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Meet MATTHEW SAMPSON, chemist, photographer, and Minted + domino’s featured monthly artist!

Matthew Sampson spent the summer weekends of his senior year of college traveling around Northern California, visiting national parks and exploring San Francisco. Inspired by the beauty of the landscape, the self-taught photographer invested in his first camera, and hasn’t put it down since!

He credits his artistic streak to his father, a pre-computer era graphic designer, and grandfather, watercolor painter by hobby. Sampson, who received a degree in chemistry, currently resides in California, with his girlfriend, where he is pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry at UC-San Diego. Here, he touches on his love for nature and the quintessentially nostalgic retreat of his childhood.

Follow Sampson’s California coast life and adventures on Instagram! @mattdsampson

Where do you feel most inspired?


Most of my photography is based on landscapes and nature, so I’m most inspired out in the wilderness. Living on the West Coast, I try and take advantage of all the nearby national parks. A good hike is all I need to let my worries slip away.

How would you describe your personal style?


My style is simple, modern, and clutter-free. It’s something that’s reflected within my photography, where I strive to keep the focus on a limited number of elements.

What makes a home beautiful?


Organization is key. I love to keep things neat, which in turn promotes a deeper level of focus. My home is a combination of modern with clean-cut pieces, which serve a specific function, as opposed to being there for show.

What’s your most prized possession?


My grandfather and I, both loved the outdoors. He passed away last fall, and left me a shed filled with fishing gear. Fishing was something we always did together, so I hold that place very close to heart.

On what items do you scrimp?


My clothes. I’m most comfortable in a solid t-shirt and jeans.

On what do you splurge?


I love to cook, so every once in awhile, I’ll splurge on a kitchen tool or gadget. Where is your favorite travel destination? My family’s lake house in Colorado. It’s where I spent a good deal of time during my childhood, and ultimately a place filled with a lot of great memories.