"Early in my career, I was fortunate to cross paths with a mentor who changed how I saw design-and myself. He ran a small studio whose influence reached far beyond its size. He led with a quiet confidence and quick wit, showing how intelligence and humility could coexist in the creative process. I was passionate about the craft, but there was still so much more to learn about the tools."
"He taught me how to infuse storytelling into design. How to navigate constraints. How to bring meaning to every project, not just the ones that sparked instant excitement. He reminded me that creativity thrives on play and curiosity, and that if you lose joy in the process, the work suffers. Those experiences taught me that mentorship is about passing down not just skills, but a way of seeing and approaching the work."
A formative mentor demonstrated intelligence and humility, teaching storytelling in design, how to navigate constraints, and how to bring meaning to every project. The mentor emphasized play, curiosity, and maintaining joy in the creative process. Mentorship transfers not only skills but a way of seeing and approaching work. The traditional guru model of one-to-one, hands-on mentorship has become less dominant. Creative networks and platforms enable focused, democratic feedback through short sessions, group workshops, and targeted training that build confidence and broaden access for underrepresented creatives. Remote and community-based approaches make growth less dependent on physical proximity while raising questions about what deep learning may lose.
Read at Fast Company
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