kind words from clients

  • Before enrolling in the RGD Career Coaching Program, I struggled with imposter syndrome and felt unsure about my worth as a graphic designer. I had doubts about whether I could pursue a career as a user experience designer for social and environmental causes while also maintaining financial stability, especially without an extensive list of qualifications. However, participating in this program led by Alana transformed my perspective. Alana guided me to realize that there isn't a single predefined path I must follow to achieve my goals. Through the program, I gained clarity on my objectives, developed a positive mindset, delved into effective job application strategies, and benefited from the shared experiences of fellow graphic designers facing similar challenges. These invaluable resources empowered me to cultivate my ideal career with confidence. Now, I no longer doubt my abilities or question my worth. I have a clear vision of where I want to go and practical goals to guide me along the way. Thanks to Alana and the program, I have gained the clarity, confidence, and practical tools necessary to pursue a fulfilling career as a user experience designer, making a positive impact on social and environmental causes while also enjoying improved financial stability

    Kelsy B., Graphic Designer

  • Alana is very helpful at identifying ways of moving forward with confidence in a design career and provided our creative coaching group with an array of tools to do so. She is an empathetic listener who provides practical guidance on how to move through challenging professional situations and ultimately build resilience as a creative practitioner.

    Graphic Designer, Toronto

  • I'm here to loudly shout out to Alana Ruoso for being totally fantastic at what she does. I went into our sessions having a pretty foggy idea about what to do, where to go, and how to be happier professionally. I came out of the sessions with a strategy, a personal brand, and a half dozen interviews and phone screens in just a month or two. Applying felt less stressful and more successful this time around because I had a much better plan going into it. I don't think career should dominate anyone's life, but if (with a little help!) you can find a place that makes you feel valued in your day to day work situation and have a little more work-life balance, why not go for it? I chose to work with her because she specifically works with creatives and has a great breadth of experience in that realm. She also advises on how to deal with feeling rudderless and burned out, which was definitely me earlier this year. Sessions with Alana are like therapy for your career, and she led me organically toward the things that would work best for me.

    Robby, Graphic Designer/Illustrator

  • Alana is the full package. From design to marketing to coaching and everything in between, Alana truly possesses an innovative and diverse skill set that always continues to amaze me. Alana's mentorship and coaching abilities have helped me both personally and professionally as she is always on the pulse of marketing and business trends in addition to her overall inspiring and motivating presence. Alana is incredibly personable in her interactions and truly cares about her clients and colleagues. I cannot say enough amazing things about this woman!

    Rachel Dedinsky, Marketing & Digital Media Expert @byracheldedinsky

  • I’ve been working with Alana on overcoming challenges regarding new business initiatives and career change, she has been instrumental in helping me build positive belief systems and removing blocks that have been hindering my long term vision. I highly recommend Alana if you are looking to bring positive changes into your career or life.

    Amani A., Transformational Coach

  • Hi Alana: I’ve been meaning to send you a note following your On Deck presentation last week. I was so impressed with the whole presentation and l loved so much of what you said. Thank you so much. I’m looking forward to continuing to follow you.

    On Deck First 50 Fellowship Member

  • I was struggling with knowing where to go in the graphic design field, and know if it was right for me at all. I was having issues understanding how to be a freelance designer, and the pros and cons between a freelancer and working with a company. After working with Alana, one of the biggest things I noticed was that I become stronger in how I felt about some of my design work and my abilities. I also became more confident approaching clients, looking for work with and finding the best way to approach a job. The biggest take away was definitely the confidence I gained. The coaching sessions opened my eyes to see that I’m not the only one who is struggling with these different issues. I found Alana amazing to talk to and very insightful for everything, especially when I had unexpected hiccups with working with some clients.

    Charlsie M., Graphic Designer

  • My favourite speakers were Blake Howard, Alana Ruoso and Sagi Haviv. They were all confident speakers, moved their presentations along nicely and had inspiring advice that you could take away with you.

    DesignThinkers Attendee