Rafael Matos da Silva

Founding mentor

✨ 10 sessions

⏳ 500 minutes

Design Systems Architect and Brand Identity Lead @ Freelancer

4testimonials Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon (UTC+1) 15+ yrs in design

About

All my mentoring is completely free. Early in my career, I didn’t have many mentors, so this is my way of giving back to the design community. I’m an independent Portuguese designer with 20+ years of experience in branding, design systems, and UI/UX, working with startups and clients worldwide. I enjoy helping designers work through challenges, build confidence, and grow in their own way. This year, I’ve completed more than 60 mentoring sessions and was recognized twice as one of ADPList’s Top 100 UX Mentors.

How I can help

I mostly help designers work through imposter syndrome, build stronger design systems, and start freelancing with confidence. I can also help you improve your portfolio and case studies, prepare for senior UX interviews, transition into product design, price your work, find clients, and grow from senior to staff or leadership. Having hired and interviewed designers myself, I understand what hiring managers look for and how to help you stand out. I also mentor designers on advanced Figma workflows and AI integration.

Ask me about

Freelance to full-time

Building a design system

Growing into leadership

Agency to in-house

Layoffs

First or only designer

Expertise

Portfolio Review

Job search strategy

Selected work

ECO - Economia Online, Portugal's first mobile-native platform reshaping financial news

Nebulae Software, Cloud software partner branded for startup transformation

Smartspanner, Proactive maintenance tools designed for global operations

OSM - The Art of Engineering, Engineering heritage redesigned into an industrial reference

Slägen & Zonen, Bespoke tailoring reborn as modern executive menswear

What mentees say

4 testimonials on Hop

Rafael is the real thing — years of freelance branding experience and it shows in every answer. Clear, direct, and focused on what actually matters, so no minute was wasted. He helped me think straight about pricing, clients, and where to focus. I came in with a lot on my mind and left with clarity and renewed energy. Thank you, Rafael!
Yakov · Sep 2026 · Hop session
Rafael really showed me where i could change and be better, showed my strengths and the path to achive my goals. He was very respectful and funny to talk, i really appreciated our time together
Matheus · Sep 2026 · Hop session
Rafael has plenty years of experience as a freelance designer and it shows. We had a great and fun chat, he answered all of my questions and I am really, really thankful.
Tamerlane · Aug 2026 · Hop session