Sam Hodgkinson’s Post

Last week, I wrapped up a month-long freelance placement at Breaks. An agency I was already familiar with from my time as a client, having collaborated with them on some notable campaigns at Footpatrol, including the Air Max 90 Mars Landing activation, Air Max 95 "110," Lab 86 with Big Manny, and more. Although I thought I understood how they worked prior to the placement, being immersed in the team and projects provided me with invaluable insights into how an agency functions from within, highlighting the significance of every role. During my time there, I contributed to creative development, strategic planning, deck building, and pitching ideas to clients. I closely collaborated with Project and Client Managers, gaining deeper insights into these roles from an agency perspective. It was a really insightful month, and I want to extend my thanks to Thomas Kirkby-Jones and the entire Breaks team for being such a welcoming and enjoyable team to be a part of! For any work opportunities, please visit my website below: https://samhodgkinson.xyz Onward to what's next!

Over the past few weeks, I've spent a lot of time to reflecting on the past 10 years. I've been revisiting previous projects, campaigns, and activations that I've been a part of, and as I began to compile my portfolio, I wanted to showcase the work that truly excited me and of which I'm most proud. Having worked in various roles, I've experienced campaigns, social media, events, photography, and more, from all different perspectives - from joining a creative team of two to leading a team of 13 and watching that team grow into their roles and as individuals has been one of the main highlights! Selecting projects to showcase was a challenge, as there were so many I wanted to include. Opting for a timeline approach, a quick hover allows you to see a variety of work. Alongside these are five in-depth case studies, delving deeper into some of my favourite projects and the roles I played in them. These include exhibitions, launch campaigns, and community building initiatives. Putting this portfolio together reminded me of a series we did back in 2020 called "Concept to Reality," where we interviewed our friends from agencies. Re-reading those interviews has reignited my passion for the process—from receiving a brief, conceptualizing ideas, aligning on budgets, managing projects, to executing shoots and events. It's these behind-the-scenes elements that have always excited me the most and what that I'm keen to dive back into. A huge thank you to James Burbidge for helping me put this website together and the team, agencies & individuals who have played a part in these projects over the years. Please do take a look - I hope you enjoy it. And, don't hesitate to reach out! Whether you're looking for assistance on projects or simply want to learn more about the industry, I'm here to share my knowledge and support you on your journey. https://samhodgkinson.xyz Thank you.

Last Friday marked my last day at Footpatrol after 9 years. I will never forget the opportunity I was given at Footpatrol to become a part of the team as a Christmas Temp back in 2014 and have the chance to grow into the role I left. This place has allowed me to do things I would never have thought were possible growing up. I've traveled around the world, worked with all the biggest brands, contributed to SMUS, campaigns, events, and activations I would never have dreamt of, learning countless skills and life lessons along the way. To everyone I've met in the store, at an event, or on my travels, to every brand, agency, individual I've had the pleasure to work with, and to everyone who has participated in a Footpatrol Meets, Discussion, or Frequent Players, and to everyone who trusted me - thank you! I could never summarize everything I've worked on in this time into one post, but here's a photo from a previous collaboration with Bene Culture. Please don't be a stranger, and I look forward to seeing what comes next. And for anyone reading this who's on their journey and thinks they can't do it, can't work somewhere, or things aren't working out - I'm here to help you in any way I can. #TEAMFP.