Mentorship

Not tactical training or portfolio polishing. Strategic, personal conversations about how you think, how you see your work, and where you’d like to take it.

Ionut Maxim, designer and mentor
Designer & mentor · 20+ years in product, strategy, and interface design

From Ionut

I have been in your shoes, navigated the creative landscape, bumped my head and ego, and tried to learn without guidance. I am here to help you bruise less.

I have been designing digital experiences for two decades and consulting independently for over ten years. My passion is not just the technical craft. It is fostering personal and professional growth. We will uncover your unique style, ask tough questions, and discover breakthrough insights together.

My freelance background gives me a unique perspective on growing as a consultant. I can help you carve your path, build meaningful relationships, and see the bigger picture, because design is not just about aesthetic appeal; it is a catalyst for business growth.

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years designing digital experiences

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mentorship sessions on ADPList

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hours of conversations

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for communication, problem solving and subject knowledge

From mentees

In their own words.

Max is a very unique mentor, one that is not easy to find. He goes beyond what design is and what the industry is expecting us to do as designers. His holistic approach to his craft, and life in general, has been very insightful. Design has a lot of aspects, one of which is to ask tough questions and Max knows how to ask questions that lead to great insights.

Cristina L.UX Designer, Telus Digital
01 / 12
★★★★★

83 sessions · 30 reviews · rated 100% for communication

Read reviews on ADPList↗

Who this is for

This might be
for you, if you…

Not a checklist. If two or three of these sound familiar, a conversation is probably worth it.

5 questions · about 2 minutes

  1. 01

    want to strengthen judgment and perspective, not just gather tips

  2. 02

    are struggling with client communication or explaining design decisions

  3. 03

    feel capable, but foggy about direction, positioning, or what comes next

  4. 04

    want to broaden your design perspective and see the bigger picture

  5. 05

    are building a freelance practice and need honest guidance on growing as a consultant

  6. 06

    are trying to grow into a more mature way of seeing products, clients, and your own potential

Scope

What mentorship can help with.

How you think

Sharpening your design judgment so decisions feel grounded, not guessed.

How you communicate

Explaining your work and decisions with clarity and confidence, to clients, teams, and stakeholders.

Taste and perspective

Developing a stronger, more reliable aesthetic and critical sense. Seeing what others miss.

Direction and positioning

Getting clarity about your role, your market fit, and where to grow next.

Freelance and consulting

Carving your own path, building meaningful client relationships, and growing sustainably.

Personal growth

Uncovering your unique style, building confidence, and growing into a more grounded version of yourself as a designer.

Process

How it works.

  1. 01

    A short conversation

    We start with a low-pressure call to understand where you are, what feels unclear, and whether the fit makes sense. No commitment required.

  2. 02

    We find a starting point

    If it feels right, we define an area of focus, not a fixed curriculum. What matters most to you becomes what we work on first.

  3. 03

    Sessions at your pace

    We meet regularly at a rhythm that fits your situation. Video calls, async reflection, or both. The format adjusts to what works.

In practice

What working
together looks like.

1 spot currently open

Book a session on ADPList↗
Session
Typically one hour
Rhythm
Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly: yours to set
Format
Video calls, async reflection, or both
Starting point
A short intro conversation. No commitment.
Length
Two or three sessions for one challenge, or ongoing for months

“Good mentorship doesn't give you answers. It builds the capacity to find better ones.”

Browse the writing→

FAQ

Common
questions.

Still unsure? Ask about fit. A short message is enough.

How long are sessions, and how often do we meet?

Sessions are typically one hour. The rhythm is yours: weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Some people work through a specific challenge in two or three sessions; others continue for months. We adjust as we go.

Is this only for mid-career or senior designers?

No. What matters is genuine intention: wanting to grow, not just gather feedback. I've worked with designers at every stage, from students finding their direction to leads rethinking their path.

Is this right for everyone?

No, and that's intentional. If you want quick portfolio teardowns, software tutorials, or trend-following shortcuts, this isn't the right fit. The value here is slower, deeper, and more strategic. It's for designers willing to do the harder work of thinking more clearly.

Do you offer one-off sessions?

I prefer to start with a short introductory conversation first. That way we both understand the context before committing to anything. A single session or an ongoing engagement: whatever makes sense after that.

What does a session actually look like?

It depends on where you are. Some sessions are deep conversation and reflection. Others involve reviewing work, mapping direction, or working through a specific decision. The format follows the need, not a fixed script.

How is this different from coaching or portfolio feedback?

Coaching tends to focus on mindset; feedback focuses on output. This sits between the two: sharpening how you think and see your work, not just what to fix or feel better about.

What if I'm not sure this is the right fit?

That's exactly what the is for. Or just reach out with a short message. A low-pressure conversation is always the starting point, with no commitment on either side.

1 spot currently open

If this feels right, let's start a conversation.

No pitch, no commitment. Just a conversation to see if working together makes sense.

Get in touch→
To IonutMentorshipWhere are you right now?Right now I'm…I read every message myselfWrite →

Fit assessment

01 / 05

Where are you in your design career?