Mar 20, 2025

What Design Directors Know

Elana Rudick RGD, Design Is Yummy, Camilo Saenz RGD, Visions of Science and Dominic Ayre RGD, Hambly & Woolley Inc.

About this video

Description

Design directors each share the most important lessons they've learned during their careers.

What DO Design Directors Know? That is a BIG question. Simply put, Design Directors know A LOT. They have to. They are strategic problem solvers, expert tastemakers and skilled communicators. Great Design Directors inspire teams to do brilliant work, while instilling clients with confidence in the design process. Design Directors care about the sketched details and the final execution. Design Directors are also always excited to share stories and insights into what they do and what they know. Join us for this discussion with experienced professionals who will each provide an insider's understanding of the joys and challenges of this integral role within any creative agency and what you need to know to achieve this position in your own creative career.

Presentations

Leading by Design: Perspectives on balancing big ideas in a small studio presented by Elana Rudick RGD

As the Founder and Creative Director of Design Is Yummy, Elana shares her journey from graphic designer to studio owner, offering insights into the skills needed to run a successful design business. Whether you're aspiring to lead or already in the creative thick of it, this session will provide an honest look at what it takes to thrive as a creative director and business owner.

Differentiation— A Path to success, presented by Edmund Lam

Making an impact in a competitive field is all about having a unique offering. The path to becoming a successful creative, design and brand director has been about carving a unique space for your strengths.

1, 2, 3 for Design Innovation: Cross-industry insights presented by Camilo Sáenz RGD

This talk explores how drawing from diverse industry experiences, client insights, and a well-rounded, diverse creative team can drive groundbreaking innovation. By integrating perspectives from various sectors and leveraging skill sets, teams can craft solutions that break creative boundaries and deliver meaningful impact.

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.

Camilo Saenz RGD

Visions of Science

Senior Graphic Designer and Creative Director with over a decade of experience transforming ideas into impactful brand strategies and visually stunning campaigns. Skilled in blending design thinking with strategic insights to craft visuals that captivate, engage, and drive measurable results. Adept at leveraging the Adobe Creative Suite to deliver innovative design solutions that elevate brand presence and leave lasting impressions.

Dominic Ayre RGD

Hambly & Woolley Inc.

Dominic graduated from The Bournemouth & Poole College in the UK and has worked in Toronto as a designer for more than 25 years. As the Creative Director at H&W, Dominic focuses on high-level strategic initiatives with clients such as York University, Caseware, University of Toronto, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Horizon Trading Solutions and RTOERO. Hambly & Woolley is also the publisher and creators of Find: A Journal for the Curious. Currently on faculty at George Brown College, Dom is an enthusiastic mentor to new designers and is well known within the design community for his expertise in branding, typography, web platforms, design trends and popular culture.