1)Illustrator Mentorship Program 2)Wash

Have you ever heard of mentorship? A mentor is an "experienced and trusted adviser" according to Oxford online dictionary. Art has a very broad spectrum from performance to visual art. In any area, experienced and established artists are great supporters and wonderful guides for emerging and struggling artists at a crossing point. Mentors are not simple teachers of techniques. Mentors support and guide mentees through mentees' work development and practice, sometimes introducing them to broader aspects of their fields – and networks. Mentors promote their mentees in a competitive art market so that mentees will grow to become established artists. Mentors aim to motivate, teach, counsel and nurture their mentees. Also, hopefully, mentors will learn in mentoring. Thus, mentorship aims at mutual benefits.  

    Ann James 

I have my mentor, Ann James in picture book publishing industry.  Ann was originally an art teacher and became an illustrator. She has published more than 70 picture books, and is a significant contributor towards the development and appreciation of children's literature in Australia. Ann has received numerous awards and the national Dromkeen medal for services towards children's literature.

In mentorship, good mutual communication and serious commitment are essential. My mentor Ann is the extraordinary good email reader. Swiftly gives me assistance, if I really need. Always she leaves me the final decision. I've soon realised that I should take initiatives and Ann respects me as the agency. I've hardly ever phoned her. But always she gives mental support, too. Today, I proudly claim, "I'm the luckiest illustrator!" Yes, indeed, anyone who knows Ann says, "Yes, Sadami, you're so lucky!" I have no doubt. In our communication, Ann always gives me a comfortable and safe space so that I will tell candid opinions and honest views. 

But before we started the mentorship, I wondered if we could work together well. The most concerns were...
Concern 1) Ann's painting style is very different from mine. Does she understand me? (*below Ann's work)

 

Concern 2) Physical distance between Melbourne and Sydney – could be a problem. 
Concern 3) How will Ann backup me?
I could not directly ask about the concern 1) and kept silent. Yes, I wondered if my question would offend her. Ann answered concern 2) and the concern 3) by email.   

Regarding the concern 1), Oh, my goodness, Ann's deep, wide knowledge is really striking! A walking "encyclopedia" of picture book illustration, publishing, Australian art society and even an international world! My concern vanished. I soon found Ann's flexibility and challenging spirits upon different media and styles. It inspires me, too. Not only the technical stuff, but also, Ann's legal knowledge is helpful and I've badly needed. I've printed out her emails and sorted them out in order by contents.

Regarding the concern 3), Ann provides me with projects, promotion and support me in a publishing industry and a visual art. Actually, her name and credibility has amazed me. All publishers, established Australian illustrators and famous authors, many fine artists know Ann and respect my mentor! So, my mentorship has helped my networking, social exposure, confidence and job opportunities. 

Ann launched my second picture book "My Dog Socks"

During our ongoing mentorship, I've studied lots of Ann's books and other picture books she’ssuggested to me, at libraries and on net. It's time consuming, but worth trying "research" for me. (*Kind  Ann sent me many picture books from the collection.) I wrote my own reviews on the books and Ann gave me the feedback. When Ann comes to conferences and meetings in Sydeny, often she brings her original work(*A2, heavy stuff!) for my study in her busy schedule. 

I'm convinced that my mentorship is successful and right on a track. Before embarking our mentorship, I read about "Getting Connected : Making Your Mentorship Work"(Australia Council of Arts) and prepared for it. Friends, a mentoree cannot be simply passive. I always study hard, work hard, prepare and respond to Ann. Then, we enjoy our fruitful mentorship!  

I feel, "Dream is unrealized reality" in my mentorship. I'm so grateful for Ann's guide and support. If you're interested in a picture book illustrator and writer's mentorship, here, ASA mentorship programs. If you try it, get a good mentor! Emerging illustrators, it's very hard to gain a picture book illustration project. Friends, don't give up.

Make your dream come true. Happy Painting!

1)Illustrator Mentorship Program 2)Wash