MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR
FREEHAND SOCIAL, NEW YORK NY
Freehand Social was founded by Sophia Scheibeler and Michael “Spike” Foley in 2024, and has quickly taken off as a go-to partner for businesses looking to elevate their social media presence and build authentic, engaged audiences. Sophia brings a unique blend of artistic talent, graphic design expertise, and formal business education, while Spike adds years of experience in brand-building and curating social media accounts from the ground up.
Both Sophia and Spike share a passion for helping entrepreneurs and business owners showcase their individuality to create genuine connections with audiences online. Their approach encourages clients to embrace their unique quirks, setting the stage for authentic engagement and organic growth.
Freehand Social specializes in tailored social media strategies, profile optimization, video and photo content creation, digital advertising, and comprehensive social media management. With authenticity at the core of their operations, the agency has quickly cultivated a diverse portfolio of over a dozen clients, each treated like a member of the family!
From startups to established businesses, Freehand Social helps brands stand out in the ever-evolving online world. Sophia and Spike are making the path to social media success clearer for busy entrepreneurs, enabling them to focus on their own operations and growth.
LOOKING FORWARD TO 2025, ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC ABOUT YOUR DESIGN PRACTICE/BUSINESS? MORE GENERALLY, ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC THAT GRAPHIC DESIGN WILL CONTINUE TO BE RECOGNIZED AS BRINGING VALUE TO THE TABLE IN COMMERCE AND CULTURE?
We are highly optimistic about the role of graphic design in 2025, especially within social media. As social channels like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn become dominant marketing avenues, challenging traditional media outlets, graphic designers are coming up with creative solutions to adapt their skills to these platforms.
As the scope of marketing expands to encompass these online venues, graphic design remains essential for crafting impactful content. We are excited to see how new innovations and ideas shape the future within these dynamic avenues.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE JUST STARTING A CAREER IN GRAPHIC DESIGN?
Our advice for someone starting in graphic design is to follow the demand! We started Freehand Social after recognizing a need among entrepreneurs for help curating social media presences and building their followings. By responding to this organic demand, we’ve attracted more clients, grown our company, and we have learned a lot along the way!
So, our advice is to focus on honing your skills while meeting real-world needs. And remember, no task is too small, as creating a flyer for a neighbor or a social media post for a family member could lead to bigger opportunities in the future.
