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.
Sinenhlanhla Chauke is an Illustrator from Nelspruit, South Africa, who’s paired with mentor and Illustrator Peter Phobia. Continue reading to learn how his mentorship is going so far, his key takeaways from the experience, and much more.
What does being part of the AOI Mentorship mean to you?
Being a part of the AOI mentorship program means that I am able to receive industry professional help and guidance; I am able to reach out to fellow community members to talk and chat about design and life in general. It is an amazing feeling to be included in the 2023 group and be part of the creative community across the world.
“Sinenhlanhla is a great mentee. He’s been able to turn our conversations into new ideas and his illustrated universe is constantly expanding. So inspiring!”
– Peter Phobia, AOI Mentor.
How has the mentorship helped you tackle your goals? In what way(s) has your mentor supported you?
I have been able to gain confidence in my emails and in cold calling clients. I have also been able to reach out more, post more and just express my creativity more.
I also recognised that, as creatives, we need breaks from creativity. Rest is super important.
“It is an amazing feeling to be included in the 2023 group and be part of the creative community across the world.”
– Sinenhlanhla Chauke
What has been a key moment or takeaway from the mentorship so far?
I have been able to practise some different ways of illustrating from receiving briefs. They’ve been great to improve my skills.
Thank you Sinenhlanhla for taking the time to give us this interview. See more of their work on his Behance, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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.