Real World Skills for Creatives: The Career Mixer
Written by Mairin Deery RGD, hannahHR | Freelance/Fractional, Rahul Bhogal RGD, Nothing Design Studio, Cecilia Mok, Sinai Health Foundation, Katina Constantinou RGD and Franziska Erlebach RGDReal World Skills for Creatives: The Career Mixer
virtual Friday November 07 @ 12 PM ET / 9 AM PTFree for MembersNon-Members:N/A
Real World Skills for Creatives: The Career Mixer
virtual Friday November 07 @ 12 PM ET / 9 AM PTA 4-Part Panel Series for Emerging Designers
Ready to navigate your design career with confidence? Whether you're fresh out of school, pivoting careers, or exploring new professional paths, this intimate panel series connects you directly with seasoned design professionals who've walked the walk. Over four focused sessions, you'll get the unfiltered insights, practical advice, and honest answers you need to make informed decisions about your design future—from landing your first role to building lasting career success.
Each session features candid conversations with industry veterans who'll share their real-world experiences, tackle your toughest questions (even and especially about AI), and help you understand what it really takes to thrive in today's evolving design landscape.
Friday, November 7 – The Career Mixer
Topics: Personal branding strategies • Building authentic design credibility • Championing design awareness • Portfolio development • AI across all career paths
For our finale, we're bringing together professionals from all three career paths for a dynamic discussion on the universal challenges every designer faces. From building your personal brand and developing design credibility to creating portfolios that truly represent you, this session is all about the skills and strategies that transcend job titles. Come prepared with your most pressing questions—we're saving the best conversations for last.
Panelists
- Rahul Bhogal RGD, Owner at Nothing Design Studio, Toronto, ON
- Cecilia Mok, Senior Graphic Designer at Sinai Health Foundation, Miltown, ON
- Katina Constantinou RGD, Principal / Creative Director at Sugar, Toronto, ON
- Franziska Erlebach RGD, Instructor, Faculty of Design, Toronto, ON
- Moderated by Mairin Deery RGD, CMO, CPO, Brand Designer, Brand Strategist & Graphic Designer at hannahHR | Freelance/Fractional, Vancouver, BC
Other Sessions in the Series
These sessions are free but only open to RGD Members.

Mairin Deery RGD
hannahHR | Freelance/Fractional

Rahul Bhogal RGD
Nothing Design Studio
Rahul is a Toronto-based designer with over 15 years of industry experience. He is certified RGD, sits on the Registered Graphic Designer evaluation committee, and is a Board Director for the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada.
In 2016, Rahul decided to break free from the corporate world to start his design practice, aptly named NOTHING.
He has since had the privilege to collaborate with clients from around the world, spanning startups to iconic heritage companies. He’s partnered with brands like Lindt & Sprüngli, Canada Post, Healthline, Snap Inc, UCLA, University of Toronto, and Church+State. His work is recognized by The Dieline, Applied Arts Mag, Communication Arts, Awwwards, CSSDA, and Monotype, to name a few.
Rahul is also an aspiring storyteller. He's appeared as a guest speaker on The Quickie podcast, left his mark in the halls of Parliament with his poster design for Sikh Heritage Month, and, in 2023, successfully navigated his first speaking engagement at The First Round conference by The Brand New.
Rahul's unique perspective allows him to find beauty in every corner of life. With his playful creativity and genuine curiosity, he's dedicated to crafting work that stands as a testament to his passion and professionalism.

Cecilia Mok
Sinai Health Foundation