Real World Skills for Creatives: Agency Life

Written by Mairin Deery RGD, hannahHR | Freelance/Fractional, Tejashri Kapure RGD, Q30 Design Inc. and Elana Rudick RGD, Design Is Yummy

virtual Friday October 31 @ 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT

Free for MembersNon-Members:N/A

Real World Skills for Creatives: Agency Life

virtual Friday October 31 @ 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT

A 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, October 31 – Agency Life
Topics: Breaking into agencies • Expanding beyond design skills • Finding your specialty • Navigating agency culture
Want to understand what makes agencies tick? Our panel of Creative Directors and agency leaders will share what they look for when hiring, how to add value beyond your design skills, and whether specialization is the key to advancement. Get ready for honest insights about agency culture, growth opportunities, AI in the agency workplace, and what it really takes to thrive in a fast-paced collaborative environment.

Panelists

Tejashri Kapure RGD, VP, Executive Creative Director at Q30 Design Inc., Toronto, ON
Jenna Lynn Anderson, ECD, Design at Cossette, Toronto, ON
Elana Rudick RGD, Creative Director at Design Is Yummy, Montreal, QC
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

With an education in film and video production and communication design, I have 15 years of industry experience working with large corporate teams through non-profit organizations to execute values-aligned design and communications. I collaborate with large and small teams to create visually captivating and impactful work as unique as the organizations they represent. Consistent messaging is crucial across every platform and function, from internal and external communications to UX/UI design to web and social media. With a strong focus on brand values and storytelling, and a deep commitment to design principles, I consistently deliver innovative solutions across a wide range of projects and media.

Tejashri Kapure RGD

Q30 Design Inc.

Elana Rudick RGD

Design Is Yummy

Elana is the Founder and Creative Director of Design Is Yummy, an award-winning design studio with an appetite for crafting bold, purposeful designs. For the past 15 years, Elana and her team have been collaborating with brands that bring people together, drive change, and make an impact in the communities they serve. Their diverse projects span the arts and culture, education, healthcare, government, and nonprofit sectors. Elana is also a mom, mentor, and speaker on design and the business of it.