I consider myself a mid-level graphic designer. It’s something that occurred to me recently, as I have been applying for jobs. I have 5+ years of experience and have done so much in that time — it really makes me over qualified for some of the junior roles.

What I am finding though is even though I have put the time in as a graphic designer that does mean I have grown to where I want to be. The strong growth points take something extra. I have found it takes feedback from other graphic designers and creative directors who I want to be that make the growth happen. Why? Because business people generally do not know how to relate to the thinking or tasks of a designer and growing in this industry takes specific feedback. Business people have to focus on their bottom line and all the chaos that comes with running a business and besides they don’t have the skills or industry knowledge to help in this arena. Graphic Designers know what it is like to be a designer and all the struggles that come with the work.

Thoughts on where to get a mentor. Mentoring can be subtle or very direct. For me, I feel a mentor should be someone you want to be one day. Sometimes that is your boss, a designer working for a company you want to work for or a badass freelancer who is booked solid for months on end.

For some people who are well connected it may be easy to buy a friend a coffee and chat about design stuff. But one of the downsides of having a friend as a mentor is that its easy to get off topic and friends may not want to hurt your feelings with important “criticism.”

I feel it is best to pick a mentor who really wants to actually be a mentor and help you advance your skills and understanding of this complex industry. I have had success on joining LinkedIn video events. Through LinkedIn, I was invited to a virtual networking event and meet someone who works in video and animation. Since that event, I have had two video sessions with this person and he has loaded me down with useful advice.

Another thought here, I have found the video chat platform incredibly useful. There are several reasons for this. First, you can have a mentor from any city which is awesome! Second, you can use share screen tools and begin to show and tell ideas immediately. Third, there is a way to record what you talk about and take notes — depending on your sharing tools.

Places to find mentors

https://www.adplist.org

www.linkedin.com

Share tools

https://miro.com/

Talking to graphic designers or creative professionals outside of my job has enabled me to focus on the work and not the office politics and gossip. This helps me see myself in the industry at large and not simply as a cog in a wheel for a company. I know that sounds quite negative but I believe that is one of the spurs that inhibits growth. It was important for me to talk with someone who was not wrapped up in that. As I am discovering having a couple people in my corner has helped me grown incredibly.

If you like this blog and want to support this site then please buy me a virtual coffee!