Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Atwater.
Hi Samantha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I was growing up, I struggled with the question: “what do you want to be when you grow up.” This became especially true as my sophomore year of high school arrived and that question became more frequent. That same year, my English teacher convinced me to sign up for my yearbook staff and my art teacher saw the pattern between the two classes. She suggested I check out the nearby Graphic Communications program at Clemson University.
I went and fell in love! Clemson University has an amazing program that’s more than Graphic Design. It’s a Bachelor of Science program which takes you through the in’s and out’s of design, paper, other materials like plastics, ink, the math behind color, operating printing presses, the different types of printing, how to manage a printing company, and much more. It’s intense and very hands-on!
After college, I landed a job with a print shop in Charleston. Slowly I realized, something wasn’t clicking for me. I dreaded the thought that maybe I chose the wrong career path. I tried working with other companies, but ran into the same issue. I was confused as I loved everything, but for some reason, I was bored. It occurred to me: I’m doing the same thing every day 9-5. In school, I was never doing the same thing during any set time. Some days I was working on my laptop at the nearby lake. Another day I might be running a printing press well into the evening.
While it wasn’t quite the same, I thought freelancing on the side would give me a creative outlet…and it did! Things evolved quickly as clients continued to call me for new projects and referred me to others. A point came when I realized I wanted to go full-time, and thought…just maybe! I was nervous, but excited! It’s now been over seven years being full-time, plus several more being part-time. I can’t believe how much things have grown since then!
So, while I took a few turns along the way, I consider myself one of those unicorn people who was fortunate enough to figure out what I wanted at an early age (even though the question scared me!). The mentors I had like my art and English teacher, countless supervisors, the support of my friends and husband, my courage, and even some of my clients: all of that is what helped me to be where I am today. It’s wonderful! I never find myself bored or trapped, because no two days are ever the same. It’s always different and always inspiring.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think many entrepreneurs can say that it’s always been a smooth road. Kudos to those people though! For me, the biggest struggle has been my work-life balance. You know how Mark Twain said, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Well, in that situation, it’s just as hard to ask yourself when it’s work and when it’s fun. Most people get off work, close that mental or physical door, and dig into a hobby. For me, sometimes that hobby is borderline work (or literally is work). Sometimes creativity for a client’s project hits at 8 p.m. on a Friday, or I’m really excited to play with a new invitation or greeting card design. While it’s a constant balancing act, I’ve gotten better at it and I’ve learned to appreciate that sometimes my possibly workaholic attitude means I can have days off in the middle of a week (which in Charleston means the beach and my favorite kayaking spots are empty and peaceful!).
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
By definition, I’m a graphic designer and printer, but I like to call myself a graphic designer and creator. While I do print a lot, I also make a lot. I love working with unique materials to help my clients with a project needing a specialized solution! In the early days, I mostly worked with other small businesses for general graphic design and printing, but now I also work with other people on things like event or wedding invitations and day-of signage (like hand-painted acrylic welcome signs). After my own wedding, I thought invitations are so fun! They add color (figuratively and literally) to my work. I rarely have more than one project going on that’s even remotely the same. It definitely helps me to keep my creative skills sharpened by switching tasks from a financial advisor’s informational catalog to a baby announcement!
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud of the fact that I’ve made it as far as I have! There have been ups and downs of course, but I’ve met so many awesome clients along the way. And, just questioning if I had it in me – it feels good to know I do have that courage. When I started freelancing, I gave myself a pretty small timeline before I had to say I’m going back to a 9-5. I hit the first milestone, but barely. At the time, I was working with a client who referred me to a fellow designer. Between the two of them, they gave me the push I needed to keep trying. So, I gave myself another deadline: April 1, 2020. Let me tell you the level of confusion and horror when you’re evaluating your business goals in a completely unprecedented time. It was mind-boggling! I continued the best I could during the pandemic, and now I’ve had my best year yet. Even with a lot of uncertainty still out there, I feel optimistic about the future and excited about some new goals ahead!
What sets you apart from others?
I think the combination of my passion, commitment and in-depth knowledge of my field is where I’m different. If I get a request for a job that I’m not passionate about, I’m not afraid to utilize my community by referring clients to someone that can help them more efficiently. When I’m passionate about a project, I’m more committed. I tell my clients: “I love what I do, therefore I want you to love what I create.” I mean that. It’s not just some line. I absolutely hate when a project doesn’t go smoothly for my client. I’m committed to giving them a seamless enjoyable experience, whether that’s working on a business card or a wedding invitation. I’m always researching new areas of printing to help my clients in creative ways. I know a design can look fabulous on a computer screen, but if the print knowledge and understanding isn’t there…it can turn into a mess. I have that knowledge. Plus I have the passion and commitment to ensure things look as fabulous on the screen as they do in person!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success means that I feel content, confident, and happy with where I am in life. I’m able to recognize and appreciate the hard work that I’ve put forth to be where I am now. Then, I use that confidence to take risks and go after new goals. For me, some days, those new goals may be as complex as writing out my next 10-year plan. Other days, it may be as simple as knowing I need to take a step back for self-care! Success is not just achieving a goal to check a box. It’s enjoying the journey towards those goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.atwatergraphics.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/atwatergraphics
- Other: www.pinterest.com/atwatergraphics
Image Credits
Candi Leonard Photography – Blush and blue watercolor invitation, and Blue fabric welcome sign
Kelsey Halm Photography – Orange invitation
N. Mickle Photography – Red velvet menu
Franzi Annika Photography – Mirror seating chart
Alex Thornton Photography – Pink sign, and White menu
Clay Austin Photography – White ink invitation
