NewsApr 16, 2025

Members are invited to participate in a Group Mentorship Program

Deadline to apply: May 2

Apply for the RGD Group Mentorship Program to be paired up with a Mentor who has knowledge and experience that can help you grow your design career.

Group Mentorship offers RGD Members the opportunity to learn through collaborative group interactions, gain insights and support to navigate challenges, drive their career development and foster mutual growth. Led by a senior professional, Groups are organized by topic so that participants can choose a group that works best for them and their goals. With up to 5 participants in a group plus the group leader, participants connect with a Mentor while learning from others in the group.

Please complete an application by May 2. You will then be asked to select your top three choices from our current round of available mentors. This program is open to Certified RGDs, Associate RGDs and Affiliates.

The Structure of the Program
You will have four sessions with your Mentor and up to five fellow Mentees, each about 1 hour in length. Sessions will be held virtually and focus on a different theme.

If you have any questions about the program or you would like to be a Mentor, email zaria@rgd.ca.

Mentors

Mairin Deery RGD, Vancouver, BC

CPO/CMO: hannahHR | Fractional Brand Designer, Brand Strategist & Graphic Designer

What to expect: As a group mentor for young graphic designers, I can offer insights into creating cohesive brand identities, managing complex design projects and developing impactful web and UX design tailored to diverse audiences. I can guide mentees on balancing creativity with functionality while addressing client needs and meeting project goals and timelines. I bring expertise in strategic communication, content development and sustainable design practices, helping young designers build adaptable skills for long-term success.

Carolane Godbout RGD, Trois-Rivières, QC

Designer & Owner at Super Studio

What to expect: Over the years, I’ve developed a methodical yet intuitive approach to branding that starts with listening. In our sessions, I’ll share my process beginning with the BrandScan, a deep analysis that clarifies a client’s real needs and lays the groundwork for a strong, strategic identity. I’d also love to explore what makes a great brand platform and how to expand it into a full universe, from merch to signage, interior details and even the music playing in the space. I work especially in the hospitality sector, where every detail counts and my goal is to help you build brands that feel cohesive, intentional and deeply alive.

Erin Grandmaison RGD, Goderich, ON

Senior Designer at Bruce Power

What to expect: In our mentor sessions, we’ll dive deep into:

Curating a standout portfolio: Learn how to showcase your work effectively to attract clients and employers.
Networking & personal branding: Discover strategies to connect with industry professionals and create opportunities.
Standing out in a crowded market: Find ways to differentiate yourself and develop a unique design voice.
Leveraging AI & emerging tech: Explore how AI tools are reshaping the design landscape and how you can stay ahead.
Understanding your value as a designer: Communicate your worth and build confidence in your skills.

Paddy Harrington RGD, Toronto, ON

Founder & Principal at Frontier

What to expect: Stories are so much more than something you do with children at bedtime. They can be the backbone that gives structure and direction to a life, a company and even a country. It takes a deliberate and measured effort to identify the parts of your story and how to tell it in a way that inspires alignment and action. I will focus on the anatomy of these kinds of strategic stories drawing on 20 years of experience working with NBA teams, global consumer package goods companies, architects, developers and public institutions, among others. I will share how a great story is the foundation for great brand design.

Alan Joson RGD, Toronto, ON

Creative Advisor (Graphic Designer) at The Michener Institute of Education at UHN

What to expect: As an EDI-focused designer in the post-secondary education sector, I will cover:

Overcoming EDI barriers: Strategies to navigate systemic challenges in design spaces and advocate for more inclusive visual storytelling.
Navigating In-House creative roles: Insights on balancing institutional priorities with creative freedom while advocating for equity and inclusion in design.
Career development & mentorship: Support in building a meaningful design career, from portfolio development to fostering inclusive work relationships in education and beyond.

Diego Lopez RGD, Kingston, PE

VP of Marketing, Compass Creative

What to expect: Most creatives struggle to market themselves. Over these four sessions, I’ll help you build a personal brand that attracts the right clients and opportunities. We’ll cover:

How to communicate your value so people understand what you do (and why they should hire you)
Positioning yourself as the guide, not the hero, in your clients’ stories
Simple marketing strategies that bring in work without feeling salesy
Turning relationships into opportunities—how to get more referrals and repeat business

Lin Oosterhoff RGD, Canmore, AB

Co-Owner & Creative Director at Twin Studio

What to expect:

Session 1: Creating your career path — Let’s kick things off with a candid chat about career paths in the design world. I’ll share my own journey—from small studios to agency life and eventually launching Twin Studio. We’ll talk about how to shape a career that works for you and how every step (even the weird ones) can serve your future as a brand designer.
Session 2: Branding is more than a logo — Great branding doesn’t start in Illustrator—it begins with ideas. In this session, I’ll walk you through what brand strategy really means, how I uncover it in discovery sessions and how strategy leads to more brilliant, more intentional design. We’ll also dive into brand voice and how it helps shape visuals that speak.
Session 3: Designing a brand package that sets your client up for success—Let’s talk deliverables. What do you actually need to give a client after designing their brand? I’ll share what I include in my brand packages (and why), provide some guidance on pricing based on value and show you how to create a simple but powerful brand style guide that helps clients use their new brand with confidence.
Session 4: Brand in the real world: launching, growing and evolving a brand — In the final session, Lin will help explore how branding extends beyond the style guide—from social media rollouts to website design, signage, merchandise and more. She will discuss how to help clients maintain consistency and evolve their visual identity over time while also offering tips for staying creatively energized under real-world constraints.

Howard Poon RGD, Edmonton, AB

VP of Design at TBWA\ Canada

What to expect: Leading from Where You Are.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, making decisions, guiding others and creating impact, even while you’re still figuring things out yourself. Whether you're stepping into a formal leadership role or just starting to think differently about your influence, this mentorship series is designed to meet you where you are. This group mentorship is for graphic designers who are curious about leadership or are early in their leadership journey. Together, we’ll dig into real, honest conversations around collaboration, coaching others, productivity vs. time management, decision-making and how to lead with influence (not just authority). The sessions will be practical, supportive and tailored to the realities of creative work.

Jeff Rae, Toronto, ON

Freelance Senior Creative

What to expect: These sessions will cover how to map out your dream design career, develop a strong creative process and present your work with clarity and confidence. We’ll also talk about how to stay motivated and push yourself creatively over time and why that continued effort leads to a stronger career and a more fulfilled life in general.

Arun Rajendran RGD, Halifax, NS

Wayfinding Designer at Fathom Studio

What to expect: Over four highly informal and interactive sessions, we will go over four different themes illustrated through experiences and examples.

Navigating the career path as an interdisciplinary designer: Strategies and tools to position oneself as a multidisciplinary designer in an ever-evolving and increasingly competitive environment.
Finding inspiration outside of the digital realm: Some back to basics techniques and insights in finding inspiration outside of digital spaces and curating a unique style and voice.
Less is more: Strategies to overcome constraints, turning them into strengths and creating big impactful work when resources are tight.
Communicating as an introvert: Simple tips and methods to become an effective communicator as an introvert, without becoming someone else.