Brand Design Photography & Styling Clarity Consulting

Veda News: Being a Design Mentor

Not too long ago, I was approached by a young emerging designer looking for a little guidance on how to run a start up freelance gig. As soon as I received the email, I was taken back to my senior year of design school where my whole world was a confusing blur and all I wanted/needed was a solid mentor. I needed someone that would tell me the truth about the “real world” without any sugar coating involved. I knew instantly that I needed to do everything I could to help this designer out and share some of the things I’ve learned along the way.

Meet Laci! She’s a graphic design intern at Walt Disney Imagineering in Los Angeles. She’s been moving through the design world for a few years now, but tells me she just hasn’t had the right “first steps” and wants to direct her efforts more towards the blogging world. Her main hiccup along the way has been finding a professional PROCESS that she feels fits the way she strives to work. She understands that everyone has a process best suited for them, but is desperately seeking some guidance when it comes to creating contracts, improving client relations, what to expect along the way, and a general insider glance at a freelancer’s reality. That’s where I’m excited to step in.

Laci and I will be emailing each other back and forth (digital pen pal style) each week through email, sharing stories and tips. I also wanted to share this experience with YOU to hopefully inspire you to take on mentorship yourself. You’ll see Laci here and there on the blog in my “Lesson Learned” section, where she will share her viewpoint on each topic being discussed. That means more insights and two perspectives.

Stay tuned.

14 comments on “Veda News: Being a Design Mentor

    1. Hi Jen. I AM coming to Chicago, but I’m afraid I’ll be running around like a crazy person since I’m only there for 1.5 days. Email me your phone number and I’ll shoot you a text if I can find a few spare moments 🙂

      casspyle@gmail.com

  1. Oh man, I feel like I’m in the same place as Laci, there’s just so many things they don’t teach you in school. I’m so happy about this and that you’ve both decided to share your insight about it all. Can’t wait!

  2. This is so great. I love when we get the chance to help people that want to follow the same career path. I’m with you-I wish I had a mentor when I first started out which was one of the reasons I was so excited to take on a team this year!

    xx Erin

  3. Wow, this is exciting. I happened upon your blog awhile ago and have been following along your journey. It’s very, very inspiring! I am currently at an agency, but am hoping to arrange my life in such a way that I can be be a creative – in many ways! I am not a graphic designer, but very much appreciate what you do! If you end up having room for more mentoring, please let me know! Or if you’re ever in NYC, please say hello!

    thanks for sharing your story! ♥

    1. Hi Kim,

      I’m always up to chatting through email. I don’t necessarily have time for a full mentorship, but feel free to email me with any questions. I’m not an expect (only new to this type of working myself), but I do really enjoy what I do and love to chat 🙂

      Best of luck to you and I’ll be sure to reach out if I’m ever in NYC!

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