work in recent years wouldn’t have been possible without his unwavering belief in me.

This sales brochure featured a clean, modern design that reflected Nagi’s brand identity while showcasing the exceptional quality of its luxury Omega watch collection.

I’m always pushing myself to take on more meaningful, high-impact projects. Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to handle ghostwriting and design work for several major brands under NDA—though I wish I could share the names! Some clients prefer privacy, and I always make sure to honor that. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue collaborating with global companies and creative agencies, delivering work that makes a lasting impact while reaching new client segments through Q4 and beyond. I’m also developing a comprehensive online course for emerging freelancers who want to establish themselves in the industry. It will include the most valuable lessons I’ve learned over the years, complete with detailed use cases and practical resources. I’ll be sharing updates about it soon on my website—so stay tuned!