Members Spotlight: Sam Hudson - Buckley Creative

30 September 2025

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on floating desk member Sam Hudson, founder of Buckley Creative. As a solo creative agency, Sam has delivered standout work for iconic Manchester names like Manchester Pride and Flat Baker, as well as global giants including Meta, Amazon, Campari Group, and Google. After nearly a decade of working from home, we caught up with him to find out what drew him to coworking at Colony.

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Hi Sam! Please could you describe Buckley Creative for our readers?

I describe Buckley Creative as a solo creative agency.

It’s a new term that’s becoming more and more common.

Essentially, I’m a freelancer offering an agency service. I create illustrations, motion graphics and animations, working on a wide range of projects for various clients. When additional expertise is needed – like voiceover work – I bring in other freelancers and manage the project from start to finish.

When and why did you decide to go freelance?

Before launching Buckley Creative seven and a half years ago, I worked in digital marketing. During that time, I often collaborated with external creative teams, and I found myself drawn more to the creative side than the marketing itself. I knew I wanted to shift away from marketing and focus on more creatively fulfilling projects.

In my spare time, I enjoy making music – singing, songwriting, playing guitar and keys. I had a band back then and took charge of our branding and animated lyric videos. That’s where I started developing the skills I now use in motion graphics and animation. It inspired me to marry my passion with my work and turn it into a business.

I launched Buckley Creative from my kitchen, and that’s where I worked until earlier this year, when I decided to join Colony in January.

Sam Hudson, Founder at Buckley Creative

Welcome! What made you decide to try coworking at Colony?

I wanted to try coworking for ages.

I was actually approached to be a secret shopper for a few coworking spaces in Manchester - not Colony though! I started looking for a coworking space and went to a few open days but they were either too bleak and lifeless or it wasn’t a personality fit. I tried a few more and eventually I went to an open day at Colony Jactin House and I really liked it.

As a designer, I appreciated how the team had thoughtfully designed the workspace and it seemed full of life. It ticked all the boxes really.

What has a floating desk membership at Colony done for you and your business?

When I joined Colony, I had to put myself out there. I started reaching out to other businesses both within the space and across the wider Colony network. I also made a point of chatting with other floating desk members around me. Through that, I formed a great connection with another member, who works as a product designer.

It’s been amazing having someone nearby who understands the type of work I do. We regularly review each other’s projects and give feedback. Before, I didn’t have anyone to bounce ideas off or get constructive input from, so this has been really helpful and valuable to me.

That connection has grown into a strong friendship, and we’ve recently soft-launched a side business together – Smudgly – an online platform where local designers can sell their artwork. We’d both sold art individually before and wanted to create a shared brand that could also include other artists. It’s a passion project at the moment, but we’re hoping to grow it in the coming months – maybe even with a pop-up at Colony.

Working from home before was pretty isolating. People often forget about the small things, like just being greeted when you walk into work. At Colony, I feel supported in the background. Of course, there are practical perks like coffee and printing facilities, but more than that, being surrounded by other hardworking people helps keep me focused. I’m no longer tempted by all the distractions I had at home.

At Jactin, you can really tell there’s a desire to make the space fun as well as productive. I love the silly events Katie and the team put together. The little touches don’t go unnoticed, and I know I’m not the only member who appreciates them.

It’s nice to hear the Jactin House team’s hard work is appreciated! It was Archie, Jactin House’s Site Manager, who recommended you for 'North West Business Insider's Most Exciting Companies 2025'. Congratulations on making the list! How did you feel when you heard about it?

It was great – it felt like a real milestone. As a freelancer, I don’t often get much feedback or recognition for my work. Once I finish a project, that’s usually it – I move straight on to the next one.

Off the back of the magazine feature, I’ve taken part in panel discussions and attended the celebration drinks hosted by Insider on the rooftop at One Silk Street.

The Insider list was the first time since starting my business that I’ve had that kind of recognition. It’s been great for morale, and it’s nice to know I’m doing good work.

North West Business Insider's Most Exciting Companies 2025 event – Colony One Silk St

You’ve been working on some exciting projects this summer, from Manchester Pride to the upcoming opening of Flat Baker’s new café. Could you tell us more about those?

I’ve actually worked on projects for Manchester Pride for a few years now. Last year, I created an animation for the artist and act line-up reveal, making sure it was fun and colourful – like Pride should be! Manchester Pride is also a charity, which is another reason I enjoy doing it every year. This year, I created the vigil visuals for the screens. It feels good to be helping a worthy cause.

The opening of the new Flat Baker is really exciting. I met the couple who own it while I was selling prints at the Ancoats Makers Market. They mentioned they were moving into a new café and, as they liked my designs, they asked me to help design the front. They’re both from Brazil, so they wanted something Brazilian-inspired but still in keeping with the Manchester streetscape. We’ve made the front bright and colourful like Brazil, but kept a traditional café font for the calligraphy. They’re a lovely couple and what they’ve built is inspiring.

I also started my biggest project since launching my business this year. For the past 18 weeks, I’ve been working on a commission for Amazon’s new headquarters in Manchester – the Hanover Building, just across from Manchester Victoria Station. They commissioned 33 pieces of art for the building, including huge canvases up to three metres wide. There’s a lot of thought that goes into every piece, and I’ve been collaborating closely with the interior architects. The artwork needs to reflect the company’s principles, and each piece is designed specifically for its intended space. For example, I need to consider things like dwell time and how the space is used – a quiet area for focused work, for instance, needs something calming.

Sam opening his artwork for Amazon

All of these projects sound very exciting! The Flat Baker has been a gem in Ancoats for a while now. We can’t wait to see what the café will look like when it’s finally finished!

What’s next on the horizon for Buckley Creative?

I’m planning a rebrand over the next few months.

The business will still be called Buckley Creative, but I want to refocus on what it is at heart.

Like many designers, I’m navigating the current challenges posed by AI. I want to step out from behind the screen and show the human side of design.

These days, more and more brands are looking to work with a person, not just a portfolio. So I’m aiming to create more content that shows who I am, how I work, and what my design process looks like. I might even start sharing tutorials for other aspiring designers and freelancers.

Thank you very much for chatting with us Sam! We hope the rebrand goes well!

If you're a freelancer or entrepreneur and you're considering a coworking membership, click the link below to find out what a floating desk at Colony can do for you!