IT STARTS WITH YOU
Think Beyond Algorithms
You can't promote yourself until
you know yourself.
This practical, self-guided course will help you take an honest look at what you bring to the table, what’s getting in your way, where your opportunities are, and what you actually want from your creative career.
It starts with you.
Before you rewrite your résumé, overhaul your portfolio, update your LinkedIn profile or start firing off applications, you need to know what you're actually selling.
And we're not talking about your job title.
In a world increasingly driven by AI, algorithms and Applicant Tracking Systems, it's easy to forget that you are not an algorithm.
You're a human being with experience, curiosity, opinions, instincts, skills and a particular way of seeing the world. Those things matter. But first, you need to understand what they are.
It Starts With You is a practical exercise in self-awareness designed to help you get clearer about your strengths, your struggles, your opportunities and where you want to go next. No inspirational posters. No personality quiz telling you that you're secretly a "visionary unicorn." Just some honest questions, useful exercises and a little work.
Because once you know yourself, you have something real to promote.
Who is this course for?
This is for you if...
You're trying to figure out what's next in your creative career.
You're spending a lot of energy on work that doesn't seem to be getting you anywhere you want to go.
You're considering a career change, a new role, or a new way of working.
You're feeling stuck, uncertain, or a little lost about your direction.
You're struggling to explain what you actually bring to the table.
You'd like to make career decisions based on what actually fits you, rather than what you think you're supposed to be doing.
You don't need to have your career figured out before you start.
That's kind of the point.
What you'll learn:
This course gives you a set of practical exercises to help you understand where you are, where you want to go, and what might get you there.
Here's a quick breakdown of what we'll cover across 4 modules and 11 lessons.
MODULE 1
THE FOUNDATION OF SELF-PROMOTION
You'll learn to identify the skills you can genuinely stand behind and why human attributes like empathy and curiosity beat ATS and AI algorithms every time.
MODULE 2
MAPPING YOUR "SWOT" SPOT
The Think Smith version of a SWOT analysis includes your edge, your blocks, your opportunities, and your map.
MODULE 3
THE REALITY AUDITS
Two audit exercises. The first to determine what you need, what you want, and what you offer. The second compares the effort you're spending to the work satisfaction you get in return.
MODULE 4
PUTTING THE DATA TO WORK
Weaponize your audits to build a plan for
self-promotion and tackle the next steps in your career.
Meet Your Instructor
Robert Smith
Founder, Think Smith
I'm Rob. Over the past 30+ years, I've worked across corporations, creative studios, and as the founder of two agencies, leading award-winning projects for clients including Warner Bros., DC Comics, and the Royal Canadian Mint. I'm also the chief architect of the Farm Boy brand, a founding member of the RGD, an adjunct professor, and a frequent speaker at events like DesignThinkers.
Beyond the highlights are the same challenges many creatives face—self-doubt, pressure, late nights, and wondering if you truly belong. Today, I focus on coaching, courses, workshops, and practical frameworks that help creative professionals gain clarity, think strategically, and navigate the realities of the industry. I don't just teach design; I share the tools, insights, and approaches I wish I'd had throughout my own career.
Meet Your Instructor
Robert Smith
Founder, Think Smith
I'm Rob. Over the past 30+ years, I've worked across corporations, creative studios, and as the founder of two agencies, leading award-winning projects for clients including Warner Bros., DC Comics, and the Royal Canadian Mint. I'm also the chief architect of the Farm Boy brand, a founding member of the RGD, an adjunct professor, and a frequent speaker at events like DesignThinkers.
Beyond the highlights are the same challenges many creatives face—self-doubt, pressure, late nights, and wondering if you truly belong. Today, I focus on coaching, courses, workshops, and practical frameworks that help creative professionals gain clarity, think strategically, and navigate the realities of the industry. I don't just teach design; I share the tools, insights, and approaches I wish I'd had throughout my own career.
It starts with you.
Includes:
4 modules
10 lessons
Downloadable, fillable PDF Workbook
Completely free
Questions? Good.
Here's what people usually want to know before they get started.
Is this really free?
Yes. Completely free. We think It Starts With You is useful work for any creative professional, so we've made it available at no cost because knowing yourself is a really good place to start.
Who is the course for?
It's designed primarily for creative professionals (freelancing, working in-house, running an agency) who are looking for their next opportunity or simply wondering what the heck to do next.
That said, you don't need to be a designer. You just need to be wiling to take an honest look at yourself and your career.
Do I need to be looking for a new job to take this course?
Nope. The exercises can be useful whether you're actively job hunting, just starting your career, thinking about career change, or just feeling like it's time to reassess where you're headed.
Is this course about résumés and portfolios?
Not really. That's what comes after you've done the exercises in this course.
How long will it take to complete this course?
It's designed to be practical rather than a massive time commitment. The lessons and exercises are relatively short and you can work through them at your own pace. Some exercises require a quick "gut reaction" response, while others might benefit from longer reflection.
Do I need the workbook?
The workbook is an integral part of this course. You'll receive a downloadable, fillable PDF copy of the workbook. You can fill it in digitally or print it out and revisit as you reassess your goals and priorities throughout your career.
Will this course tell me what career I should have?
No. We haven't quite developed that magical course just yet. What this course will do is give you a clearer understanding of yourself, your skills, your priorities, and the opportunities that might be a good fit. What you do with that information is up to you.
What if I don't know what I want to do next?
Perfect! You don't need to know the answer before you start. In fact, figuring that out is one of the reasons you're here.
The exercises are designed to help you start finding a direction that actually fits you.
What happens after I finish the course?
That's where the fun starts.
You'll have a better foundation for making career decisions, promoting yourself, and deciding what to pursue next.
If you discover that knowing what you want was only half the battle, Think Smith has other courses, workshops, and coaching designed to help you tackle the next part.
Copyright ©2026 Think-Smith | Algorithm-Free Thinking