Whether you're a freelance designer, illustrator, or an aspiring art director, navigating your career alone can be daunting. A mentor provides guidance, support, and insights that can help accelerate both your professional and personal growth. 

In this article, we explore why every creative needs a mentor, featuring insights from three artists who have experienced mentorship from both sides.

OP 2 | shapeshift by Stefan Fdtn

Mentorship Provides Clarity and Direction

Reaching a crossroads in your career can be daunting. A mentor often holds the key to unlocking the clarity and direction you need to move forward. "A good mentor equips you with the tools to help you focus, clarify your goals, and take the next steps in your growth. A great mentor can often identify your needs before you're even fully aware of them yourself,” says illustrator and mentor Teti Kartasheva. 

Connecting with more experienced individuals in your field allows you to learn from their successes and mistakes. Illustrator and creative director David Sossella shares, "The importance of a mentor lies in their ability to pass on their experience." David naturally assumed the role of mentor as friends and colleagues sought his advice, realizing he could help others grow by sharing his insights. “This made me realize that I could help others with my experience and share what I had learned and discovered.”

Illustrations for an Art Studio by Teti Kartasheva

Mentorship Offers Tailored Feedback

While books, tutorials, and online resources are beneficial, nothing compares to personalized, one-on-one feedback. "Where a mentor can make a real difference is by personally guiding you, looking at your work, and tailoring their advice specifically to it," explains David. 

Mentors invest time to understand your vision and goals, providing feedback that can help refine your portfolio and make it more appealing to potential clients or employers. They can spot gaps in your work and suggest areas for improvement, helping you explore new creative possibilities and push the boundaries of your craft.

NFT isometric illustrations by David Sossella

Mentorship Can Come from Anywhere

Mentorship doesn't always have to follow a formal mentor-mentee structure. Throughout your career, you can find mentors in various forms and settings. “At the beginning, it can be a friend or colleague who shares the same hobby as you, someone who you can turn to for feedback or just questions in general,” explains visual designer Stefan Balasoiu. Informal connections can provide valuable insights and support, helping you to grow and develop your skills in a more relaxed environment. 

Plus with social media and platforms like Behance, geographic barriers no longer exist. You can reach out to mentors from the opposite side of the world and build relationships virtually. 

Sound Sculpture by Stefan Fdtn

Mentorships Can be Short and Long Term 

While long-term mentorships can be incredibly rewarding, don’t be discouraged if a mentorship doesn’t develop into a lasting relationship. “Don’t underestimate the value of a brief interaction — it can be extremely impactful,” Teti notes. 

As a mentee, Teti proactively reached out to professionals in her field when she needed guidance. “Some of these relationships have developed into lasting connections, while others were short and straightforward. A few mentorships may not have been as effective as I imagined, but they still provided me with some insights for my next steps,” she recalls. “I’m confident that I wouldn’t be where I am today without all those encounters, and I’m very grateful for each one of them.”

Enchanted Garden Illustrations by Teti Kartasheva

Mentorship Provides Emotional Support

Being a creative is not just about honing your technical skills—it’s also about overcoming emotional challenges like self-doubt and creative block. Mentors provide crucial support during these difficult times.

"A mentor can encourage you and help you overcome the inevitable crises that one encounters on a genuine artistic journey," emphasizes David. A mentor who understands the emotional rollercoaster of the creative process can be immensely reassuring. Whether it’s helping you push through a creative block or offering a fresh perspective, mentors are there to remind you of your potential when self-doubt creeps in.

The Tiger and The Dragon by David Sossella and Fresh Pencil

Mentorship is a Two Way Street 

Mentorship benefits both the mentor and the mentee. For Stefan, mentoring provides inspiration and creative growth: “I am constantly inspired by the work of the designers that I collaborate with, by the mindset of my clients and by the passion of the students that I help guide. Sometimes, students become collaborators, and your network keeps expanding.”

“What I find particularly rewarding is how mentorship has expanded beyond my immediate circle, especially with the ease of connecting online,” adds Teti. “Getting to know new people—often incredibly gifted and beautifully vulnerable in their talent—while helping them find confidence and guiding them through challenges in their creative journey makes me truly happy.” 

Silkscreen Zurich City Poster by Teti Kartasheva

Find a Creative Mentor on Behance

If you’re feeling stuck or are ready to take your career to the next level, Behance is the best place to find a creative mentor. “The greatest source of artistic inspiration beyond doubt has been the Behance community, from which I have had so much to learn over the years. Being in a community of people with the same passion is critical to improving your art,” says Stefan. 

Search by creative field or location to see artists whose portfolios resonate with you, or browse freelancers offering mentorship services. As Stefan advises, “Be open and form connections, and ask for feedback from people who you respect.”