Growing up, Timothy Samaha wanted to be an artist, an animator, a movie director, and a graphic designer—in that order. Instead, he chose to join NASA and colonize the first space station on the planet Mars. You didn’t hear about that? Well, the mainstream press doesn’t carry any news they can’t sensationalize. Upon returning to earth, he went to Nicholls State University so that he could be a billionaire by his 23rd birthday. Timothy concentrated in graphic design and art history; and by his senior year, he had designed several ad campaigns for local businesses and was heavily involved in the AIGA, Kappa Pi Honorary Art Fraternity, and his university’s college newspaper. Within four years, Timothy won more awards than he could fit on his résumé, and took advantage of that by working at Best Buy.
He graduated at the top of his class and immediately moved to Florida for a photography internship with the Walt Disney Company; this proved to be a learning experience that drastically changed the way he integrated imagery into graphic design. At Walt Disney World, Timothy helped launch a new photography department and shot assignments ranging from Mickey Mouse to Christmas fireworks. He also dated Snow White, but that didn’t work out like he hoped.
After six and a half months of enjoying the Florida sun, Timothy moved back home, lost his tan, and resumed freelancing for clients ranging from local musicians to Transocean and Chevron. As a creative director, he helped launch PoV Magazine, an upscale, design-driven publication in south Louisiana. Timothy developed the magazine’s logo, marketing campaign, general style, and web site. As the first monthly publication of its kind in the area, PoV’s popularity soared much faster than anyone had expected; and stands now run out within a few days of each new issue. Timothy still writes a monthly satirical column for the magazine.
In 2008, Timothy founded Viscosity Design, which is committed to the united flow of images and ideas. While continuing to work in traditional print media and interactive design, he has taken on projects involving environmental design, which applies traditional graphics principles and aesthetics to interior design.
Timothy believes that designers should be involved in their communities, both to increase the profession’s awareness and to train other designers. In 2007, he was the featured design speaker at Nicholls State University, where he presented “Design World,” a look at Walt Disney World’s theme parks from a graphic design perspective. As a member of the New Orleans AIGA chapter, Timothy has served as a guest reviewer for student portfolios. In 2009, he chaired Sustainability in Design for the New Orleans region, and worked with Loyola University to present the first annual Green Salon, which focused on sustainability and hurricane preparation/response in south Louisiana. He also works with smaller childhood programs in his local area.
Heavily influenced by Paul Rand, Saul Bass, animation, and films, Timothy refuses to be boxed into a specific style, often choosing projects that allow him to experiment with a range of design methods.