SAM
MURPHY
DESIGN
Hi, I’m Sam 👋
RIGHT NOW
I lead the client experience at Thriveworks, focusing on making mental health services easier to access and understand. This work has resulted in 170% more therapy bookings over the last 2 years (334 → 900 per week), connecting more people with the support they need.
Previously, I led the design and strategy of the core experience at Clearing, helping provide continuous care to people suffering from chronic pain.
MY FOUNDATION
I started my career in digital marketing, where I discovered my passion for understanding people—their motivations, pain points, and what truly resonates with them. I became really good at using data and behavioral insights to drive results and learned the importance of testing and iteration.
Self-taught animator
When video content started dominating social platforms, I taught myself After Effects. This opened up a whole new way to communicate ideas—using movement, timing, and visual hierarchy to guide attention and create memorable experiences.
See my work in motion!
The turning point
I wanted to follow along on someone’s journey instead of just getting them in the door. That way I could be part of the evolution of their experience as they engaged with the product or service.
THE SHIFT
Product design is the perfect fit—I can be part of the user’s journey. Now I combine my empathy, visual design skills, and data insights to create experiences that grow and improve based on how people actually use them.
QUICK WORK BREAK
OUTSIDE OF WORK
I’ve discovered that I don’t just tolerate change—I love it. My personal journey has taken me across continents and taught me that the best growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone.
Catching the travel bug
I’ve lived in many places throughout my life, but the 5 years I spent in Australia was where I fell in love with travel. It’s so engrained in the culture—eveyone’s planning their next trip or just back from one. That eventually led my partner and I to pack it all up in 2022 and go full digital nomad for a year and a half, exploring incredible places along the way.
Chasing mountains
I feel the most zen in nature but I’m also obsessed with the feeling I get when finishing a challenging hike. Our latest adventure took us on some pretty cool hikes through Patagonia, and our next big trip is Japan, where we’re planning to hike up an active volcano!
JAPAN
HOW IT ALL CONNECTS
My love of travel has shown me how to connect with all kinds of people. It’s also taught me to embrace the unexpected and pivot when needed (just take a look through my projects!)
I craft narratives and create experiences that instill a sense of trust and hope in a product. My true passion is empathizing with people on a deep level, but my strategic thinking allows me to align solutions with business needs.
Whether I’m rapidly iterating or unraveling complex UX challenges, I approach each project with the same spirit of adventure that drives my travels. With me, you’re not just getting a designer—you’re getting a storyteller, problem-solver, and guide.
What teammates say
Some kind words from teammates and collaborators I’ve been lucky enough to work with along the way
SAM
MURPHY
DESIGN
Hi, I’m Sam 👋
RIGHT NOW
I lead the client experience at Thriveworks, focusing on making mental health services easier to access and understand. This work has resulted in 170% more therapy bookings over the last 2 years (334 → 900 per week), connecting more people with the support they need.
Previously, I led the design and strategy of the core experience at Clearing, helping provide continuous care to people suffering from chronic pain.
MY FOUNDATION
I started my career in digital marketing, where I discovered my passion for understanding people—their motivations, pain points, and what truly resonates with them. I became really good at using data and behavioral insights to drive results and learned the importance of testing and iteration.
Self-taught animator
When video content started dominating social platforms, I taught myself After Effects. This opened up a whole new way to communicate ideas—using movement, timing, and visual hierarchy to guide attention and create memorable experiences.
See my work in motion!
The turning point
I wanted to follow along on someone’s journey instead of just getting them in the door. That way I could be part of the evolution of their experience as they engaged with the product or service.
THE SHIFT
Product design is the perfect fit—I can be part of the user’s journey. Now I combine my empathy, visual design skills, and data insights to create experiences that grow and improve based on how people actually use them.
QUICK WORK BREAK
OUTSIDE OF WORK
I’ve discovered that I don’t just tolerate change—I love it. My personal journey has taken me across continents and taught me that the best growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone.
Catching the travel bug
I’ve lived in many places throughout my life, but the 5 years I spent in Australia was where I fell in love with travel. It’s so engrained in the culture—eveyone’s planning their next trip or just back from one. That eventually led my partner and I to pack it all up in 2022 and go full digital nomad for a year and a half, exploring incredible places along the way.
Chasing mountains
I feel the most zen in nature but I’m also obsessed with the feeling I get when finishing a challenging hike. Our latest adventure took us on some pretty cool hikes through Patagonia, and our next big trip is Japan, where we’re planning to hike up an active volcano!
JAPAN
HOW IT ALL CONNECTS
My love of travel has shown me how to connect with all kinds of people. It’s also taught me to embrace the unexpected and pivot when needed (just take a look through my projects!)
I craft narratives and create experiences that instill a sense of trust and hope in a product. My true passion is empathizing with people on a deep level, but my strategic thinking allows me to align solutions with business needs.
Whether I’m rapidly iterating or unraveling complex UX challenges, I approach each project with the same spirit of adventure that drives my travels. With me, you’re not just getting a designer—you’re getting a storyteller, problem-solver, and guide.
What teammates say
Some kind words from teammates and collaborators I’ve been lucky enough to work with along the way
SAM
MURPHY
DESIGN
Hi, I’m Sam 👋
RIGHT NOW
I lead the client experience at Thriveworks, focusing on making mental health services easier to access and understand. This work has resulted in 170% more therapy bookings over the last 2 years (334 → 900 per week), connecting more people with the support they need.
Previously, I led the design and strategy of the core experience at Clearing, helping provide continuous care to people suffering from chronic pain.
MY FOUNDATION
I started my career in digital marketing, where I discovered my passion for understanding people—their motivations, pain points, and what truly resonates with them. I became really good at using data and behavioral insights to drive results and learned the importance of testing and iteration.
Self-taught animator
When video content started dominating social platforms, I taught myself After Effects. This opened up a whole new way to communicate ideas—using movement, timing, and visual hierarchy to guide attention and create memorable experiences.
See my work in motion!
The turning point
I wanted to follow along on someone’s journey instead of just getting them in the door. That way I could be part of the evolution of their experience as they engaged with the product or service.
THE SHIFT
Product design is the perfect fit—I can be part of the user’s journey. Now I combine my empathy, visual design skills, and data insights to create experiences that grow and improve based on how people actually use them.
QUICK WORK BREAK
OUTSIDE OF WORK
I’ve discovered that I don’t just tolerate change—I love it. My personal journey has taken me across continents and taught me that the best growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone.
Catching the travel bug
I’ve lived in many places throughout my life, but the 5 years I spent in Australia was where I fell in love with travel. It’s so engrained in the culture—everyone’s planning their next trip or just back from one. That eventually led my partner and I to pack it all up in 2022 and go full digital nomad for a year and a half, exploring incredible places along the way.
Chasing mountains
I feel the most zen in nature but I’m also obsessed with the feeling I get when finishing a challenging hike. Our latest adventure took us on some pretty cool hikes through Patagonia, and our next big trip is Japan, where we’re planning to hike up an active volcano!
JAPAN
HOW IT ALL CONNECTS
My love of travel has shown me how to connect with all kinds of people. It’s also taught me to embrace the unexpected and pivot when needed (just take a look through my projects!)
I craft narratives and create experiences that instill a sense of trust and hope in a product. My true passion is empathizing with people on a deep level, but my strategic thinking allows me to align solutions with business needs.
Whether I’m rapidly iterating or unraveling complex UX challenges, I approach each project with the same spirit of adventure that drives my travels. With me, you’re not just getting a designer—you’re getting a storyteller, problem-solver, and guide.
What teammates say
Some kind words from teammates and collaborators I’ve been lucky enough to work with along the way