Services
$220 / month
Start free, decide later
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1
Free 7-day trial
No charge until day 7. Cancel anytime. -
2
Ongoing calls + chat
2 × 60-min calls per month, unlimited Q&A. Replies in 2 days. -
3
No lock-in
Month to month, no contract.
MentorCruise summary
Jay is a Group Design Lead at Canva. He has more than 15 years of design experience across companies including Twitter, Pinterest, and Canva. He helps designers clarify their career goals, strengthen their portfolios and storytelling, and make difficult career decisions.
Based on 5 verified mentee reviews
- Reviewers often praise his help with clarifying career goals, personal stories, and next steps.
- Two mentees mention his guidance on presenting their design experience and improving their storytelling.
- Two reviews point to thoughtful advice on positioning for the UX market and sorting through career opportunities and obstacles.
About
With 15+ years navigating design careers across New York City, San Francisco, China, Singapore, and Australia, I've been through the ups and downs of building a career in this industry. I've worked at companies like Twitter, Pinterest, Yahoo, Grab, and now Canva - experiencing everything from startup chaos to corporate politics.
As a mentor, I bring a real-world perspective from shipping products that millions use daily, like GrabFood and Canva Sheets. These experiences show that I know how to break down complex career challenges into actionable steps. On the side, I've taught as an adjunct professor at California College of the Arts and China. I've also spoken at conferences across the world.
Whether you're dealing with difficult stakeholders, figuring out your next career move, or just need someone who gets the design world to bounce ideas off, I've been there. I'm passionate about helping designers build inclusive products while dismantling biases, and that same approach applies to mentoring. I'll help you see your blind spots, build confidence, and create a path forward that works.
What mentees say
5 out of 5 stars
Jay helped me move from confused and uncertain to clear on my unique story and value as a designer. I recommend him for anyone who needs a steady guide through this turbulent profession.
Caroline
Standard Plan • 1 month
5 out of 5 stars
I highly recommend Jay’s portfolio review and mentorship sessions. I’ve always wanted to improve my presentation and storytelling skills, and Jay’s experience in public speaking and design makes him the perfect mentor. He’s incredibly approachable and fun to talk to, while also being honest with his feedback and clear about next steps, offering practical guidance on how to improve. I left the session feeling clearer, sharper, and more confident in how I present my work. If you’re serious about leveling up your storytelling, Jay’s the person to learn from.
Emma
Session: Portfolio Feedback
5 out of 5 stars
Before we started our session, Jay gave me questions to reflect on to better understand who I am, my goals, and what energizes / doesn't energize me. I sent my answers, Jay read them before, and, in our session, we immediately dove into dive deeper conversation about what I need and am looking for. I already knew about Jay through his writing and signed up with him for his holistic approach to career, creative pursuits, and value-based living. Excited to work with him again.
Caroline
Session: Introductory Call
Get to know Jay
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Article 5 min read🐧 Overseas tech job search and salary negotiation | Jay Demetillo
Spotlight: From Silicon Valley Bamboo Ceiling to leading Product Design at Grab
Read more
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Article 5 min read🔑 From Grab to AI Products at Canva | Jay Demetillo
How a design leader navigates his tech career in the AI era
Read more
What happens when you start
You tell Jay your goals. They see exactly what you want to work on before session one.
You meet within days. Jay reviews your application and books your first session, usually within a day or two.
You leave with a plan. Concrete next steps and a weekly rhythm from your very first week.
