Mentorship: The value of guidance
Written by Holly Boden | Illustrated by Katie Allen
For many of us, we are no stranger to the dreaded question - “So, when did you know you wanted to become a creative?” I guarantee they are two types of responses, both starting with a sharp intake of breath. One, tracing back to a specific moment that came along and inspired you. [Insert a profound childhood story about when you were handed your first pack of crayons, here]. Or the second deriving from a particular inspiring person: your favourite teacher, the tutor who made things just click or maybe meeting a particular design icon.
Both responses are equally valid. The beauty is, that everyone will have their own unique story and influences. You've all found yourself here today as a creative professional inspired from both a spark ignited by yourself and someone or something that made you dream and think of what could be. But it might just be argued that the second response is the most valuable out of the two.
(Before I continue, I’d like to just make a quick caveat here and acknowledge that not everyone is lucky enough to have someone that they can look up to and/or have the endless exposure of possibilities and opportunities that aid the development of their careers. For sure, that definitely comes from a place of privilege. It’s also worth a mention that not everyone goes the full traditional degree route and I’ll tend to refer to “education” in the wider senses here. This emphasises the positive impact of diverse mentorship, of which I’ll pick back up later on.)
These particular connections have usually been promoted to us at school age, or encompassed within some form of education. (A main reason why I jumped to that quick caveat above). That traditional tutor/student relationship created in your early years is something that will go on to frame you for the rest of your lives. Impacting you in a positive way: one built on growth and nurture, development of confidence and someone believing in you to push and shrive for success. Or, on the other hand, impacting you more negatively due to the lack of the previous.
So, when we leave the comforts of education where does that relationship go? I really doubt most people are still in contact with their inspiring primary school teacher – you know the one that handed you those life-changing crayons. Yet, when you are out of that educational bubble, who's the next person to turn to? When do they let go of your hand and let you fend for yourself? Or indeed, if you have not been privileged enough to access that kind of support – who is there to turn too?
“You’ve graduated now so, of course, you’re meant to know it all.”
At what point does the educational structure phase and level out to just you being on your own-supposedly knowing what do to next?
Nothing sums this up more than the weird limbo in-between your post student life and that first proper job. You’ve graduated now so, of course, you’re meant to know it all. Here’s a big kick up the bum and you're on your way – waving bye to security and hello to the unknown and the rest of your life and career.
Good luck, you’ve left the nest and are now expected to fly.
© Katie Allen
With endless rejections, ghosted applications and never-ending spell checks, it’s very much okay to admit that this, the seemingly exciting next chapter, is one that makes you feel the most alone, anxious and damn well tired. And let’s not forget, the instilled pressure to not be the only chick that cannot fly.
“It’s very much okay to admit that this, the seemingly exciting next chapter, is one that makes you feel the most alone, anxious and damn well tired.”
From my personal experience, University builds you up to think that industry is this holy land that if you’re very lucky you’ll be snapped up and the worlds your oyster. And if you don’t make it there within the first 6 months you’ve failed.
University can set you up for many things but the reality check that comes after can be quite a hard pill to swallow. It sometimes feels that there is this metaphorical glass screen between industry and you – you can see your dream job right there but how do you tap the glass hard enough to breakthrough?
Sadly, there is no special formula or magic potion. (I know, I'm gutted too). But in reality, what's setting us apart from those up in the “God Tier” is time and life experience within the field. No, I'm not talking about the infuriating job spec of “2 years plus experience for a grad role.” [Eyeroll - anyone applying for a job right now will get me]. We’re talking about just purely living in the industry. The stuff education and their set curriculum can’t prepare you for.
This is where mentoring comes into play, that person who comes along with their little hammer to help you smash through.
The power of this connection can be so valuable for someone starting out. Mentoring helps you form a relationship with someone else within the industry, with the main focus to help aid you and be that guiding voice as you develop throughout your career.
It helps bridge the gap between you and your pivotal career-breaking moment and can be someone who helps you throughout the rest of your journey too. Something that doesn’t just stop when your feet land under the desk for the first time.
It allows you to increase your knowledge, become more confident in your abilities, be that informal safe space to ask silly questions and advice, push your success, build up your network and help establish those building blocks to help reach your aspirations.
© Katie Allen
What comes with experience is being able to deal with things that only crop up within a working world context like freelancing, pricing your work, asking for a promotion and dealing with workplace biases. Your mentor can be that person who you can really lean on. Someone who just gets what you're feeling and understands how to respond because essentially, they’ve been there and done that.
My recent experience with mentoring has been a fantastic one, for all the reasons mentioned. What started as informal weekly remote check-ins has now become a long-lasting relationship and someone I know I can talk to throughout the rest of my career- she's only a quick message away. See your mentor as that creative big brother/sister that you can turn to for candid advice. Mentorship shouldn't be seen as something to be intimidated by, in fact, it's quite the opposite.
“Mentorship shouldn’t be seen as something to be intimidated by, in fact, it’s quite the opposite.”
For me the process to match me up with Hannah comprised of me filling out a quick questionnaire about myself and the guys at Cult then matched me with who they thought would be best. A bit like online dating for the professional world. I couldn't have asked for more, each week the topic changed- from chats about confidence-boosting, interview tips, folio feedback, networking tips, career direction and even just chats about life. It was all so valuable to me and something I know I will be thankful for throughout the rest of my creative career.
The mentor/mentee relationship differs from the stiff rod of the curriculum led teacher/student one as you are both muddling your way through industry too. Everyone is winging it and everyone is gaining their own experiences to pass on to the next wave of creatives. Be humbled to know that literally, everyone in the industry is as clueless as the rest of us. It can be a great reminder that you are not alone in this. And what you might think is something only beneficial for the mentee, as the relationship organically grows over time, so can the benefits for the mentor.
“Everyone is winging it”
The creative industry needs more fresh perspectives to survive and this can only be done by mentors extending their arms to more diverse talent and creating a way into the industry that they couldn’t achieve prior.
Finally, I think it’s only fair I end this by saying thanks to my own [insert crayon story here]. Whoever it was that gave me my first pack of crayons. I’m sorry I don’t remember the exact moment or person (see it wasn’t that profound as I’d made it out to be) but little did you know you kick-started my love and passion for being a creative. Allowing me to work in an amazing, fun, inspiring industry every day and I'll be forever grateful. I hope you all agree, whichever your chosen answer might be.
The A-Team mentoring programme is open for applications until 11pm GMT on Friday 19th March - so don’t miss out! Our mentors are ready to listen, guide and empower the next wave of creative talent.
About The Author
I’m Holly a Graphic Designer/Creative based in Leeds. Whether that be coming up with next big campaign idea, working with disruptive brands or ruffling a few feathers - I’m all about creating work that has a genuine impact on people's lives and using design as a platform for change.
When I’m not creating, you’ll probably find me scrolling through skincare blogs, baking, eating far too many chocolate digestives (hence the need for the skincare blogs) or watching a true-crime documentary.
