Between the Briefs - Losing Her Job Was Just the Beginning
Turning a setback into a seaside studio along the South Coast
In Between the Briefs, we sit down with creative professionals to explore the often-unseen layers of their journeys - the pivots, the pressure points, the personal wins, and the wisdom that comes from it all.
This time, we meet Sammy Murphy, Founder and Creative Director of Pier, an independent media platform that celebrates creativity and community life on the South Coast. With a background in high-profile design work and a deep belief in the power of storytelling, Sammy shares how a moment of uncertainty became the catalyst for creating something truly her own.
Meet Sammy Murphy, Founder of Pier
Hi, I’m Sammy Murphy – Founder and Creative Director of Pier, an independent media platform celebrating creativity and community in Dorset.
Through authentic storytelling across print, digital, and events, we shine a spotlight on the incredible people and businesses shaping life on the South Coast.
I'm a graphic designer with over a decade of experience across branding, publishing, and placemaking, and I've been lucky enough to collaborate with some amazing names like BBC Music, The BRIT Awards, The Crown Estate, Native Land, The Sunday Times, The O2, and more.
My design journey started in London, where I built a solid foundation working across big brands and buzzing creative teams.
A Dream, a Move, and a New Beginning
But a few years ago, I decided it was time to chase a dream I’d had for years – to live by the sea and start something of my own. So I packed up, moved to Bournemouth, and launched Pier!
Since then, it’s been a wild ride. We’ve been finalists at the StartUp Awards and featured on Monocle Radio, BBC Radio Solent, and the Success on the South Coast podcast.
Design That Connects People to Place
At the heart of everything I do is a real passion for design that brings people closer to the places they love. I believe great design is about storytelling, connection, and creating something that genuinely feels real.
When Everything Fell Apart – and Came Together
When the pandemic hit, I was living and working in London, and like a lot of people I suddenly found myself without a job. I’d been made redundant from the design studio I loved, and honestly, it was scary. Everything felt really up in the air
The Push I Didn’t Know I Needed
But weirdly enough, that huge, uncomfortable moment ended up being the best thing that could have happened to me. It gave me the push I needed to finally bet on myself, move to the coast, and set up my own studio and magazine – something I’d dreamt of but never dared to do.
Looking back, I can see that those tough moments are often where the real magic starts. They force you to dig deep, find your resilience, and become the person you were always meant to be.
Lessons from a Female Designer in a Male-Dominated Industry
It’s okay to make mistakes.
When I first started out as a female designer in a very male-dominated part of the industry, I felt this huge pressure to work twice as hard just to be heard.
I would second-guess my ideas, shy away from my natural style, and try to "blend in" to sound more like the men in the room.
I got told I designed with “too much personality” or that I was just there to offer a "female perspective" – as if that was a weakness, not a strength.
Turning “Too Much Personality” into Power
But here’s what I wish I knew earlier: your voice, your ideas, your personality are your superpowers. You don’t have to apologise for them. Trust your gut, back your ideas, and know they are just as valuable as anyone else's. In fact, they’re what set you apart.
Between the briefs, it’s easy to forget how much courage it takes to begin again - to leave the security of what you know and build something that feels true. Sammy’s story is a reminder that creative practice is not just about making things look good - it’s about choosing to show up, speak up, and stay close to your voice.
You can follow Sammy’s work at pierjournal.co.uk, on Instagram @pierjournal, and on LinkedIn at Pier Journal.
Between the Briefs is all about sharing the honest, human side of freelance life. If you’ve got a story of your own you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch here or drop us a message.