Staying motivated isn’t always easy. Let’s recalibrate your creative career.
High-impact 1-on-1 coaching for designers.
Design is a demanding craft. Whether you are leading a team in-house, balancing the feast-and-famine cycle of freelancing, or working solo in a remote agency, the pressure to constantly produce "magic" is exhausting.
You might feel like you’ve hit a ceiling. Maybe you’re struggling to get your ideas heard by stakeholders, or you’ve lost the passion that made you love design in the first place. You don’t need more tutorials. You need a strategy.
You might feel like you’ve hit a ceiling. Maybe you’re struggling to get your ideas heard by stakeholders, or you’ve lost the passion that made you love design in the first place. You don’t need more tutorials. You need a strategy.
So, invest in yourself!
Let’s take the steps together, meet your career goals, and kickstart your creative path to success!
The Think Smith Approach.
My individual coaching is a partnership designed to get to the root of what’s holding you back. This isn’t a generic "how-to" session, but a deep dive into your specific goals, strengths, and the unique hurdles of your role.
I don't just coach design. I coach the designer. We focus on the mindset, communication, and human connection required to lead where algorithms can’t. I help you master the "soft" skills that make the "hard" skills valuable: communication, negotiation, and creative resilience.
A small list of things discussed during my tailored sessions for every type of designer:
- In-House Designers: We’ll focus on navigating corporate politics, communicating design value to non-creatives, and avoiding the "internal service desk" trap.
- Freelancers & Solopreneurs: We’ll dial in your business strategy, pricing confidence, and how to stop "selling hours" and start selling impact.
- Agency & Remote Creatives: We’ll work on overcoming isolation, building a visible personal brand, and sharpening your ideation skills so you stay indispensable.
How it works.
1-on-1 coaching is for the designer who wants results. There is no fluff, no "wait and see", just candid discussions and actionable steps.
Premium Virtual Sessions
We’ll begin with a free 30-minute one-on-one call online. No pressure, just a chance to connect. You’ll get to know my coaching style, and I’ll learn more about your goals and concerns. From there, each 60-minute online session is focused on making progress toward a personalized program designed specifically for you.
Direct Access
No gatekeepers. You get my 30 years of industry wisdom, unfiltered and focused entirely on you.
Candid & Compassionate
Expect real talk, but delivered with the empathy of someone who has been exactly where you are.
Is isolation killing your momentum?
You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Whether you’re in an agency, freelancing, in-house, or somewhere in between, joining the Think Tank group coaching will help you find your edge through real talk, creative challenges, and a small group of people who actually get it.
“With his creativity, compassion, unique perspective, and genuine desire to bring out the best in those with whom he works - clients and colleagues alike - Robert is truly gifted when it comes to connecting with the human side of a business.”
Looking to give your team a creative boost?
I offer custom training programs and presentations for in-house groups to improve creative workflow, efficient ideation and powerful communication strategies. This is not your traditional team-building!
Hey, I'm Rob!
Founder of Think Smith.
Throughout my 30 years in the creative industry, I’ve held many titles (Founder, Chief Creative Officer, Creative Director, Dad), I’ve worked in-house and on teams for a corporation, a government department, four design studios, I’ve started two successful agencies, and teach the next generation of creatives.
“Exceptionally enlightening”
My session with Robert was exceptionally enlightening, as he expertly dissected my concerns and provided invaluable guidance for my career path. He proved to be a great listener, generously sharing his knowledge as a well-meaning mentor. I highly recommend Robert for his expertise and wisdom, and I'm eager to reconnect with him for further guidance in the future. Thanks, Robert!
Creative Strategist
“Positive and motivational”
I really enjoyed my chat with Rob. He was able to understand me, my needs, and my personality and how to find the right solutions for me. His advice was always positive and motivational, and he gave examples that made ideas simple to understand. I'm looking forward to booking another session!
Product Designer
“Grounded, kind, great listener”
If I have to pick one person to speak with in order to up my creative game, it would be Robert (and I've spoken with quite a number of mentors). He's mastered the craftsman mindset and can give you very clear executional tips and technique to deliver better work. I'm so thankful I found Robert. PS. he's got the best personality too - grounded, kind, great listener. Thank you Robert!
CEO, Early-stage Startup
Let’s face it, staying motivated isn’t always easy!
Whether you work for a corporation, government, agency or on your own, we can all use an inspirational jolt — and this is the book you’ve been looking for!
