Your creative career starts here.
Who’s a person in your life who helped you see differently? Or critically look at things in a new way? Who went the extra mile to guide you step by step and with professional poise? Who’s shown you how to get to where you want to be? Who’s helped you become, well… you?
Whether you’re looking for guidance or want to guide someone to the next version of their professional self, we encourage you to apply to become a mentor or mentee in our V.0 (short for “Version Zero”) Mentorship Program.
✨ We invite you to apply!
Mentee sign-ups are now closed.
Mentor sign-ups have been extended through April 6, 2023.
*Apply to be a mentor → Here.
*Apply to be a mentee → Here.
*Please only apply to be either a mentor or a mentee. If you apply for both we will automatically place you in the mentee group.
ABOUT THE V.0 MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
V.0 welcomes creative professionals from across creative disciplines; graphic design, illustration, UI/UX, strategy/research, copywriting, animation, and multidisciplinary practitioners. We are committed to providing mentorship to design students, emerging designers, and seasoned professionals.
We are excited to have the support of AIGA Maine this year! If you are applying from Maine, you’ll be prioritized for a partner in your area.
PROGRAM DURATION AND MATCHES
APRIL TO JUNE | The program involves a three (3) month, one-on-one virtual mentoring engagement; pairing Creatives to share insights and experiences with guided curriculum if you choose to use it. The program begins in early April and ends in late June. It’s a great way to genuinely make new connections, exchange ideas, build your skills, and share inspirations. We ask that you commit to being fully engaged in the mentoring relationship for the duration of the program.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Mentors: Active professionals–employed or retired–in the field of graphic design, communications, advertising, illustration, visual arts, product design, user interface or user experience with 5+ years of relevant experience.
Mentees: Designers at any stage of their career and students in their 3rd or 4th year of an undergraduate program study, or any year of graduate school may apply.
CAN I LIVE OUTSIDE OF BOSTON?
Absolutely yes. This program is virtual until further notice, but if you do live close enough to your match, you are welcome to meet in person for coffee, a trip to the ICA, or a game! Most of our mentors historically have been located in the New England area, but if you live outside this area, you’re welcome to participate.
HOW TO APPLY?
To apply to V.0, mentors and mentees must fill out an application and choose their interests within the program. Your application is used to find the best match. Matching will depend on the number of participants and their interests. Once you have been matched, you will be notified and meet your V.0 program partner during the virtual kick-off event.
✨ We invite you to apply!
Mentee sign-ups are now closed.
Mentor sign-ups have been extended through April 6, 2023.
*Apply to be a mentor → Here.
*Apply to be a mentee → Here.
*Please only apply to be either a mentor or a mentee. If you apply for both we will automatically place you in the mentee group.
WHAT’S MY COMMITMENT?
Each mentoring relationship is unique: you set your individual goals with your partner, drawing on the experience of the mentor and the aspirations and interests of the mentee. Generally, our mentoring partners strive to meet virtually once or twice a month and keep in regular contact by email.
AIGA Boston provides ongoing support to you during the program and hosts mentorship-only events where you can meet up with other mentors and mentees in the program. We also invite you to attend virtual AIGA Boston events, workshops, and virtual coffee breaks during the program.
THE COST TO PARTICIPATE?
Your time! The program is free for AIGA members and non-members alike. We encourage all participants to support the program by joining AIGA. Your membership costs go directly to putting on programs like this for our entire design community.
Questions about the V.0 program?
Please contact EMERGE co-directors, Bernie Smigel (bernie@boston.aiga.org) and Hannah Schindler (hannah@boston.aiga.org) to learn more.
Graphic by Amy Parker, VP Programming AIGA Boston.
A note about V.0:
This program is first come first serve with a maximum capacity of 50 pairs (100 people total). We will notify you if we do not have capacity for this year, so please apply now if you want to be part of this program.
