Calling all makers, creators, thinkers, writers, designers, leaders: join us. Learn new skills while teaching old ones. Connect with like-minded professionals—and help connect like-minded professionals. Reach your true potential by helping others reach theirs.
What it is
The AIGA Chicago Mentorship Program is a celebrated gathering of creative people from across disciplines and industries to share insights, experiences and resources while making new connections, exchanging inspiration and even collaborating on a project or two.
It’s an amazing way to get more involved in Chicago’s rich creative community and to gain greater access to the wealth of professional opportunities it has to offer.
How it works
The Spring session will kickoff on March 14 and last until mid May, with a total of 10 meetings every Wednesday evening. You’ll meet with your mentor group every other week (Five times total), with studio tours, workshops and a portfolio review during the off weeks. We will also organize a wrap-up party to celebrate our work!
Participants work in groups comprising a spectrum of creative fields and career levels, organized by shared interest. At our kickoff session, you will hear from the mentors and choose your top three group choices, then assigned by order of registration for the event until each group hits capacity.
+ Working on Professional Development: Improve your presentation skills, negotiating salary and discuss the latest creative trends.
+ Improving Your Portfolio and Resume: Develop solid case studies and have a resume / cover letter that makes you stand out and get that job!
+ CMY-Kickstart Your Design Career: Finishing school? Looking for a career change? Learn the ins and outs of getting your design career off the ground at light speed.
+ Experience Design (UX & UI): Interested in learning about User Experience (UX) & User Interface (UI) Design? Are you working professional within the UI/UX space looking to advance your skills? We will have 2 focused themes: One geared for those who have beginner to no experience and are looking to understand the real world of UI/UX - the other for seasoned working professionals looking to advance their skills and expand their design thinking.
+ Being a Better Freelancer: Build the entrepreneur in you by being your own boss full time, or as a side hustle.
+ Learning Leadership Skills: Helps mid to senior level creatives take the next step in their career, and better manage their current teams.
+ Collaborating on a Group Project: Work together to write a creative brief, design, and produce a project that you envision together.
+ NEW! Self-Care for Creatives: Has work or your personal life created blocks in your creative process? Join this group to learn therapeutic methods that can help you from burning out in the field.
How to join
Interested in joining us as a mentee? AIGA Chicago’s Mentor Program is open to AIGA members and non-members.
Interested in being a mentor? Contact us for more details to participate in the fall, as all of our mentor spots have been filled.
Agenda
6:00 to 8:00 PM – Mentor Program Kick-off
Mentor Program Pricing
Members $10
Nonmembers $20
Code of Conduct
By registering to attend this event, you agree to abide by AIGA Chicago Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct may be found here.
Hashtags & Handles
#AIGAChiMentor
#AIGAChicago
@AIGAChicago
Please consider joining AIGA to support our programs and initiatives.
Special thanks to Special thanks to our AIGA Chicago Mentor Program Committee, Jen Lemerand, Leslie Presto, Megan Jackson, and Eric Irving for helping organize this session, to Rule29 for the artwork, to Gensler for hosting us and to Designation for sponsoring this program.
