Rafael Matos da SilvaRM

Rafael Matos da Silva

Founding mentor

Design Systems Architect and Brand Identity Lead @ Freelancer

Lisbon, Portugal 15 yrs in design

About

I'm an independent Portuguese designer with 20+ years of experience working with startups and clients worldwide. I specialize in branding, design systems, and UI/UX. Early in my career, I didn't have many mentors, so mentoring is my way of giving back. I enjoy helping designers think through challenges, build confidence, and grow in their own way.

How I can help

I can help you figure out why your portfolio isn't landing interviews, improve your portfolio and case studies, prepare for senior UX interviews (including big tech), switch into product design from another career, go freelance with confidence by pricing your work and finding clients, and grow from senior to staff or leadership. I've hired and interviewed designers myself, so I know what hiring managers look for and how to help you stand out. I also mentor designers on design systems and advanced Figma workflows.

Ask me about

Freelance to full-time
Building a design system
Growing into leadership
Agency to in-house
Layoffs
First or only designer

Expertise

Design Lead
Interviewing
Freelancing
Negotiation
Leadership
Design systems
Product Designer
Visual/Brand
UX Designer
Portfolio Review
Job search strategy

Selected work