The designer who brings your vision out of your head and into your brand.
Rachel Simms, RGD — Certified graphic designer and website developer for health and wellness professionals and professional service firms in Hamilton, Ontario.
If you’ve ever received a logo from a designer and thought, “This doesn’t feel like me at all,” then you know the challenge I’ve been addressing for 15 years. My clients often say that working with me feels like having someone who truly understands them and can bring their vision to life on screen. This isn’t by chance; it’s the result of a process grounded in deep listening, strategic thinking, and genuine empathy for the experience of running a business that deserves recognition.
How I got here
An art kid turned designer, educator, mentor, and business cheerleader.
My love affair with graphic design started in my teens, after working as an editor for my high school yearbook and starting my own t-shirt design company. That passion took me to Canadore College, where I studied Graphic Design and graduated with honours.
Diploma in hand, I moved back to my hometown in cottage country and quickly realized graphic design jobs were few and far between. So I did what any wide-eyed new grad who went to leadership camp would do: I made my own job.
In 2015, I opened Broadbent Studio. Those early years taught me a lot about who I wanted to work with and how I wanted to show up as a designer.
What I believe about running a business
I decided to take an empathetic approach to my design services, one focused on collaboration and partnership. My goal is to become a trusted advisor to my clients and a part of their team.
“My beliefs, my mindset and my strategies are what lead the creative direction at Broadbent Studio.”
Laying down roots in the Hammer
In 2017, I moved to Hamilton and relaunched my business. I dove headfirst into the community, joining networking groups, volunteering for a charity supporting survivors of domestic abuse, and organizing events for the local RGD chapter. I started working with Hamilton business owners and quickly saw where I could add value.
I realized that clients wanted beautiful branding that reflected the true essence of their business. They need a partner who can help with brand design and web development, bringing their business to life through strong visuals and tailored, high-impact websites.
That realization led me to deepen my skills even further. In 2020, I completed McMaster University’s Web Design and Development program, graduating with honours.
How I support my clients
Today, I help health and wellness service providers, professionals, and consultants feel confident about their business, with branding they’re excited to share with the rest of the world.
What sets Broadbent Studios apart
I am an unapologetic professional, deadline-driven and hyper-responsive. And my mission to dig deep into my clients’ businesses, and understand what makes them tick, borders on obsession.
I like to think I’ve created a safe, inclusive space where curiosity is welcome and clients feel comfortable asking questions. And if a problem comes up, they know I’ll have the answers (or know exactly where to find them).
I want to create a visual brand you’d be proud to have tattooed on your body.
A teacher and a human too
I’m not just a designer, I’m also a teacher at heart. As a post-secondary professor of Graphic Design, I work with aspiring creatives to help them grow their skills in strategy, design thinking, and technical craft. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
I’m also completing a certification in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education to help hone my skills. That love of teaching carries into my client work, where I take on an advisory role, sharing knowledge, offering guidance, and helping clients make confident, informed decisions about their brand.
When I’m not working, teaching, studying or creating, you can find me at home, with my husband and our adorable shorkies Ellie and Mabel, curled up with a cup of coffee, escaping into a good romance novel.
Curious about my work outside the studio, teaching, research, and personal creative practice? Explore rachelsimms.ca
Now that you know my story, I’d love to hear yours.
Having clients tell me “Rachel, get out of my head!” is a real point of pride for me.
Education and Certifications
- Certified RGD (Registered Graphic Designer), 2022
- Web Design & Development Certificate (Academic Honours) – McMaster University, 2020
- Advanced Diploma (Academic Honours), Graphic Design – Canadore College, 2015
- Teaching and Learning in Higher Education – Centennial College (In Progress), 2026
- Hubspot – Inbound Marketing, Growth-Driven Design, Email Marketing, Content Marketing, Social Media Strategy Certifications, 2021
- SquareSpace Circle Gold Partner, 2023-Present
- Chapter President, FemCity Hamilton/Burlington – 2026 – Present
Fun Facts About Me
A Community Champion
Whether it’s creative collabs, local events, or women-focused networking groups, I’m all about lifting up my community.
This Girl Codes
I’m not just a designer, I am also a front-end web developer. I bring coding knowledge in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP to create high-performing, visually engaging websites.
Ethical by Design
I follow a super strong code of ethics, so you can feel good about the work we create from start to finish.
Voracious Reader
I am a big-time book lover, and romance novels are my weakness. I can get through 50 books a year and love to chat about them at my local book club.
Lifelong Learner
From attending workshops and courses to reading the latest design books, I never stop learning. You’ll get fresh ideas backed by up-to-date skills and creative curiosity.
Your Biggest Cheerleader
Supporting others is my bread and butter. Whether mentoring new designers or helping clients grow, I bring a ton of positive energy to every project.