In a conscious effort to improve my mental health and get more involved in the local art community, I started following local artists and organizations in my area. On June 27th, the Riverside Arts Council announced a new free mentorship program designed to facilitate connections between artists for guidance and shared wisdom. Eager to both learn and give back, I signed up as both a mentor and mentee.
As a mentee, I hoped to find guidance on the legal aspects of art and advice on licensing my patterns to larger businesses. As a mentor, I wanted to help someone build a website, advertise on social media, and collaborate on larger projects with local artists like myself. Although I wasn't matched with a mentor, I did get a mentee: Vicky of The Chunky Cowboy, a digital artist who creates stickers, art prints, and more, featuring designs inspired by cats and anime.
Our first meeting was on July 8th, and since then, we've met every Tuesday through Discord. During each meeting, we evaluate our current business standings, establish goals for the future, and set weekly objectives to help us achieve success. This mentorship has not only motivated me to push forward in my business, but it has also alleviated some of the loneliness that comes with being a solo entrepreneur.
Running my own business often leaves me feeling isolated. There are no colleagues to converse with, no board members to brainstorm ideas with, and no boss or manager to set goals and deadlines. However, through the benefits of art mentorship, I've found accountability and a sense of camaraderie. Having someone who relates to the challenges and joys of making and selling art has been incredibly valuable.
Vicky has introduced me to numerous social media pages, local cat cafes, and artistic spaces like the Birdcage Comics Cafe, which hosts comic workshops, and Our Brew, which organizes Drink and Draw events. This support network has been crucial, and our shared interests—like our mutual love for the band Saint Motel—have strengthened our bond.
As we near the two-month mark of our mentorship, I can see tangible progress on both sides. Vicky has revamped their website, created a new collection of sticker designs, and improved their booth display. Meanwhile, I've made strides in my business, including creating a new display for my art prints using foam boards, experimenting with resin, making a YouTube video, and establishing a habit of weekly progress.
I've even taken on a second mentee, and now we collaborate on ideas together. This mentorship program has been transformative for my business. I'm more consistent, fulfilled, and successful than ever before. I actually look forward to progressing my business just to have something positive to share with my mentee.
If you're a business owner looking to connect, collaborate, give wisdom, receive feedback, and make consistent progress, I highly recommend signing up for or creating your own mentorship program. The impact has been profound, and I can't recommend it enough. For more tips on networking, check out my article, "The Power of Being a Fan: Building Connections in the Art Community."
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