Arts Emergency came into school to give a talk about the mentoring programme. It immediately interested me because I want to be a costume designer. I have all the passion, I’ve been sewing since I was in Year 6, but I don’t have any connections in the industry so I didn’t know what would be the best route to take after I leave school.
My mentor was Faye, who works as a visual artist and fashion stylist in Liverpool. We met once a month around Merseyside and Manchester in cafes. We’d chat about goals and then go and see exhibitions together. I really liked the combination of planned support and then more informal gallery visits. Meeting up to talk about what I want to do was my favourite part of mentoring, I don’t have anyone else in my network to do that with.
In my sessions with Faye we set goals, researched university courses and worked on my portfolio. Faye introduced me to lots of people in her network, I got connections and learned how to sell myself to get work experience. Through AE events, I found out about more creative hubs in Liverpool that I didn’t know about, and chatted to other attendees and staff.
Faye introduced me to lots of people in her network, I got connections and learned how to sell myself to get work experience
It was great to have Faye to talk to as she’s someone who has experience and knowledge of what I want to do. I showed her my portfolio and hobby projects I did for ComicCon and it was really helpful to get feedback.
Faye really helped me make my portfolio, and with her support I’ve been accepted to study Costume with Textiles at the University of Huddersfield! I’m still in touch with Faye and planning to meet up again soon.