Meet Sam Hammer | Board Game Developer & Clown

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam Hammer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Chicago, I found myself at a bit of a crossroads. On my 27th birthday, I unexpectedly found myself jobless. HR hopped into the meeting and my heart immediately sank. This then turned into a bit of an extended unemployment filled with American Dad binges and playing a ton of JRPGs while I applied for new jobs with little luck in the wasteland that is the job market.

Unsure of what to do next, I turned to something that had always brought me joy – creating. Combining my fascination for game theory, 10 years of performing comedy, my love for JRPGs, and the lore from all the fantasy books I’ve (half) written, I embarked on a passion project: the board game that would soon to be called Mercenaries of Gridaris!

At first, it was just a way to pass the time, a fun little project to keep my mind occupied. I could not watch another episode of American Dad. But as I started play testing it with friends and family, something magical happened. Everyone had an absolute blast playing it. Their laughter and excitement were contagious, and suddenly, my little passion project took on a life of its own.

After the mechanics were more or less tightened I began to think about where the theme and lore would come from. I ended up digging up an old file of one of the aforementioned fantasy books I had half written in the lockdown. It already had a weird, irreverent theme to it so I thought it would work pretty well! While I never finished it, I did fall back in love with the lore and whimsical world I had created. And so, I decided to infuse that same spirit into Mercenaries of Gridaris, adding depth and charm to a game that was really helping me through a tough time.

Over the course of this journey, I dedicated over 600 hours to perfecting every aspect of Mercenaries of Gridaris. From fine-tuning the gameplay mechanics to meticulously crafting the artwork, I poured my heart and soul into making sure this game was as good as it could possibly be.

Fast forward to today and I am I’m thrilled to announce that on the day of my 28th birthday, I’ll be sharing HammerCraft Studios’ Inaugural board game: Mercenaries of Gridaris with the world!

It’s been a wild ride, from losing my job to discovering a newfound passion, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I have realized that I want to make board games for the rest of my life which is exciting to think about. And as I sit back and watch others enjoy the game as much as I do, I’m reminded that sometimes, the best things in life come from unexpected beginnings. :

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey as an artist has been a colorful blend of writing books, painting, drawing, making board games, and performing comedy. Since childhood, I’ve been immersed in the world of creativity, constantly exploring various mediums to express my ideas and emotions. What sets me apart is the unique fusion of humor and artistry that characterizes my work.

One aspect I’m particularly proud of is how my comedy performances have influenced and enriched my artwork. Comedy has provided me with a fresh perspective, allowing me to infuse my creations with wit, satire, and a sense of whimsy. This fusion of humor and artistry has resonated with audiences, creating a distinctive and engaging experience.

The journey to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Like any artist, I’ve faced numerous challenges along the way. From self-doubt to financial struggles, each obstacle has been an opportunity for growth. I’ve learned the importance of perseverance, resilience, and staying true to my creative vision.

Overcoming these challenges required a combination of determination, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from setbacks. Building a successful career as an artist takes time, effort, and a willingness to embrace failure as a stepping stone towards success!

Through it all, I’ve learned valuable lessons about the power of authenticity and staying true to my unique voice. I’ve discovered that art isn’t just about creating something visually appealing—it’s about connecting with people on a deeper level, sparking emotions, and provoking thought.

As for my brand and story, I want the world to know that my art is a reflection of my passion, personality, and perspective on life. It’s a celebration of creativity, humor, and the human experience. Whether through my writing, painting, drawing, or comedy, my goal is to inspire, entertain, and leave a lasting impression on those who encounter my work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1

Morning: Grab breakfast at Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken for some delicious donuts and coffee to start the day.
Afternoon: Explore Millennium Park and take photos at the Bean. Visit the Art Institute of Chicago for its extensive art collection.
Evening: Head to the Logan Square neighborhood for dinner at L’Patron Tacos, a casual spot known for its authentic Mexican street food. Then, catch a comedy show at The Annoyance Theatre for some laughs.

Day 2

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at Stan’s Donuts & Coffee for a variety of gourmet donuts and coffee.
Mid-morning: Visit Wicker Park for some shopping and exploring the unique boutiques and vintage stores.
Lunch: Have lunch at Big Star for affordable and delicious tacos in a lively atmosphere.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Guthrie’s Tavern, a board game bar in Lakeview, enjoying some drinks and friendly competition.
Evening: Head to Kingston Mines in Lincoln Park for live blues music and a lively atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at a nearby casual spot like Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. for their famous pizza pot pies.

Day 3

Morning: Brunch at Yolk in Streeterville for a hearty and affordable breakfast.
After brunch, take a walk along the lakefront to enjoy the views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
Before heading to the airport or train station, grab a quick bite at Portillo’s for a classic Chicago hot dog or Italian beef sandwich to-go.

Honestly, this is my ultimate weekend and have admittedly done this for friends visiting at LEAST 3 times!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have a ton of people to thank for this board game coming out in May on Kickstarter! The people listed below have had the utmost confidence in me since the beginning and have given me encouragement when I needed it most. I love making board games and, with it being such a long process, sometimes I would lose steam or belief in myself and all of these people helped me so much by picking me up, dusting me off and telling me to get back in there! Marketing is a tough, tough part (a part I am admittedly not the best at) and all of these people listed below helped me with social media AND the theatrical trailer for Mercenaries of Gridaris which was the biggest undertaking when it came to advertisement.

Sydney Martin My amazingly smart and beautiful better half (Marketing Project Manager) Will Nicholson A long time friend / comedic warrior (Writer, Rulebook / Mechanics Consultant) Minkus Not his real name / hilarious best friend (Mechanics Consultation / Actor) Kimi Arquines A musical genius and fellow geek (Trailer Music Composition / Actor) KJ Snyder A fellow comedian with a heart of gold (Actor) Nick Ackerson A fellow dreamer with a passion for vision (Cinematographer / Shot Consultant) Jonny Byrn A long time friend with a dynamic voice (Voice Actor)
Newport Theater A fantastic place for performers to express themselves! (Location)

I would also love to shout out Hot Clown Company in Chicago Illinois! We have been a comedy troupe for the past 5 years and have sold out shows since 2019 and also done 2 international tours in Scotland for the Fringe Festival and Croatia! I love these people and they are some of the best collaborators I have ever worked with. Our show is always an insanely fun time and our audiences really cement in our brains that it is a show that works!

Website: https://samhammer.my.canva.site/mog

Instagram: @_samhammer and @hammercraftstudios

Image Credits
@genitophoto and @nuristudios on instagram!