The Mentor / Mentee Experience
With the school year coming to an end, we wanted to gain perspective from both a mentor and mentee about the current Mentorship program. Joey Ellis and Maribeth Kiser share their experiences below. Thank you to everyone who participated this year, as it was our biggest turnout to date.
Joey Ellis
Mentor
What were your feelings going into it?
I was nervous because I wanted to make sure that my mentee felt like the information that I was able to share would be helpful. I was also curious if my mentee would put in the effort required to make the relationship valuable. I’m glad to say she has. MB has been great and has shown a lot of improvement, just in a few weeks.
What common ideas did you both share? (about design, life etc…)
I think we both strive to be better than we currently are. I think we also both agreed that the desire to improve and to learn never goes away, and that desire is what helps us stay employable.
We also discussed the importance of goals and heroes and to be cognizant of where you want to go in life. It’s important to think about these things and regularly communicate them to friends and family so that they can support you and hold you accountable.
What events or activities have you done so far?
A lot of Starbucks! I think we went out for cupcakes as well. One cool thing is that I’ve been able to do is invite MB to my workspace and literally walk her through how I’ve built some of my art files. We’ve reviewed simple things like what to consider when presenting and how to make presentation templates, language for contracts, workflow ideas for running a studio, the importance of drawing and spending enough time on craft.
What lessons have you both learned?
Honesty is always the best policy. Whether you’re providing feedback/critique to a designer or sharing ideas to a client, open and honest dialogue is always the most helpful. It’s not always the easiest and it can be risky, but it’s important that the words you say keep people moving forward. Make people excited for what’s next.
What have some of the challenges been?
Timing! We’re both very busy people and we haven’t always been able to meet as regularly as we’d like… but we’ve remained in constant contact about schedules, so our meetings have been as frequent as possible.
Maribeth Kiser
Mentee
What were your feelings going into it?
I wasn’t sure what to expect and wasn’t sure how hands-on it would be. I was definitely worried about the direction of my career, so I was very glad I was accepted to the program and was very much looking forward to getting some direction, insight and feedback.
What common ideas did you both share? (about design, life etc…)
We both seem pretty laid back, funny. Joey seems to make design really fun and playful, which I also like.
What events or activities have you done so far?
We’ve met almost every week - depending on our schedules. We’ve talked a lot about design philosophies, best practices, ways I can improve and we also did a mock project, which was awesome. After being in print design for several years, I’ve fallen out of identity - logo design. We took one of my projects and re-did it. I am very happy for the outcome and feel like I have this new outlook on the process and my capabilities.
What lessons have you both learned?
I learned the value of self initiated projects and getting my name out. I’ve learned to make it fun and enjoyable.
What have some of the challenges been?
I really didn’t have any challenges, I really appreciated Joey lending his time and his insight to my design and career. I really think I lucked out, he seemed very interested in how my design/outlook is and has really invested time in helping me.
Thanks, Joey and Maribeth, for taking the time to answer our questions.
2012 AIGA Charlotte Board Nominations
So, you attend AIGA Charlotte events pretty regularly. You’ve volunteered a couple times to help out. You may even be involved as a mentor in our Mentor program. If you are still looking to make more of a difference in the Charlotte design community and be more involved in our chapter, AIGA Charlotte wants you!
AIGA Charlotte invites you to get further involved with our Chapter as we begin the election process for open positions on our 2012-2013/14 Board of Directors. We are seeking dedicated design professionals with a passion for advancing our craft and strengthening our creative community.
To nominate yourself or someone else, please send an email to the Nominating Committee with the name of the individual, their email address, their phone number, and a brief statement sharing why you’d like to join AIGA Charlotte’s Board of Directors or a brief recommendation of why the person you are nominating is a good candidate. You do not need to nominate an individual for a specific position. AIGA Charlotte’s Nominating Committee will be tasked with matching nominees to appropriate positions.
Nominees will then be contacted by a Board representative and asked to participate in an informational interview session in May. At this session, current Board members will discuss the available positions and the responsibilities attached to those roles. Nominees will participate in informal discussions with current Board members to help determine the best fit for each nominee.
To be eligible, individuals must be active an active member of the Charlotte Chapter of AIGA and must be good stewards of AIGA’s Standards of Professional Practice.
If you have any questions about the responsibilities of being a Board member, please contact AIGA Charlotte’s Vice President of Communications, Rhonda Sergeant.
The nominations close May 12th.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Membership Spotlight :: Laura Knight
Laura Knight is a junior graphic design student at UNC Charlotte. Currently, she spends her time scheming escapades in the creative world as president of the AIGA UNC Charlotte student group and as a freelance designer. Her passion is driven by beautifully honest solutions that edify others and are rooted in relevance.
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How and why did you get involved with AIGA? Approximately how long have you been involved with the organization?
When I first transferred to UNC Charlotte from CPCC I was looking for a strong design community to get involved with. After attending UNC Charlotte for a semester I met Adam Iscrupe, the founder of the AIGA UNC Charlotte student group, who introduced me to AIGA. I knew that as a designer I had a lot to learn (and still do) but I knew that I needed the influence and wisdom of others. After one semester I became the 2011 president and have been doing it since, and was involved in the AIGA Charlotte mentorship program. Since then my abilities have abounded and my passion has become even more ablaze.
What’s your favorite font?
So, despite the fact that it has escaped the jail bird Martha Stewart and fallen into the hands of a big wig bank, I would have to say that one of my favorite font families is Archer. It is a friendly, yet sophisticated, typeface with a balance of curves and geometry making it extremely versatile. The ball terminals are what first captured my eye; not too flamboyant yet just enough to give it an attractive personality.
What’s your proudest accomplishment?
This past year was incredible. One of my proudest accomplishments includes fostering growth and expectations for the AIGA Charlotte student group, as well being Associate Editor In Chief of the Sanskrit Literary-Arts Magazine book. During my AIGA UNCC student group presidency we created a phenomenal design gallery exhibition at the Design Center, served the non-profit organization Arts For Life with my group, led several studio tours, organized guest speakers and helped increase student membership. In the midst of all this I was also honored with Best of Show, and a gold and silver at the ADDY awards in the student category.
What are you currently working on?
I wouldn’t necessarily call it work, but I am learning to relax and enjoy the people I love and creativity for what it is. After an extremely busy year, I am currently teaching myself how to balance and find refreshment in the simple things.
What sound or noise do you love?
The pure sounds of the acoustic guitar always soothe my soul. There is something about the raw chords unadulterated by other instruments. This adoration formulated during my childhood years as I sat and listened to my father prepare worship for Sunday mornings. The sounds of an acoustic guitar are malleable and have the ability to perform a wide range of music; and when united with other elements creates an unforgettable experience. It is the instrument used to set a mood, a tone, and drives the piece, much like a well rounded concept within design.
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About AIGA Charlotte’s Member Spotlight
Each month AIGA Charlotte interviews a selected AIGA Charlotte Member. It is a great opportunity for the Charlotte design community to see who AIGA Charlotte is along with all the amazing things our members are doing. If you or someone you know would like to be interviewed and appear on AIGA Charlotte’s Member Spotlight, please contact Kevin Brindley, Membership Director.
