The Importance of Mentorship for Young Creatives

I have been incredibly lucky to have been taught and mentored by some incredible professionals: creatives and non-creatives. I can’t say everyone is so lucky, and there are some who may not realize just how important and impactful having a mentor really is. I thought I would share how having mentors has shaped me and why I think it’s so crucial for young creatives who are just starting their career.

While I have worked with and/or learned from a number of individuals who have shaped how I work, two in particular stand out:

The first is my first full-time boss. I learned so much from her leadership. She really taught me what kind of leader I’d like to be when I am able to have a team of my own. She handled herself with grace and composure, but never came across as closed off. I was never scared or apprehensive of her- felt like I could be myself at work and that I was appreciated. She was my fierce advocate, in tune to what I needed as a professional and did everything in her power to ensure I was able to do my best work. She gave me room to be creative, played to my strengths, while challenging me to work on my weaknesses. Together, we were a team and I am incredibly proud of the work we were able to do and the brand we built together. I hope someday I can be to some young designer what she was to me as I was starting my career.  

The other mentor who stands out for me is the person who introduced me to design in the first place. My former high-school teacher, DT, was a graphic designer turned teacher, and the perspective this experience provided him with was so impactful for me as a young, developing creative. He never let me off easy, always pushed me to do my best work, and continues to be a supporter long after I graduated. He has been a sounding board, a seasoned set of design-eyes to take a look at something I’m working on and is full of level-headed advice. Just because someone is a good designer does not mean they are a good teacher, but in this case, he is both.

I honestly cannot think of where I would be had I not had these mentors (and many others) teaching me and inspiring me to be my best. It is so meaningful to have someone to turn to who understands what you do and that you can be honest with. I truly believe that it is something that can really help young designers grow.

If you’re a young designer who doesn’t yet have someone they can lean on as a mentor, I urge you to check out some of the mentorship programs offered by many different organizations.
Two that I know of are:

1. RGD Mentorship Program
2. ADP List