Sam Kotrba is a Chicago based graphic designer, specializing in brand design for digital, packaging, and live events.
Previously:
Avara (2024 - 2025)
Seed (2021 - 2024)
kotrba.sam@gmail.com
Instagram ->
Sam Kotrba is a Chicago based graphic designer, specializing in brand design for digital, packaging, and live events.
Previously:
Avara (2024 - 2025)
Seed (2021 - 2024)
kotrba.sam@gmail.com
Instagram ->
Seed Health
Junior → Mid-level Designer
Remote
2021-2024
Seed Health is a microbial science company developing clinically studied synbiotics that support gut, whole-body, and environmental health.
Led the design of Seed’s long‑form blog Cultured, developed social media direction, supported product launches and in‑store experiences, and produced visual assets across marketing channels and packaging.
Design Team: Yuji Sakuma, David Klein, Spencer Elias, Young Sun Compton, Calvin Chin, Sam Kotrba, Mimi Nguyen, Zeke Wattles, Isaac Grothe
Avara
Mid-level Designer
Remote
2024-2025
Avara is a Web3 company behind Aave, Lens, GHO, and Family, building decentralized tools for an open, user-owned internet.
Created visual assets for social media and email across Aave, Lens, and GHO. Designed internal and external decks, conducted image research, and developed production-ready event designs, managing final delivery for merchandise, signage, and collateral.
Design Team: Benji Taylor, Alex Vanderzon, Gavin Atkinson, Jordan Borth, Sam Kotrba, Noah Farrar, Austin Valleskey
Jack Larsen
Junior Designer
Freelance
2019-2021
Jack Larsen is a Chicago-based muscian blending dreamy alt-pop with emotional storytelling.
Designed album packaging, single cover art, merchandise, social media promos, and out‑of‑home posters for three label‑backed releases, while shaping artist branding and overall visual strategy.
Visual Team: Jack Larsen, Sam Kotrba, Jake Ellerbrake, Britta McPherson, Nicholas D’Apolito
JPEGMAFIA
Design Assistant
Freelance
2019
JPEGMAFIA is a rapper and producer known best for his experimental and genre-bending work.
Collaborated with designer Blake Bohls on visual research and creative input for three official visualizers tied to JPEGMAFIA’s All My Heroes Are Cornballs.
Design Team: Blake Bohls, Sam Kotrba
Curtis Eggleston
Junior Designer
Freelance
2021
Curtis Eggleston is a São Paulo–based author of Hollow Nacelle and Opaquley A
For Eggleston’s debut book, published by Expat Press, work was done under the creative direction of Noah Dillon, using his photography. Responsibilities included designing the book layout, researching type options, and preparing final delivery.
Design Team: Noah Dillon, Sam Kotrba
Good Start
Design Student
Personal Work
2020-2021
Good Start was a graphic design Discord community co-led by Ryan O’Connor and I, offering resources, support, and virtual events for nearly 500 members.
Created branding and social assets, planned and managed events with promotional materials, supported guest outreach, and collaborated with third parties to provide resources to students and members.
Design Team: Sam Kotrba, Ryan O’Connor