The 2023 AOI Mentorship scheme is fully underway, and we are proud to introduce and champion this year’s mentees in a new series of interviews. A free program first introduced in 2020, this initiative champions a select group of 22 underrepresented illustrators, empowering them with dedicated support and guidance in the course of six months.
Issey Medd is an Illustrator based in Glasgow, Scotland, paired with mentor and Illustrator Jenni Sparks.. Continue reading to learn how their mentorship is going so far, their key takeaways from the experience, and much more.
What does being part of the AOI Mentorship mean to you?
It means a lot to me to be part of this mentorship scheme. To have been selected is a huge boost to my confidence as well as my illustration career. To have the opportunity to meet 1-1 with someone like Jenni, who has specific experience navigating the illustration industry, is amazing and I have already gained so much from our meetings!
It’s also great to have the space to connect with other mentees and everyone at the AOI.
How has the mentorship helped you tackle your goals? In what way(s) has your mentor supported you?
My main goals for the mentorship have been focused on growing my confidence with clients and my professional practice. Jenni and I have had some really illuminating chats about this – It has been useful hearing her experiences and learning from someone so knowledgeable about industry.
Jenni has been so helpful answering all my questions and working with me to create a bank of resources including contracts and licencing agreements, invoices and checklists for client interactions. I can already see the impact of our meetings working as I engage with clients over the course of the mentorship.
“Freelance illustration can often feel like a lonely place, and having the structure and support of this mentorship and Jenni’s openness and wisdom has already made such a positive impact on my mindset, practice and approach to my illustration career.”
– Issey Medd
What has been a key moment or takeaway from the mentorship so far?
I have found it particularly helpful talking about time management and the day-to-day realities of life as a freelance illustrator. I find that managing my own time and workload can become overwhelming, and talking through this with Jenni has been so reassuring and productive.
Freelance illustration can often feel like a lonely place, and having the structure and support of this mentorship and Jenni’s openness and wisdom has already made such a positive impact on my mindset, practice and approach to my illustration career.
“Working with Issey on the AOI’s illustration mentorship has been a delight. Their commitment to their illustration career and enthusiasm has been really inspiring for me. I always enjoy helping other illustrators to navigate the business side of the industry, but I also find that I get a lot out of the experience as well as illustration is primarily a solo venture, so having regular conversations about it is very helpful.
Issey has a great drawing style and is a positive person who is already getting regular commissions and working very hard, so I have not found my job difficult. It’s been fantastic to share with them my industry experience and hopefully it will help them gain confidence going forward.”
– Jenni Sparks, AOI mentor.
Thank you Issey for taking the time to give us this interview. See more of their work on their website and instagram.
Keep checking our Mentorship section to meet more mentees!
Learn more about the AOI Mentorship and our 2023 Mentors.
The AOI Mentorship scheme is one of many initiatives offered by us. Find out more about membership today.