Creative direction and mentoring for freelancers, studio founders and independent creatives who need a senior perspective on their work, their business, or both.
Even the best creatives need perspective. Someone to challenge the thinking, strengthen the work, spot opportunities and ask different questions.
This is creative direction designed for the people who usually provide it themselves — whether that's added insight into your creative business, or your clients'. We've been where you are. We know what it's like to be working in isolation or within a small team and needing added insight, brain power and creative thinking to sense-check, confidence-boost, or actually help guide your creative business — for your business or your client projects.
Freelancers, studio founders and independent creative directors who need a senior creative perspective — on their work, their business, or both.
Strong work, great bones — needed fresh perspective.
Two briefs for two new clients of Rule's, both needing some extra "love" to wow these new client relationships. We strategically questioned aspects of the initial client brief to sharpen thinking and unlock new avenues for the creative direction to go. Over two half-days, we created new brand territories, moodboards and messaging to align with the work Rule was presenting — sharpening and catapulting different directions to present to client.
A space to think more clearly, make better decisions and move forward with greater confidence.
Building a business. Stepping into leadership. Navigating change. Finding clarity. Trusting your instincts. This is a space for the bigger questions.
We work on unlocking your growth — the work, the positioning, the pitching, the mindset, the business model. Whatever it is. Where do you want to go? What's holding you back? What does the next version of your career or business actually look like? We work through it together — honestly. A clearer vision and direction created where needed.
Each engagement is shaped by you — your growth opportunities, your defining moments, where the leverage actually is. Some starting points:
Creatives, freelancers and founders at an inflection point — stepping into something new, navigating a transition, or needing a consistent senior perspective to think alongside.
A brand strategist in an agency, being drawn towards shifting into Creative Direction. They needed a thinking partner who understood both the creative and strategic side of the industry.
We helped guide, reflect and navigate towards stepping into a creative role within the same agency — reflecting on the why, the vision and the values that underpinned the shift. We built confidence, language and outcomes for internal team and employer conversations, offering perspective based on real experience of how a Creative Director's roles and responsibilities actually show up. A creative "sounding board" reviewing work and briefs in tandem with our sessions, building confidence and understanding in the process of being a creative vs strategist.
A New Zealand designer running a remote creative business from Japan. Working in isolation, she needed added perspective and execution of the positioning and messaging for where she wanted to shift to — to gain a more grown-up set of playful clients.
Shifting from experienced Web Designer & SEO expert to a Strategic, Brand & Web Design Partner for playful and ambitious founders. Through a series of remote workshops and messaging work, we developed the business positioning, the offer, and how to communicate value while keeping the playful fun to attract higher-value clients internationally.
Not sure which fits? Tell us where you're at.
We'll figure out the right way to work together.
"Kimberley has been a game changer for my creative workflow for clients. It can be super hard to ideate and pressure test strategic ideas and directions in a silo. Having her on board has made my processes faster and my concepts ones that clients fall in love with."
"Like a really cool gym for your brain. You'll leave with sharper thinking, more confidence, and someone in your corner who's genuinely invested in helping you grow."
"From wishy washy messaging to honing into my market and TOV, Kimberley has given me confidence in my way forward in business that you just can't put a price tag on!!! We worked through problems that I've been ruminating on for so long, but never had the opportunity or drive to actually put down on paper. Her direction has made my marketing process, and selling my services breezy as heck. Can't wait for the next time we work together."
Thanks for reaching out. We read every message and reply within 1–2 business days. In the meantime — have a lovely day.
Working across NZ, Australia and beyond. Currently Auckland on NZT.