Strategic 1-on-1 coaching for creative professionals like you.

For creatives navigating burnout, career transitions, freelancing, leadership, AI disruption, and creative uncertainty.

Rob Smith standing with his arms behind his back, smiling.

Staying motivated isn’t easy. Let’s recalibrate your creative career.

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.

Who is 1-on-1 Coaching for?

It's for the creatives who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for more. Sound like you?

  • The Invisible Creative Leader: You’re doing strong, thoughtful work, but people still treat you like a tactical pair of hands instead of a strategic voice. You struggle to communicate your value in a way that leads to bigger opportunities, stronger influence, or better compensation.
  • The Burned-out Veteran: The industry has changed. AI is changing it even faster. You’ve built years of experience and insight, but lately you feel exhausted, disconnected, or uncertain about where you fit next. You know your wisdom still matters — you just need help translating it into today’s creative landscape.
  • The Isolated Soloist: You run your own freelance business or independent practice, but you’re making too many important decisions alone. You want deeper creative work, stronger positioning, and more consistent opportunities — but you keep falling into survival mode instead of building the career you actually want.
Frankenstein hand holding a pencil illustration drawn by Chelle Lorenzen.

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.

1

Book a Free Discovery Call

We’ll start with a free, virtual 30-minute discovery call. 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. Then you can choose to book a single 60-minute session or a series of 6 sessions. Each 60-minute online session is focused on making progress toward a personalized program designed specifically for you.
2

Choose a Coaching Format

Sessions are tailored to your unique goals, creative challenges, and schedule — whether you’re looking for focused support around a specific issue or ongoing guidance and accountability.

60-Minute Coaching Session

$300 CAD

6-Session Coaching Package

$1,800 CAD

or save 10% with a one-time payment of $1,620 CAD

3

Get Honest Guidance and Practical Direction

You can expect honest conversations that are candid, compassionate, and grounded in real industry experience from a creative who’s been where you are.

You’ll get direct access to 30 years of creative insight — unfiltered, practical, and focused entirely on your growth.

Every session is designed to leave you with a clearer direction, actionable next steps, and renewed confidence in your creative path.

Still not sure?

Here are some frequently asked qauestions. If you’ve got a question that isn’t answered here, feel free to reach out.

Am I obligated to book coaching sessions after the Free Discovery Call?

Absolutely not. The discovery call is purely a chat so we can get to know each other and gauge coaching compatibility. No obligations.

Will I be coached during the Discovery Call?

No. This call isn’t a coaching session, but a conversation to gauge coaching compatibility.

Who is 1-on-1 coaching best for?

This is ideal if you want personalized support, focused attention, and a deep dive into your specific goals and challenges.

What happens in a session?

Each session’s conversation is guided by your specific goals. We’ll explore what’s coming up, identify patterns, and create clear next steps you can follow.

How long are the sessions?

The Discovery Call is a quick 30-minute chat. Coaching sessions are 60-minutes long.

Can I schedule more sessions after doing a Single Session?

Absolutely! I offer a 6-Session Package for 1-on-1 Coaching.

For the 6-Session Package, what’s the timing like?

We’ll meet six times. Most clients meet weekly or bi-weekly, but we can decide what pace supports you best.

For the 6-Session Package, can I reach out for support between sessions?

Yes, you can reach out by email and I’ll do my best to give you a timely reply.

What if I need to reschedule or cancel my session?

Sessions can be rescheduled or canceled with 24-hours notice. Information about coaching “admin” will be sent to you upon booking.

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.

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!
Explore Workshops
Coffee pot with a thought idea bubble above it illustration by Chelle Lorenzen
Stampede of horses running illustration by Chelle Lorenzen
“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.”

— Diana Coote, Founder & Creative Director

Candid close crop of Rob Smith smiling with his arms crossed and a hand on chin.

Hey, I'm Rob!

Founder of Think Smith.

Throughout my 30 years in the creative industry, I’ve worked in-house, inside government, at design studios, and as the founder of two successful agencies. I’ve led teams, built brands, taught the next generation of creatives, and helped people reconnect with the work that excites them again.

“Very accommodating, encouraging”

Robert was very accommodating, encouraging, and most of all positive. He addressed my imposter syndrome and allowed me to be aware that I do have versatile design skills. I believe that the “homework” on myself and work that he advised I do will definitely spark results. As a mentor, Robert is phenomenal.
Photo of Fiona McBean
Fiona McBean
Graphic Designer

“Great insights and ideas”

Robert shares great insights and ideas on design portfolios, storytelling in résumés, creative career paths, and soft skills a creative can invest in. He’s generous with his knowledge and shares it openly. He helped me when I was at a crossroads in my creative journey and helped me understand my creative path.
Photo of Neng Mohd
Neng Mohd
Art Director

“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!
Chanya
CEO, Early-stage Startup

Career Coaching Courses

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Upcoming Courses

No Current Courses

But don't worry! I'm brewing up something fresh.

Let’s face it, staying motivated isn’t always easy!

Corporate, agency, or flying solo—every creative hits a wall. Break through yours with the Zebras toolkit. Get strategic perspective with the foundational book, and roll up your sleeves with the practical companion workbook.
Explore the Books
A black and white photo of Robert Smith writing notes on a wooden bench.