Rachel Simms, RGD

Certified Registered Graphic Designer, Strategic Creative Director, Front-End Developer, Educator & Artist

I combine nationally certified strategy with an intuitive, psychology-first approach to build brands that don’t just look good—they feel like a solution.

Woman with glasses and brown hair in a blue blazer smiling, standing in front of a white wall with colorful note cards displayed.

Most design asks, "Does it look pretty?"  I ask, "Does it build trust?"

I specialize in Intuitive Design Strategy. While others focus on trends, I focus on the human experience. By anticipating your client’s needs and clearing the technical and emotional path to a conversion, I create brand identities and websites that feel like a warm handshake, not a cold sales pitch.

    • Stop Guessing: Use design backed by rigorous RGD standards.
    • Start Connecting: Build a brand that resonates on a human level.
    • Grow Confidently: Make informed decisions with a seasoned advisor in your corner.
    Woman in a blue suit and glasses holds a stack of colorful books on her head, standing against a plain light background.

    Your Strategic Partner & Creative Advocate

    With over a decade of experience and a formal RGD certification—the highest professional standard in Canada—I don’t just "make things." I lead.

    From my tenure as a Professor of Graphic Design to Broadbent Studio’s status as a Vendor of Record for Supply Ontario, I’ve spent my career bridging the gap between high-level business goals and empathy-led visual storytelling. Whether I’m mentoring the next generation of designers or building your digital home, my mission remains the same: clarity, integrity, and results.

    Making Waves at the Intersection of Strategy, Pedagogy, and Inquiry.

    Navigating the complex waters of branding and education requires more than just a map—it requires a deep-sea perspective. Explore the three pillars of my work below.

    Path 01: The Strategic Advisor

    From RGD-certified branding to strategy-driven website projects for local Hamilton Businesses —see how I use psychology-first design to solve complex business challenges for service providers and consultants.

    ​​Path 02: The Design Educator

    I’ve spent over a decade teaching the next generation of designers how to sea things differently. This section highlights my curriculum development as a Professor and my research on design thinking and pedagogy. 

    Path 03: The Artist

    This is where I dive below the surface and let my imagination run wild. My art portfolio is a window into my personal skill set—showcase work that explores my love for drawing and my experience with the world.

    CommunityVotes Hamilton 2024 Silver Winner badge. The badge features a silver star border at the top and the text 'CommunityVotes Hamilton 2024 Silver Winner' prominently displayed in the center. Below, it states 'voted best in Graphic Design'
    CommunityVotes Hamilton 2024 Silver Winner badge. The badge features a silver star border at the top and the text 'CommunityVotes Hamilton 2024 Silver Winner' prominently displayed in the center. Below, it states 'voted best in Graphic Design'
    CommunityVotes Hamilton 2024 Silver Winner badge. The badge features a silver star border at the top and the text 'CommunityVotes Hamilton 2024 Silver Winner' prominently displayed in the center. Below, it states 'voted best in Graphic Design'
    CommunityVotes Hamilton 2024 Silver Winner badge. The badge features a silver star border at the top and the text 'CommunityVotes Hamilton 2024 Silver Winner' prominently displayed in the center. Below, it states 'voted best in Graphic Design'

    Ready to stop being a best-kept secret?

    Let’s build a brand that speaks your audience's language. Based in Hamilton, serving professionals across Ontario and beyond.