How to Find a Graphic Design Mentor

What is a Mentor?

A mentor is someone who has experience that you don’t have yet. At some point they were in the same spot as you starting out. These people who have “been there and done that” offer one of the most understated resources graphic designers can benefit from: mentorship.

A good mentor can help you avoid common mistakes early on, solve troublesome problems, and offer up valuable connections and advice, while helping you realize your full potential.

Finding a Mentor

Mentorship occurs naturally in nearly every field. But in the world of graphic design you sometimes have to make more of an effort to find one. Often graphic designers are the only in-house designer or work primarily as a freelancer. Even if you work with a staff of designers it can be helpful to find a mentor outside your workplace. They can give you a fresh perspective.

• Intern – Still in school? Some of the best mentor relationships start with an internship or apprenticeship. Your employer goes into that arrangement knowing they will pay little to no money, but in exchange they are expected to share knowledge.
•  Network – Stay in touch with everyone you’ve connected with through school and work. You never know where you might meet an amazing mentor. Linkedin is a hugely valuable resource for this type of networking.
• Associations – Get involved and join a committee through an association like AIGA. Many have mentor programs or portfolio reviews geared towards designers who are just starting out.
• Colleagues – Offer to take out a colleague for coffee. Sometimes you can find an amazing mentor who is a peer.
• Online communities
  • Behance – An Adobe showcase to share your own work, get feedback and discover the latest work from top designers
  • Dribbble – Once you get past the typo in the domain you’ll find a community of designers sharing screenshots of their designs and looking for inspiration.
  • Meetup – Find your region and an active meetup group with a focus on graphic design. Don’t see one? Start your own.
  • Awwwards – Check out the inspiring design and get feedback on yours.
  • Designer News – After creating your profile pic out of pixels (they definitely know their audience) you will find a content packed forum.
  • Reddit – Reddit has a number of great design forums to cater to all tastes.
  • Quora – Ask Quora groups any graphic design question and you’ll be surprised by the number of responses you’ll get.
• Be creative – Not all mentors have to be graphic designers. Design schools are not known for preparing their students for the business side of design. Don’t forget to look towards marketers and project managers.

Now What?

So you’ve found a mentor and you are ready to meet. Keep in mind these basic tips:

• Set an agenda – Before every meeting or phone call with your mentor write down questions you want to ask. Send them to your mentor in advance. They will be better prepared to give you advice and have time to gather resources.
• Be accommodating – Be conscious of their time and express your gratitude towards them.
• Two way street – The best mentor relationships work both ways. Ask if there is anything you can help your mentor with.
• Share – Mentorship is part of a cycle of good karma. Give back to those that are walking a similar path as you once you’ve gained experience as a designer.