Self-Promotional initiatives by RGD Members

This wasn’t about aesthetics. It was about expression. It was a way of sidestepping the perfectionism that often gets in the way and making space for something more human and immediate. The response has been positive—one post alone got over 20,000 impressions. The real result was that I stopped overthinking, stopped waiting and started doing. That alignment—to create with less pressure and more presence—was exactly what I needed. This has become a cornerstone of how I approach content on my personal channels. 

While the studio will continue to produce high-design, polished content, my personal presence is now about something different—something a little rougher, a little truer. There’s already so much content online trying to flex for the algorithm. I wanted to contribute something that invited reflection instead of reaction—something that encouraged others to think differently about their brand, business and how they show up. Now that I’ve built this habit and lowered the emotional barrier to publishing. I’m not being precious about it—it’s about play, exploration and showing up authentically. And if it sparks attention or dialogue that benefits Humanfolk along the way, all the better.

See examples of Dave’s daily self-promotion posts on LinkedIn.

A fat lot of good promotion 

By Derwyn Goodall RGD, Principal, Creative Director at Goodall Integrated Design

With this self-promotion, my goal was clear; I wanted Goodall Integrated Design to get noticed by potential new clients and audiences. Instead of designing a slick, interactive digital campaign, I decided on a unique folding print piece with an accompanying envelope (Good For You) that would be hand-delivered to each recipient. The communication direction was based on the benefits of doing “good work” while subtly referencing my last name, Goodall. A number of humorous “good business” and “good deed” situations were developed and brought to life visually from there. I wanted to raise awareness by producing a promotion that was creative and memorable.

I was very lucky to work with the brilliant illustrator Graham Roumieu and the good folks at Flash Reproductions. Graham brings his unique perspective to each assignment, and he really captured the smart, whimsical nature of the design direction. The team provided unparalleled print production support, navigating and resolving a number of production challenges along the way. 

The final printed piece is irreverent, clunky and oddly beautiful with its in your face approach to typography and Graham’s cheeky, illustrative style. I’ve received many positive responses. People were intrigued and entertained and from all accounts, everyone really loved it. As a result, the promotion opened up a series of new conversations with new client contacts, resulting in new business leads and opportunities. I would absolutely consider doing such a promotion again, but it has to be done properly. The message has to be smart and it must be brought to life visually with memorable style and purpose. It must resonate with the target audience and hopefully be remembered into the future. There also needs to be an adequate budget. Lastly, the print version must work well in all on-line applications and social media channels.

Creative Vendor Display for a Women’s Networking Event 

By Michaella Kruizinga Associate RGD, Brand and Web Designer at Michaella Design

As a newer business owner in the branding and web design space, the opportunity to participate in a local women’s networking event felt both timely and strategic. I was invited to represent my field and saw it as a chance to connect face-to-face with fellow female entrepreneurs and position myself as an expert in the community. I thought it would be a great way to get in front of potential clients and be seen as a knowledgeable voice in the space. My goal was to meet new people and, ideally, book a new project.

The display setup was entirely self-directed, with a 6' table to present materials in any way I chose. Drawing from the organizer’s suggestions and my own creative instincts, I produced a cohesive suite of branded materials—including a foam board sign, new business cards, a trifold brochure, a poster, a half-letter handout and an interactive giveaway. Every piece aligned with my brand’s visual identity. The colouring activity tied to the giveaway added a personal, illustrative touch, inviting attendees to engage creatively and share their contact information in return.

The event drew over 200 women and sparked meaningful conversations, with around 30 individuals entering the giveaway. While no projects were booked directly, I made valuable connections—including a developer I’m now collaborating with on a client project. It’s a promising partnership that emerged organically from the event. Looking ahead, I would absolutely consider participating in similar events again, with one caveat: I’d make sure the attendees align with my target audience. With marketing materials already prepped and a positive first experience behind me, the next opportunity will be even more focused—and just as impactful.

“Pop of Joy” Bus-Shelter Takeover 

By Philip Mondor RGD, Partner and Creative Director at Studio Locale

So much focus for design and marketing is in the digital space. We wanted to create a self-promotion that served as a bit of inspiration for how ads can bring creativity and art to a physical environment and show that more traditional mediums can still be an effective tool for graphic communications. A bus shelter, usually a format reserved for ads, gave us a chance to show how design can improve everyday spaces and offer something back to the community. We selected a location that is a convergence of walking, biking, transit and road traffic, bringing a blast of colour to draw people's attention. This is how we work, and how we believe designed communications should have clarity of thought to deliver the best outcomes. 

No one appreciates seeing ads that look like they've been slapped together with no thought or effort towards context.  If we are presenting something with the aim of grabbing someone's attention, let's be appreciative of their time. So with the goal for the campaign to inspire outdoor advertising while also increasing our own brand awareness, this particular campaign reflects our team's playfulness and willingness to try something different. We're bringing a touch of art to an ad, a tonne of colour to an otherwise relatively grey intersection and a place where others can play too. 

It's only been positive feedback from everyone who's seen it! We've received photos, shoutouts and comments across social channels and email. It's reconnected our studio with past clients and colleagues who've seen it and introduced us to new followers and potential projects. It is the kind of work we believe in. It lives in the real world and adds something to it. If we did it again, we might try more locations or build a series, but we would keep the same approach. Honest design, in the right place and at the right time.