Mentors

My father was my mentor. Though not a designer, he was a seasoned business owner. He grew up in his father's jewelry store, and took it over in his early twenties with his brother as partner. Graphic design I learned in college, but how to run a business I learned from my father. I knew he'd always have a sensible answer to any dilemma, with a dose of humor.

Finding your own mentor may not be as easy. It takes luck, some chemistry, and mutual respect. Your mentor could be a relative, teacher or professor, boss, club member, friend, or older colleague. Start by asking a question that you are grappling with. If the person is receptive and offers a reasonable response, you can cultivate that relationship. You really don't need to flat out ask "Will you be my mentor?" The relationship will develop naturally. Be respectful of your mentor's time—don't go to her with every little problem. The goal is for you to learn how to make solid decisions on your own. If your mentor does her job, you will outgrow her.

You can have more than one mentor, even more than one at a time. As long as you have someone that you can go to when you hit a wall, you have a mentor.

Young designers should know that successful professionals have the desire to mentor the next generation. When I was young, many people went out of their way to help me, and I now feel the desire to pass on my experience. Your mentor will have this desire. All you need to offer in return is appreciation. Some day you will share your success with the generation following you.