How to choose the best art mentor
So you're in pursuit of the perfect art mentor to enhance your creative journey. But how do you know which artist is the right mentor for you?
In this article, we'll delve into essential considerations to aid you in choosing an art mentor tailored to your specific needs.
Look at their artistic style:
Begin by scrutinising the mentor's portfolio. Assess whether they specialise in a singular style or exhibit versatility across multiple aesthetics. If your objective is to master a particular style, opt for a mentor proficient in that domain. But if you’re keen to develop your own unique style, select a mentor that’s comfortable with various styles and mediums. They’ll bring a wealth of knowledge and be able to assist you in whichever direction you decide to take.
How do you like to learn?
Clarify your goals for the mentorship. Are you seeking a relaxed, self-directed experience or a structured, skill-focused approach? Some art classes prioritise individual expression, while others emphasize skill development for career advancement. Some classes have set lesson plans and all students complete the same artwork in a step-by-step fashion. Other classes will be more of a ‘work on your own thing and we’ll help you to do that’. Align your objectives with the mentorship style that best suits your aspirations.
Location Convenience - Art Near Me Classes:
Consider the significance of location in your mentorship choice. If you value the physical presence in a class setting, search for "art near me classes" to find mentors within your locale. For example, we teach drawing, watercolour painting and oil painting classes in Kingscliff NSW (on the Tweed Coast) and in Currumbin on the Gold Coast QLD. Alternatively, for those who prefer the convenience of remote learning, explore mentors who offer online sessions. Embrace the global accessibility that online platforms provide, allowing you to draw online with mentors worldwide.
Budgetary Considerations:
Address the financial aspect of mentorship as you would any investment. Is it a beginner class or advanced class? Will you get the most value-packed education for the price? Does the class help you with a speicific struggle you are having in your artwork at present? Sometimes a higher priced class is worth the cost because it helps you push through a barrier (such as lack of knowledge) you are currently blocked by. Compare class length with price as well, as often art classes sit around the same price but some artists offer longer classes while others offer shorter sessions. Some artists will jam pack their classes full of information, they’re very generous with their sharing of knowledge. Others will take their time and students may have to ask for specific information topics - choose a mentor teaching style that suits you.
Here at Artory I like to be very generous with my knowledge and give students absolutely everything I know at the time. I figure some information will go over some students head, depending on what level they are at. But everyone will get a point out of it that’s exactly what they needed to hear at the time.
Try the artist’s free classes:
Many mentors offer free classes to give you a taste of their approach and methodology. This is a fantastic opportunity to assess whether their teaching resonates with your learning style. For starters, you could try Artory’s very own free drawing and painting classes. We have a range of free online artwork classes so you can try out our teaching and artwork styles. To find our free classes, simply head to our FREEBIES tab to find our free watercolour masterclass (great for adults and kids), our free kids art classes (drawing and painting artwork classes for kids) or subscribe to our youtube.
In your quest for artistic growth, the selection of the right art mentor is paramount. These considerations are designed to guide you toward a mentorship that aligns seamlessly with your aspirations. Whether you are driven by personal expression or harbor ambitions of professional advancement, the ideal mentor awaits.
As you embark on this creative journey, we invite you to explore a wealth of online art classes curated for adults at Artory. Our platform is dedicated to fostering artistic development in a virtual space, offering a diverse range of courses led by experienced mentors. Elevate your skills, unleash your creativity, and join a community passionate about the world of art. Happy creating!
Anne