Discussion: The Conscious Creative with Kelly Small RGD

Kelly Small is an award-winning creative director, author, and strategist known for building bold, ethically grounded creative that connects deeply and drives real impact. As Founder and Principal Creative Director of Intents & Purposes, Kelly partners with nonprofits, public institutions, and purpose-driven organizations to shape brands, campaigns, and experiences rooted in strategy, craft, and social responsibility. Before founding Intents & Purposes, Kelly spent years in advertising and marketing leading nationally recognized campaigns and brand work that reached millions of Canadians. The studio itself grew from a deeper ethical reckoning with an industry often driven more by consumption than consequence, and a belief that creative work can be both ambitious and ethically responsible. Kelly is the author of The Conscious Creative, a widely recognized book on ethics in the creative industries. Their research into ethical creative practice, sustainability, and social impact earned the Governor General’s Gold Medal following completion of a Master of Design at Emily Carr University of Art and Design. Their work and perspectives have been featured by CBC, The Globe and Mail, and Applied Arts. Kelly has served as a juror for organizations including The One Show and the Marketing Awards, and has contributed through mentorship, teaching, and community leadership with organizations including The ArQuives, George Brown Polytechnic, OCAD University, RGD, and Emily Carr University of Art and Design.